Mavis-Jay is a James Beard Award-winning chef, activist, and newly appointed Culinary Director of Community Kitchen. Over the span of her career, Sanders has cooked exclusively in Michelin-starred kitchens, honing her craft at the highest level while advancing equity in food systems. Her groundbreaking work at the intersection of food and social justice has earned her some of the industry’s highest honors, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Leadership, the Dine Diaspora Game Changer Award, 2023 Breakout Talent to Watch and recognition as one of Star Chefs’ New York Rising Stars. She has been featured in exhibits by The Museum of Food & Drink (MOFAD) and The Africa Center, is a James Beard Chef’s Boot Camp alum, and mentors emerging talent through the James Beard Foundation’s Fellowship Program.

A passionate advocate for equity in food systems, Mavis-Jay has dedicated her career to fighting for food justice in Black and low-income communities. She serves on the Culinary Council for God’s Love We Deliver, is a founding member of The Coalition for Aquaculture, and sits on the Investment Committee for Black Farmer Fund. Her leadership consistently reflects her belief that food can be a powerful tool for community transformation, representation, and joy.

Culinarily, Mavis-Jay celebrates Black American heritage and the reclamation of Black food sovereignty. Since 2018, she has partnered with nonprofit organizations to design and deliver free, paid, world-class culinary and hospitality training for formerly incarcerated youth, helping launch them into meaningful careers. Yet beyond accolades and accomplishments, she defines her purpose with a simple aspiration: when asked what she wants to be when she grows up, her answer remains—“a blessing.”