Two award-winning Kentucky chefs and restaurant owners will be presented with the 2024 Berea College Service Awards. Ouita Michel, chef and owner of nine Kentucky restaurants, focuses on incorporating local ingredients in fine cuisine and advocates for improving food systems through the assets of local economies and regional culture. Kristin Smith, owner and chef at The Wrigley in Corbin, Kentucky, encourages sustainable farming practices and has created a safe place for diverse customers to gather. Ms. Michel and Ms. Smith will explore connections between food-based businesses and local economies, food as an expression of culture, strategies for empowering individuals and communities through access to quality food and choosing to come home to Kentucky. Their dialogue will be facilitated by Kentucky Poet Laureate and Berea College faculty member Silas House. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS) Service Convocation.