Stephanie Tornatore

Stephanie Tornatore has been an executive chef for 15 years. She attended culinary school at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale after working in restaurants throughout her life and deciding on this career path later in life. She has owned a food truck and her own restaurant, which she considers highlights of her career. In her roles, she emphasizes personal mentoring of kitchen staff, often hiring those with little experience to train them and create a healthier, more enjoyable kitchen environment than the male-dominated, high-pressure settings she experienced early on. She navigates challenges such as earning trust from clients with special dietary needs, including hitting macros, paleo, Mediterranean, or vegan diets, which also offer learning opportunities. Tornatore follows the career advice to keep it simple and encourages young women entering the field to keep their voice heard, gain knowledge, and stand behind it. Outside of work, she participates in philanthropic efforts including the March of Dimes, halfway houses, Meals on Wheels, Hope for Kids, and women's shelters.