Chef | Activist | Speaker | Author of Take Back The Tray |
Culinary Instructor | Part-Time Grad Student & @parabereforum Correspondent
In the bustling world of food activism, Joshna Maharaj stands out as a culinary superhero on a mission. This Toronto-based chef, author, and two-time TEDx speaker is not just passionate about cooking—she’s on a crusade to revolutionize how we think about food. Joshna’s journey began with a simple but powerful belief: that food isn’t just about filling our stomachs; it’s about nourishing our souls and transforming communities. As a culinary instructor and part-time grad student, she’s dedicated to making food a force for good. Her book, Take Back the Tray, is a passionate manifesto for overhauling institutional food systems, blending her kitchen wisdom with bold activism. But Joshna’s influence doesn’t stop at the page. She’s actively reshaping food services in schools and institutions, championing a vision where food plays a central role in academic success and social justice. Her innovative approach was on full display during her tenure as a food service director at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she challenged her team to see their role as more than just serving meals. Instead, she encouraged them to see their work as a critical part of supporting academic excellence.
She’s also a vocal advocate for food education, especially for students. Joshna is determined to open eyes to the importance of food in our lives, pushing back against the notion that food is merely a luxury.
Through community kitchens and heartfelt conversations, she’s igniting a fire in students to demand better, making them aware of their power to influence food policy and quality.
Joshna's vision extends into the culinary world’s future. As she prepares to dive into a Master’s in Gastronomy at the Technological University in Dublin, she’s set to tackle the French culinary supremacy that dominates the industry.
Her goal is to create a more inclusive and socially just culinary curriculum, one that values diverse food traditions and sustainable practices.
With every dish she prepares, every speech she gives, and every student she inspires, Joshna Maharaj is cooking up a storm of change—one that promises to make our food systems more equitable, engaging, and delicious.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshnamaharaj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshnamaharaj/
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