The Team
The Black Chef Series' culinary council consists of chefs, strategists, and entrepreneurs. The council’s mission is to identify black chefs for the series, as well as, cultivate and inspire young culinarians. The council is proud of our African American heritage, so we celebrate the roots of our cuisine and how it has influenced food and culture worldwide.
President | Founder
Chef Lance Knowling is a restaurateur turned private chef. Chef Lance has worked for industry leading Hotels, Clubs, and Restaurants for over thirty years, as well as developing a celebrity clientele. Chef Lance has also appeared on Food Network Extreme Chef, and Vice TV Fluffy's Food Adventure.
Counsel Advisor
Chef Malcolm Mitchell
Chef Malcolm is the Corporate Director Restaurants & Bars for Donohoe Hospitality. Chef Malcolm was a competitor on Food Networks Next Food Network Star & Beat Bobby Flay.
Series Advisor | Consult, Author, TV Personality
Carla Hall first won over audiences when she competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars” and shared her philosophy to always cook with love. She believes food connects us all, and she strives to communicate this through her work, her cooking, and in her daily interactions with others.
Strategist
As founder of NIARA Consulting, a full service marketing and business development company, Jodi utilizes her more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors to consult for individuals, nonprofits, small businesses and corporations.
Advisor
A native Californian, I dual-reside between Washington DC and Broward, Florida. I currently hold board positions with the New Charter Life Prep School from former MD Board of Education member, Pastor Michael Phillips; TCP Youth Empowerment to squarely influence the workforce development pipeline and Social and Emotional Learning. And lastly, The Black Chef Series, as my anchor for all purposeful equity lanes for culinary and entertainment.
Series Videographer
Paul's 20-year background in broadcast production (WPIX-TV, NBA TV, CNN), video development and professional photography is the foundation of his strong creative abilities. He’s worked under the late, legendary photographer Irving Penn and has developed his own distinctive visual style. Paul has produced his own New York City cable television program, two best-selling photography calendars, is executive producer of two Brazilian jazz albums and has appeared in a myriad of newspaper and magazine articles.
