Food is a great unifying force on Earth.

Not only do humans need food to survive, it also gives structure to our days, offers dining and recreational opportunities, provides employment, and speaks to important societal issues such as food security, hunger, and nutrition.

Women and food make a dynamic duo. These 15 hardworking, innovative, and accomplished women have made great strides in the field of food, whether it’s coming up with meals for astronauts to eat in space, operating a 20-acre farm, hosting a food podcast, or fighting for food rights.

Women have always been instrumental in providing nourishment for their families and communities, and they are often at the forefront of this ever-changing global industry.

These 15 women are stellar in their food industry roles as farmers, chefs, food activists, food storytellers, and food scientists.

“Food Stars highlights the important roles of women chefs. It has been an absolute honor working with women in the kitchen and in the education sector. They are often the best teammates you could ask for—from preparation to dedication to the craft to making everyone accountable. Women in the kitchen raise the entire team’s performance.” —Bob Scherner, executive chef, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts “Food Stars is a joy to read. The stories of these women who excelled in very differing parts of the food world are inspiring, heartwarming, and passionate. From farming to cooking to activism to science and media, these women show us how they overcame obstacles to become leaders in their fields and hopefully motivate the next generation of food professionals.” —Chef Ann Cooper, founder and president of the board, Chef Ann Foundation “Food is so much more than just cooking. Ellen Mahoney’s new eye-opening book reveals the array of award-winning roles young women are playing in feeding the world, growing safe crops, fighting for sustainability and using science to make things tastier. The broader food world desperately needs more women like those profiled and this book gives readers stories to inspire them and practical links to help them learn about possible careers.” —John Lehndorff, food journalist, dining critic, and radio host