Chef-Owner, Restaurateur, and Entrepreneur, Teranga l Yolélé; New York, NY, and El Cerrito, CA

Pierre Thiam is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author, entrepreneur, and environmental activist. Born and raised in Senegal, he is known for his innovative cooking style; at once modern and eclectic yet rooted in the rich culinary traditions of West Africa. He is the founder of Yolélé, which distributes African food products around the world, including fonio, a climate-friendly and nutritious ancient grain from the Sahel region of West Africa. He is the chef and owner of critically acclaimed Harlem, New York restaurant Teranga, which serves fast-casual West African fare directly sourced from farmers in the region. Pierre is the author of four cookbooks including, The Fonio Cookbook (2019), and his most recent Simply West African (2023). He has won numerous awards and accolades for his cooking and advocacy. He is on the board of directors for two global nonprofits, IDEO.org and SOS Sahel. @chefpierrethiam (Instagram)

Photo Credit: Sara_Costa