GALA
+ CHEF SHOWCASE
FEBRUARY 22, 2026
3-7PM W/SPECIAL VIP EXPERIENCE
PRAIRIE SPRINGS ON PARK, An Urban Ecology Center
Elegant Attire • Festive with a Carnival, Latin or African Flair
SOLD OUT
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED!
an event to ignite
Empowerment
A Flavor Fiesta in Wisconsin:
From the Heart of Africa to the Soul of Latin America THE caribbean
The 2026 Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin: Gala + Chef Showcase offers an immersive high-end elegant afternoon highlighting the diverse elements of African, Latin and Caribbean culture, cuisine and stories – all while supporting local empowering organizations
**Details subject to change
FOOD
NOURISHES THE BODY
20
FLAVOR
CREATORS
Traditional & vegan tasting plates crafted by master chefs, artisans, and winemakers – refined, intentional, and culture-rich – bold flavors, elevated bites, unforgettable sips
CULTURE
ROOTS THE SOUL
3
DIVERSE
CULTURES
Live Music & Performances:
-
Panadanza Dance Group
-
Kinyarwanda
-
Nigerian Masquerade by Odenigbo Group
-
Cameroon Masquerade
-
Parade of Nations Fashion Show by House of Oge
STORIES
AWAKEN THE SPIRIT
4
POWERFUL
STORIES
Speakers:
-
Yomarie Castellano, Hair Loss Bonita
-
Walker's Point Center for the Arts
-
The Cathedral Center
-
FoodRight
MCs:
Yollande Tchouapi & Shannon Sims
SCAMMER ALERT: We have been made aware of unauthorized individuals claiming to represent Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin. All official communication regarding participation or involvement in this event will only come directly from Yollande Tchouapi, Stephanie Piechowski-Seeby, or Nell Benton. If you receive outreach that does not align with this, please proceed with caution and verify by sending us a message here before responding.
2024 participating restaurants & chefs
2026 GALA + CHEF SHOWCASE PHOTOS
chef showcase
For the second year in the State of Wisconsin, respected and critically acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders and food artisans will showcase their culinary creations at Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin
2026 FLAVOR CREATORS INCLUDE:
Chef Justin Aprahamian,
Sanford
Chef Greg Leon,
Amilinda
Ryan Castelaz,
Discourse Coffee
Chef Carolin Rosario-Virella,
El Batey Tapas Bar & Las Virellas
Chef Emmanuel Corona,
La Dama Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Fatima & Hanish Kumar,
Saffron & Aya
Marta Bianchini,
Cubanitas
Chef Dana Spandet,
Flour Girl & Flame
Chef Imani,
Mentionable Eats
Chef Ashley Turner,
Belle Starr & Milwaukee County Zoo
Chef Yusuf Bin Rella
Chef Grant Tipton,
ACF Chef of the Year 2025,
Polish Center of Wisconsin
Molly Sullivan,
Miss Molly's Pastry & Café
Chef Mary Katzman,
Purslane
Chef Nicolas Ramos,
Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen
Milwaukee African Women's Association
Mobay Cafe,
Caribbean Cuisine
Chef Deon Aking Jefferson,
Modern American & Soul Food
Chef Pedro Tejada,
Cocina Del Sur (Ecuador)
Reine Assana,
Moss Doli
Chef Vanessa Rose,
Mothers
Frey Faris,
Omo Ethiopian Bistro
THIS YEAR'S PROCEEDS BENEFIT
Your attendance at Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin and participation in our Silent Auction helps fund programs that make real impact possible in our larger community:
The Cathedral Center offers vital support to women and families facing homelessness, providing a safe environment for rest, healing, and resources.
The Cathedral Center is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit supporting women and families experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, trauma-informed care, and pathways to long-term stability. Its programs include emergency shelter, personalized case management, extended flexible housing through Friendship House, prevention-focused community case management, employment services, and child and youth support—working together to help individuals build sustainable, independent futures.
FoodRight is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to choose foods that support lifelong health.
Through hands-on culinary nutrition education and strong community partnerships, FoodRight helps young people build skills, confidence, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. By centering food as a tool for wellness, agency, and prevention, FoodRight lays the foundation for healthier individuals and stronger communities.
“At FoodRight, we believe food is a powerful tool for lifelong health, confidence, and connection. Through hands-on culinary nutrition education, we empower Milwaukee youth with skills they can carry with them for life—strengthening not only individual well-being, but families and communities as a whole.”
— Lisa Kingery, MS, RD, Founder & CEO, FoodRight
For more than 38 years, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts has been a cultural staple of the Walker’s Point neighborhood and a powerful advocate for underrepresented artists in Milwaukee and beyond.
As one of the city’s oldest and most beloved community art spaces, WPCA is renowned for providing high-caliber, accessible arts experiences for all — from bold exhibitions to youth arts programs. Like the neighborhood around it, WPCA is now entering a new phase of growth, one in which we believe the arts play an essential role in shaping responsible redevelopment and a shared, equitable vision for the future.
sponsorship opportunities
We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of the highly anticipated Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin event in 2026, a vibrant celebration of African and Diaspora culture right here in Wisconsin – this year featuring culture and cuisine from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
This unique event promises to bring together a diverse community of food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs from around the globe, showcasing the rich traditions and innovations that define African and Diaspora cuisine.
Why Sponsor Flavors of Africa + Diaspora Wisconsin 2026?
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Unmatched Exposure: Reach a wide audience of local and global attendees who share a passion for cultural diversity and authentic African cuisine.
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Community Engagement: Align your brand with an event that fosters community unity, promotes cultural exchange, and supports local businesses.
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Unique Networking Opportunities: Connect with influential leaders, cultural ambassadors, chefs, and food industry professionals.
Let’s join forces to create an event that celebrates culture, diversity, and community while providing valuable exposure for your business!
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