Emeril Lagasse Foundation Adds 3 Team Members

NEW ORLEANS — The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has recently added three new team members. Katherine Odell serves as the development coordinator, Emily Hardwick is the hospitality assistant and Meredith Seale is the program coordinator.

“As our organization reaches new heights, we are thrilled to welcome Katherine, Emily and Meredith to our team,” said Brian Kish, ELF president. “Their talents and broad experiences will help us create more opportunities for the youth that we serve. We look forward to a successful year of continued growth.”

Odell has a background in social and digital communications, hospitality, nonprofits, the arts, grant writing and art market management. Previously, she helmed the Louisiana Crafts Guild as executive director, developing artist and event opportunities across the state for its over 200 artist members and running two art galleries. She graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where she learned the value of civic engagement and partook in the Rich Foundation for Urban Leadership Program. She received its highest honor, the Leader in Action Award, in 2012.  

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Originally from Seattle, Hardwick came to New Orleans to attend Tulane University and graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree. Tulane is also where she first got her start in the nonprofit world. She was heavily involved with the community radio station on campus, WTUL New Orleans, and served as the event coordinator and general manager throughout her time as a DJ. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, Seale obtained a culinary degree in 2011. Later, in 2016, she earned her master’s in contemporary history from King’s College London. As a middle school teacher for four and a half years, she developed a deep understanding of educational dynamics. Before joining Emeril Lagasse Foundation, she was an education coordinator and manager for an energy efficiency nonprofit. She dedicated her efforts to providing valuable education to middle and high school students. 

Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education with a focus on life skills development.

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