Building Community, One Meal at a Time: Our Visit to Emma’s Torch
It’s easy to think of philanthropy as something abstract - writing a check, supporting a cause, hoping it makes a difference somewhere. And then there are moments when you see exactly where that impact goes.
Our March 11 visit to Emma’s Torch was one of those moments. Over a beautiful lunch prepared by students, Impact 100’s Nonprofit Committee saw firsthand how our 2025 grant is already changing lives - not in theory, but in real time.
For those who don’t know the full story, Emma’s Torch is a nonprofit social enterprise that trains refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking in the culinary arts. Their mission is both simple and profound: to help new Americans build meaningful careers and feel welcomed into their communities.
The organization was founded in 2016 by Kerry Brodie, who left a career in public policy after volunteering at a homeless shelter. She realized that many of the people she met were refugees - ready and eager to work - but without access to the training and opportunity they needed. She named the organization after Emma Lazarus, the poet behind “Give me your tired, your poor…,” as a way to bring that spirit of welcome to life.
Today, Emma’s Torch runs a full culinary training program, along with a catering business and a café, each staffed by students gaining hands-on experience. The results speak for themselves: in 2025, 91% of students graduated, and 82% secured jobs in the culinary industry. Graduates increased their wages by 7.4 times their pre-Emma’s Torch income. And thanks to our Impact 100 grant, they’ve doubled the number of people they can serve.
A Lunch That Became a Lesson in Hope
During our visit, Chief Impact Officer Kira O’Brien shared how the grant has already expanded their reach. I had the chance to speak with her more informally during lunch, before introducing her to the group.
I asked about her path - what led her here, and what she focused on during her PhD in social work. What stayed with me most was something she said almost in passing: that a core part of Emma’s Torch’s work is helping people rebuild how they see themselves.
It’s not just about job training. It’s about restoring a sense of identity - helping refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking begin to see themselves in a more positive, empowered light.
In a moment where the broader environment can feel unwelcoming to immigrants, it struck me how much courage it takes to start over in a new country - especially without that internal foundation of self-belief. And how powerful it is to be in a place that actively helps rebuild it.
Hearing Kira speak - with such clarity, compassion, and conviction - was a reminder of why this work matters. Her personal commitment to ensuring that every person who arrives in the United States feels welcomed, supported, and seen was palpable. You could feel it in the room.
We also had the joy of watching Lauren Goldstein, an Impact 100 board member, present the engraved Spoon Award to celebrate Emma’s Torch’s 2025 grant win - a small but meaningful symbol of partnership and pride.
Everyone left inspired - and satisfied in more ways than one.
Why This Visit Mattered
What struck me most was how connected I felt. Not just to Emma’s Torch, but to the larger community we’re building through Impact 100.
Volunteering and philanthropy aren’t just about helping others. They’re about belonging to something bigger than ourselves. They’re about investing in the kind of world we want to live in.
Emma’s Torch embodies that spirit. They don’t just teach culinary skills - they create a sense of home, dignity, and possibility for people starting over.
And our grant - our collective generosity - is now part of that story.
What’s Next: From Funding to Hands-On Support
One of the most exciting parts of the visit was imagining how we might deepen this partnership. We’re exploring ways for Impact 100 members to get more directly involved - from résumé reviews to interview preparation - so we can play a hands-on role in helping these new New Yorkers build their futures.
I left wanting to do more. To welcome more. To support more. To help ensure that the newest members of our community feel not just safe, but truly included.
A Final Thought
If you’re looking for a way to support this incredible community, consider using Emma’s Torch’s catering business for your next gathering - or even just ordering their cookies (they really are that good).
If you’re in the NYC (Carroll Gardens or Brooklyn Public Library) or DC Metro Area, visit one of their cafés. Sit down for a meal prepared by students who are actively rebuilding their lives. Take in the energy of the space. Let yourself feel what’s being created there.
You’ll walk away with a full heart and a happy stomach - and a renewed belief in what’s possible when a community comes together. For more information, reach out to info@emmastorch.org.