About Us

Wendy joined Columbia Dining in Spring 2023 and makes sure the food is delicious, looks beautiful, and always replenished!

She started her culinary journey in the kitchen at Momofuku and Starr Restaurants making breads and pastries; she later became a manager for multiple food service establishments. This has allowed her to apply all her hospitality experience at Columbia as a manager. Wendy and her team provide excellent service, as well as quality and trendy foods.
 
She enjoys baking and learning new techniques especially for French desserts. Wendy feels the intricate steps are what impacts the final product. Lots of dedication to make the final product taste and look great make her feel accomplished.
 
Her favorite food is ramen, and she can eat it every day; there are so many varieties and toppings, the possibilities are endless like the ideas at Columbia Dining!

Vicki joined Columbia University in 2007. Under her leadership, Columbia Dining has built a solid reputation as a high-quality, customer-oriented department. Vicki’s focus for Dining is providing total customer satisfaction and meeting the needs of the diverse Columbia population. Prior to joining Columbia, Vicki was the Senior Director of Marketing for Sodexo Campus Services. Vicki holds an Associate Degree in Operational Sciences from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In her free time, Vicki enjoys baking (brownies are her specialty), reading, and caring for her dogs. 

Chef Tim Silva started with the Columbia Dining team in January 2023. He began his culinary journey as a line cook at Mercer Kitchen for four years, learning classic French technique. Later, he served as a sous chef at the Crow's Nest and an executive chef at Hideaway in Montauk. Through these experiences, Timothy has developed strong leadership and culinary skills, which he will bring to his role at Ferris Booth Commons.

Tim graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in entrepreneurship. He is passionate about his work and excited to provide a first-rate experience to students. His go-to favorite foods are pasta from Emilio Ballato in SoHo and French cuisine at Lucien in the East Village.

Rosie has worked in customer service for Dining since 1998. Known for her positive energy, smile and charisma, her responsibilities include reassuring parents that their children will have healthy and hearty meals while away from home. Most importantly, Rosie works to resolve questions or issues students may have concerning their dining accounts. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and preparing healthy and hearty meals.

Rebecca joined Columbia Dining in June 2023. Originally from Idaho, she began her career with Compass Group in higher education in the Western states and eventually worked her way up to supporting top accounts in the private sector in New York. As Executive Director of Operations, she provides operational and organizational leadership for all elements of Dining across both the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. She is responsible for identifying, creating, and implementing solutions to improve communications, customer service, information processing and analysis. Rebecca's passion for hospitality and strong leadership aid her in providing students a second to none Dining experience. Outside of work, Rebecca can be found exploring the city on long-distance running routes. The 2023 New York City Marathon will be her third marathon.

Natasha started full time with the Columbia Dining team in June 2022. Previously she worked as a supervisor at Red Lobster where she developed problem solving and customer service skills. With four years of experience in the food service industry, Natasha is excited to join the Columbia Dining team and learn more about developing menus that appeal to our diverse student body. She loves seeing students happy with the food and service they receive and wants students to know that she cares deeply about their dining experience.

Originally from Queens, NY, Natasha is a Stranger Things fan who loves watching action movies. She enjoys southern style cuisine and would like to help plan a meme-themed event.

Chef Mike is responsible for the overall operations and culinary experience at Columbia University. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, he grew up in a home where good food was integral to daily life. He started cooking himself at an early age and later pursued his professional culinary degree at Johnson and Wales University for Culinary Arts in Providence, RI. His experience includes the Intercontinental Hotel in New York City, where he also traveled the hotel’s Asia network; Corporate Foods providing service to clients like Citibank, US Today, and Entertainment Weekly; and Fordham University where he served as the Dining Services Executive Chef for 18 years.

Marc started at Columbia Dining in September 2021. He has more than 30 years of experience in the food industry and loves the fast-paced environment that food service offers. Prior to Columbia, Marc worked as a shift supervisor at Madison Square Garden where honed his customer service skills. Marc looks forward to helping shape the dining experience at Columbia.

Marc is originally from Ocho Rios, Jamaica. In his spare time, Marc loves to go to the beach, grill and host big, Jamaican barbeques. Marc holds a degree in culinary arts from the Art Institute of New York.

Lucas joined the Columbia Dining team as an intern in October 2022 supporting operations at Ferris Booth Commons and Chef Mike’s Sub Shop. He is a Columbia College student, Class of 2026, studying history and creative writing. His favorite station at Chef Mike’s is the cold special, paired with an oatmeal raisin cookie. In his spare time, Lucas loves to read, write, cook, and watch TV.

Kerri Hoban joined the Dining team in fall 2021 as the Assistant Manager in John Jay Dining Hall. Kerri works the evening period to make sure all the food stations are ready for dinner, supports staff during service, and is there to help students.

Kerri has extensive experience in food service and hospitality, most recently serving as a food service supervisor for a city hospital in the Bronx and the concession operations in Wollman Rink in Central Park. Kerri graduated from Monroe College with a degree in Hospitality Management. Born and raised in the Bronx, Kerri enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, watching horror movies, listening to music and playing pool. Kerri's favorite food is steak.

Kareem, also known as Ras, began his career at Columbia University in 2010 as a Second Cook and was soon promoted to First Cook. In 2016, he took on a leadership role as Chef Manager in John Jay. In 2018, he was then promoted to Campus Dining. Prior to joining the Columbia Dining team, Ras spent several years in corporate dining as a Restaurant Associate. His most recent position was at AllianceBernstein, an investment management and research firm. It’s no surprise that Ras loves to cook, Asian cuisine is his favorite to experiment with. He grew up in the Bronx and still calls it home. When he’s not whipping up new recipes, you can find him on the soccer pitch playing midfield. 

Justin joined the Columbia dining team in May 2022. Previously he worked as a manager at The Standard Hotel Beer Garden where he learned the importance of a flexible attitude and approach in the food service industry. He is excited to continue growing his management skills and looks forward to contributing to the community-building events for which Columbia Dining is known. Justin wants the students to know that he is always available to help them with whatever they need in the dining hall.

In his spare time, Justin enjoys listening to The Michael Kay Show podcast about the inner workings of MLB teams. He is originally from the Bronx, NY and his favorite meal is linguine with marinara sauce served with a side of freshly baked bread.

Joe has formally been in the food industry for 18 years – but unofficially for his entire life. He grew up in Astoria, Queens watching his father open and cook in Italian restaurants, sparking his interest in the industry. Joe started his journey as a dishwasher at a local mom & pop pork store where he used to work a few hours after school. From there, he experimented with food prep, serving, managing and designing culinary experiences across delis, restaurants and hotels. He is excited to take his passion to this prestigious university. His hobbies are creating the perfect sandwich, training his dog, watching the New York Rangers and spending time his my family. Joe started with Columbia Dining in September 2021.

Jerome Charpentier is the Executive Sous Chef for Catering and the Culinary Center. Jerome holds a BA in Culinary Arts from the Collège Edouard Herriot and brings notable culinary experience from his time in top New York City restaurants.

Jason joined the Columbia Dining team in October 2022. He's worked in the food service industry for nine years and previously worked with the New York City Department of Education in the Office of Food and Nutrition Services. Jason holds a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics from Queens College. He is from Queens and his favorite food is pizza. In his spare time, Jason likes to cheer for the Mets and spend time with his two rescue retired racing greyhounds, Julie and Indie.

Jafor has been thrilled to bring his corporate food service and hospitality experience to higher education, where he enjoys working with the diverse student body. Prior to Columbia, he spent 22 years with Sodexo at the Merrill Lynch World Financial Center location, where he worked as a waiter and cashier, then gained financial and technical support experience. Jafor has a diploma in Civil Engineering from his native country, Bangladesh, where he moved from over 25 years ago. He lives in the Bronx with his wife, 3 children and extended family.

Hazel Clark is the Assistant General Manager, Manhattanville Operations at the Commons and the Cafe. Hazel originally joined Columbia University in November 1984 as kitchen staff. After a few computer courses, Hazel became an accounts receivable administrator in John Jay, enabling her to draw from her prior accounting experience in Panama City. Later, she was promoted to manager, where she led the JJ’s Place opening team. Following her success, she was appointed to open Ferris Booth Commons, an experience she believes was her biggest opportunity at Columbia. She then went on to manage Blue Java Mudd, Lenfest Cafe, and Uris Deli. Hazel is the recipient of the Robert Leer Service Award, an honor given each year to a member of the faculty, administration, or staff who clearly demonstrates commitment to working with students. Hazel was born in the Republic of Panama, where she graduated from Gaston Faraudo, an accounting school in Panama City.

Goldi joined Columbia in 2023. She is responsible for developing catering menus, making catering presentations to clients, scheduling labor, linens, and rentals for catered events, coordinating between the kitchen and service staff, and following up with both clients and staff to make sure all their needs were met and exceeded.
 
Goldi previously worked at Teachers College. Before that, she worked at Barnard College for 15 years as the Director of Operations and the Catering Director for Dining Service. At Barnard, she participated and planned BBQs, Midnight Breakfasts, the Big Sub and many other events that were open to the entire Columbia Community.
 
Goldi practiced insurance defense and labor law for 20 years before she decided to follow her passion in the food industry. Her early childhood memories of eating homemade stuffed cabbage, fruit compote, Sacher torte, and chocolate chip cookies inspired her love for hospitality and food service. She took a 6-month course at the Institute of Culinary Education (I.C.E.), learned about management, sanitation, safety, and menu planning, and never looked back.
 
In her spare time, she likes to watch food and cooking shows and horror movies. Her husband prefers documentaries and romantic comedies. Their two cats, Abbie and Sammie, sleep through everything.

Chef Elhoucine Baha joined the Columbia Dining team in February 2022. He is responsible for the dining and catering operations for the culinary teams in Henry R. Kravis and David Geffen Halls, including the Robert F. Smith Dining Hall, the Cafe, and catered events. Chef Baha is grateful for the opportunity to join a new operation with the culinary team from the very beginning of their time in Manhattanville.

He brings over 30 years of industry experience having worked in the hotel business, including restaurants, private dining, and special event catering. Most recently he served at the Millennium Hotel Broadway and the Mandarín Oriental Hotel.

Chef Baha attended hotel business school in his native country of Morocco. After graduation, he traveled and worked through Europe before coming to the United States in 1998. His favorite Moroccan dish is chicken tagine with preserved lemon. His favorite Italian dish is truffle risotto. Hopefully diners at the Business School will get to sample both!

Chef Baha loves to cook and cares deeply about his guests' experience -- from presentation and service to the dish itself -- so that they are happy, full, and always come back.

Eathon joined the Columbia Dining team in December 2021 and serves as the Assistant Manager for upper campus retail locations, including Chef Mike's Sub Shop and Lenfest Cafe, plus the Blue Java cafe locations in Uris, Mudd Hall, Butler Library and Lerner Hall.

Prior to joining the Columbia team, Eathon worked with retail clients, most recently with Trader Joe’s and Fairway Markets. Eathon is excited to be part of the Chef Mike’s Market launch and the opportunities it presents.

A foodie - like the rest of the team - Eathon's favorite food is avocados. He can’t eat a meal without them! In his free time, Eathon plays soccer and video games.

Donald joined Columbia University in 2009 and is Chef Manager for Chef Don's Pizza Pi, Chef Mike's Sub Shop at Uris Deli, Blue Java Mudd, Blue Java Uris, and Lenfest Cafe. He is a well-seasoned chef who truly enjoys the art of cooking. Donald began his career on the culinary team at the Park Ridge Marriott. Later, he served as Executive Chef for an Assisted Living Facility in Emerson NJ, until he became the Director of Dining for the Johnson Wood Company. An entrepreneur, Donald also opened a pizza café; he was a preferred off-premise caterer for television and movie sets; he developed a line of baked gourmet brownies for large supermarket chains; he launched a gift basket Internet business; and he packaged handmade fresh mozzarella for supermarkets and catering halls in the tri-state area. Donald earned his degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University for Culinary Arts in Providence, RI.

Dionne joined the Columbia Dining team in 2018 as a short order cook, eventually becoming Assistant Manager in December 2022. Dionne brings to the role over a decade of experience in the food service and hospitality industry. She has worked in various roles such as a preschool cooking teacher, cook at IHOP and McDonald's, and manager of four locations in the Food and Nutrition Department of the Department of Education.

Dionne is originally from Brooklyn and enjoys traveling internationally, cooking with family, and spending time with friends. Dionne is excited to hear from students and learn new ways she can make their Dining experience memorable!

Daphne has been with Columbia Dining since 2018. Previously, she worked at University of Michigan Dining, where she also completed her bachelor’s degree. Her favorite thing about working for Columbia Dining is getting to put special events together for the students. Daphne’s favorite food is enchiladas de mole and outside of work she enjoys spending time with her two cats, reading, and hiking.

Christina joined the Columbia Dining team in 2014. She is originally from Rochester, NY where she got her first taste of the food and beverage industry working the counter at a local burger joint, and has been hooked ever since. After moving to New York City to pursue her Bachelor’s degree at NYU, Christina worked as a floor supervisor at Georgetown Cupcake and later as an assistant restaurant manager at the Omni Berkshire Place. Christina’s top priority is to make sure every guest leaves happy, and she takes student feedback very seriously. She ensures the dining hall is clean, organized, offers variety, and above all, that all customers are satisfied. Christina is also excited to introduce new special events to the space. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new foods, making her own juices and thrift shopping.

Christian was born and raised in Queens, N.Y., and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 2015 with a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Culinary Arts Management. During his career, he has worked in restaurants, hotels, catering & events, and since 2017, at educational institutions. He enjoys traveling – with trips to both Europe and Asia – and camping. In his free time, Christian likes trying new restaurants and creating new dishes at home. 

Chloe joined Columbia Dining in the Summer of 2023. As JJ's Assistant Manager, Chloe’s BS in Dietetics, innate leadership skills, passion for food, and making people happy comes full circle in this environment. Prior to joining Columbia, she worked as Food Service Manager for NYC Board of Education and Patient Services Manager for NYU Brooklyn.

Chloe loves working with people and turning a frown into a smile is her expertise. She is also a dessert foodie!

Charles joined the Columbia Dining team in December 2022. Previously he worked managing restaurants in New York City and in the Catskill Mountains area. He holds a BFA in musical theater and has performed in national tours and Off Broadway shows. He is originally from Central Illinois and his favorite food is meatloaf. In his spare time, Charles enjoys exploring NYC with his French bulldog, Barnaby.

Alexa recently joined Columbia Dining as our registered dietitian. She helps ensure that everyone can find healthy options at all Columbia Dining locations, and is available to consult with students one-on-one regarding healthier eating habits, navigating the dining halls if you have a food allergy, and any other nutritional concerns.

Adebayo joined the Columbia University team in August 2010. He spent 14 years with NYU Dining, where he most recently served as the Food Service Director. During his tenure at NYU, he spearheaded the Annual Grad Alley event with over 20,000 attendees. Adebayo attended New York City Technical College where he studied Hotel and Hospitality Management. He’s a proud father of four children—two are in high school, and the elder two are in college.