November 12, 2026

A recipe for success: How one chef is changing lives at Hope Street

For Chef Michelle Lainez, food is about much more than what appears on a plate—it’s about community, opportunity, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Michelle Lainez As the owner of Chef Michelle & Company and a dedicated member of the Hope Street Margolis Family Center Advisory Board, Lainez has spent over a decade proving that when we invest in our youth, we create a recipe for success that benefits everyone.

Michelle describes Hope Street as a "zero-waste concept for human beings," a philosophy rooted in her belief that, just like food, potential should never be squandered. From her first day of volunteering to her ongoing mentorship of students in job readiness and culinary arts, Michelle’s impact is a testament to the power of opening doors.

"When you give people support, opportunity, and exposure to new experiences, their minds open up," she says. "Sometimes all they need is someone to help open that door."

Read the full story and discover how Chef Michelle Lainez is making a difference in the lives of Hope Street families in our 2025 Impact Report.