Women Making History: Celebrating Women's History Month
Lori “Chef Lori P” Parrett
Cakewalk Chicago peddles Black joy through the sweet alchemy of access, education, and mentorship. The Chicago baking scene is vast, but sometimes the most incredible culinary gems are hidden in plain sight – in neighborhood home kitchens, where Black bakers, decorators, and treat makers weave magic.
“I've been a proud supporter and I dare say enabler of dreamers and doers in the sugar artistry world. These self-made entrepreneurs, fueled by passion and resilience, are more than just bakers, candy makers, cake decorators and treat makers; they're cultural storytellers, crafting edible expressions of joy for birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers and every milestone is brimming with love and legacy.”
Cakewalk Chicago provides the essential ingredients for success: affordable supplies, empowering workshops, and invaluable mentorship that breaks down barriers, ensuring that talent isn't confined by zip code or circumstance.
Good Food means…
It's the time, love, and care put into preparation. It's the subtle nuances of spices and herbs, the layers of flavor built with each step. It's a story told through taste, a testament to the art of cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal.
Crystal Scott-Tunstal
Crystal Scott-Tunstall is an Affiliate Professor and Internship Coordinator in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program at Grand Valley State University. Crystal has a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science and a Master of Science in Urban Forestry and Interpretation from Southern Illinois University. Her thesis, titled The Social and Empowering Effect of Community Gardens on a Chicago Urban Area (North Lawndale), reported the results of a quantitative survey analysis done on people of color in an urban area, and how they view their local food system. In Chicago, Crystal has a community garden named in her honor. Crystal is also a member of the City of Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee, the NAACP Environmental Justice Committee, the Kent County Food and Nutrition Coalition, New City Neighbors Urban Farm Board of Directors, the Mi STEM advisory board, and co-chairs the Kent County Food Policy Council. Crystal is a curriculum, strategic planning, and sustainability consultant who specializes in Design Thinking.
As a woman making history…
“It is important to look outward for encouragement and inward for inspiration. In order to achieve an equitable food system we must ensure accessibility is prioritized, meaning BIPOC growers have access to affordable land to prevent food apartheid from existing.”