Associate Vice President – Yale University

As the Associate Vice President of Yale Hospitality (YH), Rafi leads with a strong belief and commitment to leverage YH’s operations in creating opportunities for engaged learning, innovation, and sustainable practices. Yale’s mission of research, teaching, preservation, and practice of knowledge is translated into the language of food and its supporting systems by all divisions of the YH organization. Rafi’s ongoing engagement with food industry professionals and thought leaders results in many initiatives at the local, regional, national, and international levels that support a plant-centric approach. The team creates craveable menus that are not only better for the people and better for the planet but are also developed using ethical and humane practices at every stage of the food system.

YH is a robust organization that serves more than 15,000 meals per day with a team of over 850 and comprised of three operational divisions, which continually deliver best-in-class hospitality practices. With over 35 years of industry experience, Rafi is invited to present at national and international conferences and is a recipient of numerous industry awards and recognitions including the Silver and Gold Plate Awards by the International Food Manufacturer Association.

Topic: Food That Loves You Back: Exploring Mediterranean Cuisine at the University Level