Emma's Torch

Emma's Torch

Civic and Social Organizations

Brooklyn, New York 1,345 followers

We provide top-notch culinary training to refugees and help them find meaningful careers in the food industry.

About us

For refugees coming to America, one of the hardest parts of the transition can be finding a new job, particularly one that is the starting point of a meaningful career. A job is important for more than a paycheck: it is a chance to meet new people, practice language skills, and find a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Enter Emma’s Torch, a non-profit social enterprise. Our mission is to train refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking in the culinary arts and to empower them to build meaningful careers in the culinary industry. Our students participate in a full-time paid culinary training program that prepares them for successful employment in an industry in which their heritage and cuisine can be celebrated. We provide a community in which they can build supportive relationships. Founded in 2016, we opened our first permanent restaurant location in Brooklyn in 2018. Since then, we have opened a cafe in Washington, DC and also operate the cafe at the Brooklyn Public Library. Emma’s Torch honors Emma Lazarus, a staunch advocate for refugee rights whose poem, “The New Colossus,” adorns the Statue of Liberty.

Industry
Civic and Social Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Brooklyn, New York
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2016

Locations

Employees at Emma's Torch

Updates

  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    Manizha Muhib, a 2023 graduate of Emma’s Torch, reflects on the transformative impact our training program had on her career. Originally from Afghanistan, Manizha shares how she learned not only culinary skills but also the confidence to succeed in the American workforce—despite never having worked before. “Before Emma’s Torch, I never had work experience. In our culture, women didn’t work but stayed home. Emma’s Torch gave me the self-confidence to start my career. Without their support, I can’t imagine having the career I have now.” Her advice to current and future students? “Take advantage of the opportunity and use the skills you learn at Emma’s Torch in your future workplace. You will enjoy your work.” Manizha’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that education, support, and self-belief can have in shaping a future full of possibilities. #EmmasTorch #WomenInWorkforce #CareerGrowth #CulinaryTraining #RefugeeEmpowerment #NonprofitImpact #WomenInLeadership

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    At Emma's Torch, we understand the importance of tracking the right metrics. A few years ago, we invested heavily in our data infrastructure to ensure that we could quickly access key impact metrics at any time. This investment has allowed us to: ✅ Efficiently Compile Reports: Our data is always at our fingertips, making the annual report creation process seamless. ✅ Showcase Impact: With precise data, we can effectively demonstrate the impact of our programs to donors and supporters. ✅ Drive Decisions: Accurate metrics help us make informed decisions about program improvements and strategic direction. Investing in data infrastructure is crucial for any organization aiming to create meaningful impact. #Nonprofit #ImpactMetrics

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    In case you missed it, Emma’s Torch and The Children’s Village have launched a new culinary training kitchen at The Eliza in Inwood! 🎉 This initiative allows us to serve even more students and further our mission of empowering refugees and survivors through culinary education. Read more about this incredible collaboration and what it means for our community in the latest feature by 6sqft. 📖 Read the full article: https://vist.ly/3micqe9 #EmmasTorch #CulinaryTraining #CommunityImpact #RefugeeEmpowerment #NonprofitPartnership #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmpowermentThroughEducation

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    Earlier this year, WCBS | CBS New York spotlighted Emma's Torch and our ongoing mission to empower refugees through culinary education. As we look back at this feature, we're reminded of the incredible impact that dedicated training and community support can have on individuals' lives. Join us in continuing to support refugee empowerment through meaningful culinary careers.

  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    Our founder, Kerry Brodie, was recently featured on The Uplifters Podcast with @aransassavas! 🎧 Kerry shares her journey from her time in press for an advocacy organization to founding Emma’s Torch. She also opens up about the challenges of balancing family, leadership, and mission-driven work, and shares a key mindset that keeps her going! Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! 🎙️ Listen here: https://vist.ly/3mhs9nh

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    ICYMI, Emma's Torch is opening a new program site in Inwood, Manhattan! 🎉 Our partnership with The Children's Village will allow us to double the number of students we can support each year, making a lasting impact on our community. At this new location in The Eliza, we will continue providing high-quality culinary training to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking, helping them build meaningful careers in the culinary industry.

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    Did You Know? Emma’s Torch is opening a brand-new program site at The Eliza in Inwood, Manhattan. This exciting collaboration with The Children's Village will enable us to serve 150 more students each year. By expanding our reach, we can continue to provide essential culinary training and empower more individuals to build successful careers in the food industry. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey at this new location!

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  • Emma's Torch reposted this

    View profile for Aransas Savas, graphic

    Motivational Strategist and Coach who has worked with many of the world’s biggest brands to create meaningful experiences.

    As the founder of Emma's Torch, she's created a launchpad for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through culinary education, ESL classes, and job placement assistance, Emma’s Torch is helping America's newest arrivals chart their own course to success. In this episode, Kerry Brodie shares how she went from DC political staffer to nonprofit founder. She dishes on the challenges of balancing work and family life, and serves up some food for thought on what it truly means to lead authentically. Kerry's story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful question we can ask ourselves is "whose permission are you waiting for?" Tune in to this episode on my Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. #ASL #InspiringWomen #TheUpliftersPodcast

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  • View organization page for Emma's Torch, graphic

    1,345 followers

    Eight years ago, Emma’s Torch set out with a vision: to empower refugees through culinary education and transform lives, one meal at a time. Today, we’re proud to look back at the impact we’ve made and the community we’ve built along the way. With four locations, nearly 500 graduates, and countless success stories, the journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From securing jobs for our graduates at 6x their pre-program salaries to partnering with over 200 food and social service organizations, we’ve seen firsthand the change that culinary training can create. The work doesn’t stop here. As demand for our program continues to grow, we’re more committed than ever to expanding our reach and providing opportunities for those seeking a fresh start. Thank you to our incredible students, staff, partners, and supporters for making this possible. Here’s to continuing the journey together! #EmmasTorch #CulinaryTraining #8YearsStrong #EmpowermentThroughEducation #NonprofitImpact #CommunityPartnership

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Funding

Emma's Torch 1 total round

Last Round

Grant

US$ 4.3M

See more info on crunchbase