NRAEF Announces 2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards

Four individuals took home a 2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Award, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, on October 27 in Washington, D.C. This year, honorees earned recognition for creating career pathways for people of every background, investing in their local communities and turning their own journeys into opportunity for others.

“Restaurants are built on the strength of the people who lead them. These individuals are creating pathways to industry careers, opening doors, and finding new ways to make a difference in their communities,” says Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the NRAEF, in the release.

The awards and honorees include the following: 

• Inclusion Innovator Award: Kwini Reed, co-founder of Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed, and the catering venture Root of All Food, all based in Anaheim, Calif., in recognition of her leadership in the use of cultural intelligence to improve her operations team or guest experience and to promote growth in her community and the overall industry.
• Community Champion Award: Charley Shin, founder of Charleys Cheesesteaks, recognizing his commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in the communities his business serves.
• My Journey Award: Alex Habeeb, franchise owner of five Taco John’s & Subway restaurants across Illinois, who overcame adversity to excel both personally and professionally in the restaurant industry, made a positive impact, set high standards as a leader and mentor, and created opportunities for others.
• Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award: Scott Redler, founder of Redler’s Hospitality in St. Louis, for his extraordinary achievement and exemplary leadership in the industry.

To learn more about the four individuals, view the full release on the NRAEF website here.

The NRAEF mission includes enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. Earlier this year, it named Monica Parrish Trent as its executive director.