#USA #Washington #NRAEF #NRA #Monica Parrish

Dr. Monica Parrish Trent Appointed Executive Director of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

On August 27, 2026, a significant announcement was made by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF); Dr. Monica Parrish Trent has stepped into the role of Executive Director. With a mission that aims to empower individuals from all walks of life, the Foundation focuses on providing essential training and education that will help them thrive in the restaurant, food service, and hospitality sectors.

Dr. Trent comes into this position armed with an impressive 25-year background that blends experience in higher education, workforce development, and leadership within national nonprofit organizations. Her career has been dedicated to creating pathways that effectively connect education and training with rewarding careers that foster economic opportunities. Prior to this role, she served as the Chief Program and Network Officer at Achieving the Dream (ATD), where she successfully led national programs and workforce strategies across a network composed of over 300 community colleges.

Michelle Korsmo, CEO of the NRAEF, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Trent's leadership, stating, "Monica is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about the power and opportunity in getting people into the right job. Her ability to narrate a compelling story surrounding an organization’s mission while fostering partnerships and programs to enhance that mission will greatly benefit the Foundation."

Dr. Trent understands firsthand the pivotal role the restaurant and hospitality industry plays in creating job opportunities. She emphasized the importance of ensuring clear pathways for individuals to gain the skills, credentials, and experience demanded by employers. "The restaurant and hospitality industry creates opportunities for millions of people, and its workforce growth depends on ensuring they have clear pathways to develop the skills and experiences needed by employers," she said.

Having worked in the restaurant sector during her academic journey herself, Dr. Trent is acutely aware of how such jobs can transition into fulfilling careers. She has always been passionate about bringing together educators, employers, and communities to craft programs that fuel career pathways, thus enhancing the potential for personal and professional growth.

The NRAEF is dedicated to investing in individuals from all backgrounds throughout their career journeys. It aims to equip them with the tools they need to seize opportunities within the industry, ultimately shaping a brighter future for themselves. The Foundation also seeks to nurture communities that emphasize growth and development.

Additionally, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes a variety of programs designed to attract, empower, and advance both the current and future restaurant and foodservice workforce. Notable initiatives include:

• - ProStart®: A career and technical education program for high school students.
• - Restaurant Ready/HOPES: This initiative partners with community-based organizations to offer skills training and job opportunities.
• - Military: A program tailored to help military personnel transition their skills into restaurant and foodservice careers.
• - Scholarships: Financial assistance offered to students pursuing degrees in restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality.
• - Restaurant Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC): Accredited apprenticeship programs aimed at nurturing the careers of service professionals.

For more information about these initiatives and the Foundation's ongoing work, individuals can visit ChooseRestaurants.org. The NRAEF is dedicated to championing the restaurant industry's growth, which stands as America’s second-largest private employer, thus advocating for the workforce it supports and nurtures.