Meet Chef Urban
About Chef Urban
Chef Urban is a culinary educator and activist with over 20 years of experience using food to advance workforce development and equity.
As Senior Director of Culinary Arts at Center on Halsted, they lead the Silver Fork Culinary Job Readiness Program, training up to 60 aspiring chefs each year for meaningful careers in hospitality.
Urban centers marginalized communities — including LGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees, and those experiencing housing insecurity — blending classical technique with trauma-informed mentorship and holistic support.
As a transgender culinary leader, they bring visibility and advocacy to traditionally exclusive spaces, demonstrating how culinary training can nourish both bodies and futures.
Urban supports and cultivates community through food, education and advocacy.
Let’s Cook Something Up
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Culinary Training
Urban’s Silver Fork training model—built on Skills, Mentorship, and Self-Advocacy—has redefined culinary education. In addition to working in a social service setting, they also offer small group classes to the public.
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Speaking Engagements
Available to speak to your ERG, social service organization or educational and culinary training facility about culinary arts, trauma-informed leadership, and self-care in the hospitality world.
Let’s Chat
Interested in working together or learning more?
Let’s see what we can cook up together.