Chef Ashley McBrady was practically born in a kitchen. Growing up, her family owned and operated a sourdough bread company and spent summers working county fair concessions throughout California, including the Del Mar Fair, where they became known for serving giant slices of fresh-baked sourdough bread. From an early age, Ashley witnessed the connection between hard work, hospitality, and the joy that great food brings to people. Watching customers light up over something as simple as a warm slice of bread planted the seeds for a lifelong career in food.

 

That passion continued to grow when Ashley moved to Portland, Oregon, where she studied food science. Fascinated by the chemistry of fermentation, texture, and flavor development, she immersed herself in understanding the science behind food. Yet while the classroom offered knowledge, it was the energy of professional kitchens, the intensity of service, and the camaraderie of restaurant life that truly captured her heart.

 

Over the years, Ashley worked her way through kitchens and hospitality programs across the country, developing a diverse culinary foundation and a deep appreciation for regional cuisines, techniques, and traditions. Her career includes leadership and culinary roles with Cellar Hand, Long Story Short, You & Yours Distilling Co., 12@Madison,and Potager in Denver, CO. These experiences have shaped her approach to hospitality while allowing her to refine skills in menu development, kitchen operations, team leadership, catering, and restaurant management.

 

The most influential part of Ashley's journey has been the mentors who taught her that great food begins long before it reaches the plate. Through their guidance, she learned the importance of building relationships with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and artisans, understanding not only where ingredients come from but why the people behind them dedicate their lives to producing them. This philosophy of community, sustainability, and connection remains at the center of her work today.

 

That belief ultimately led Ashley to MAKE Projects, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for refugee women and youth. Through culinary training, hospitality education, and inclusive workforce development, SD MAKE Projects empowers individuals to build confidence, independence, and long-term career skills. Ashley is passionate about using food as a vehicle for both connection and opportunity, helping create environments where people of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive.

 

For Ashley, hospitality extends far beyond the dining room. It is about building community, fostering belonging, and creating pathways for people to succeed. Whether mentoring aspiring culinary professionals, collaborating with local producers, developing menus, or helping launch programs that support workforce inclusion, she believes food has the power to transform lives.Today, Chef Ashley McBrady continues to champion ingredient-driven cuisine, community partnerships, and equitable access to meaningful employment through her work with SD MAKE Projects. Her mission is simple: create exceptional food, support local food systems, and build stronger communities by ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.