Tuesday Talk is a chance to listen, engage, and create community through learning more about nonprofit professionals and the work currently being done to support San Diegans. We hope to see you there! Tickets are FREE for members, and only $5 for non-members.

This month we will be chatting with Rodrigo Gratianne, who is the Food Systems Manager with International Community Foundation.

Biography: Rodrigo Gratianne, in his role as the Food Systems Manager, is dedicated to establishing resilient food systems for Baja California through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. A first-generation resident of the USA with deep roots in Baja California, Rodrigo’s 13-year career in the hospitality sector exposed him to the vast issue of food waste, sparking his commitment to creating sustainable systems that ensure surplus food benefits those in need.

Rodrigo’s education at High Tech High International, a local charter school, honed his teamwork and problem-solving abilities, preparing him to address complex challenges. He earned a bachelor's degree in Food Service Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His professional journey led him to develop an automated system to monitor food safety, enabling chefs to make informed decisions about donating excess food. This innovation bridged the gap between surplus food and vulnerable communities, aligning with his philanthropic mission of reducing waste and addressing food insecurity.

Rodrigo’s efforts gained global recognition when his project was named among the top 30 out of over 600 submissions in the UNWTO Hospitality Challenge. This achievement earned him a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and innovation from the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education. Today, Rodrigo leverages his expertise in hospitality, sustainability, and philanthropy to drive meaningful impact in the food systems of Baja California, ensuring that resources are used effectively to serve communities in need.