By Tim Vandenack, KSL | Posted – Dec. 14, 2025
A Growing Impact on the Community
In the heart of Salt Lake City, Lavanya Mahate is committed to creating pathways for immigrant and refugee women through the culinary arts. After spending nearly 15 years establishing successful Indian restaurants in the area, Mahate founded the RISE Culinary Institute with the vision of tapping into the potential of women who face barriers in their new homeland.
RISE caters specifically to individuals seeking a fresh start while overcoming the burdens of cultural adjustment and systemic challenges. Mahate empathizes deeply with these women's experiences, having arrived from India in 2001. Her own journey inspires her commitment to providing robust support for those transitioning to life in the United States.
Training Through Culinary Arts
Since its inception, RISE Culinary Institute has served approximately 40 women from diverse backgrounds, including participants from Ukraine, Colombia, Sudan, and Afghanistan. The nonprofit offers free three-month culinary classes that help women acquire essential skills, boost their self-esteem, and secure jobs in the food industry.
The program focuses on building a strong foundation in classical French culinary techniques, including knife skills, sauce preparation, and kitchen hygiene practices. Students earn their food handler's cards, an essential credential for employment within U.S. kitchens.
"We do not think of one person's pain as greater than the other's… We're not so much looking back, but we're looking forward," Mahate expressed. She draws strength and resilience from her own experiences and the powerful stories shared by the women attending the program.
Building Community and Confidence
Each cohort consists of around ten women who participate in intensive classes running Monday through Friday for five hours a day. By incorporating culinary training with life lessons, Mahate aims not only to prepare these women for future employment but also to facilitate a supportive community.
"The participants get the opportunity to bond over food, share their cultural backgrounds, and learn from each other," Mahate shared, highlighting the role of culinary arts as a bridge for integration and self-expression. "Food is a good way to express all of that."
In addition to culinary training, RISE provides professional development opportunities. Participants learn valuable interview techniques and gain confidence to step into the workforce. Mahate firmly believes that through skill acquisition and community building, participants can redefine their futures for themselves and their families.
A Call for Support
As RISE continues to evolve, Mahate acknowledges the need for increased support through donations and volunteers. Currently, the program operates with just her and a chef instructor, but she envisions expanding the team to reach more women in need.
"Funding is definitely an issue for us," she said. "It would be nice to have team members to help us write grants or to help us market, to help with event planning."
The goal is to make RISE a more sustainable initiative, ultimately leading to a broader impact across the Salt Lake community.
The Power of Transformation
Lavanya Mahate's fervent desire to empower immigrant women resonates throughout RISE Culinary Institute. From overcoming personal hurdles to facilitating growth and resilience among participants, her mission encapsulates both personal and communal transformation.
As she reflects on her journey and the journeys of the women she supports, Mahate looks forward to expanding RISE's offerings, believing that these women collectively hold untapped potential waiting to unfold.
By building a nurturing environment grounded in culinary expertise and community support, RISE offers an invaluable lifeline for those seeking to thrive in their new lives.
For more uplifting stories on multicultural initiatives in Utah, visit our Multicultural Utah section.
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About the Author
Tim Vandenack covers immigration, multicultural issues, and Northern Utah for KSL. With experience living and reporting in Mexico and Chile, he is dedicated to highlighting diverse narratives.
