Danielle Saunders

Danielle Saunders (born September 30,1977) is an American celebrity chef renowned for victories in Food Network's "Chopped" and "Chopped Champions". In 2011, she made television history by becoming the first Black female chef to win both competitions, affirming her place as a distinguished figure in the culinary industry. Saunders is known for her unique amalgamation of traditional soul food and global cuisine.
==Culinary Origins==
Born in Harlem and raised in New York and New Jersey, Saunders discovered her passion for cooking in the 1980’s, while preparing dinner alongside her grandmother, and later her late mother which became tradition.This early experience of helping her family prepare Sunday dinner was the landmark for the start of her culinary journey; and what she describes as a "lifelong dedication to food, family, and soul fusion". 
==Culinary Training and Early Career==
Upon graduating high school, Danielle entered Norfolk State University in Virginia majoring in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. She decided to leave Norfolk State during her Sophomore year and finally pursue her dreams of becoming a chef. In 1997, she advanced her career by enrolling at the New York Restaurant School (also known as the Art Institutes, now closed), where she studied under the tutelage of award-winning master chef Neil Becker (Silver Medalist - 2000 IKA Quadrennial Culinary Competition).
==Celebrity Breakthrough==
Her breakthrough came in 2004 when Saunders decided to transition into the private sector of the business and accepted the position of Personal Chef to Media Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. She made her first television appearance on VH1's “I Want to Work for Diddy 2” in 2009 as his chef, helping to groom contestants.
==Food Network's Chopped and Chopped Champions==
The chef's star rose even higher when she emerged victorious in Seasons 3 and 11 of Food Network's "Chopped" in 2011. Later that year, she became the first female chef of color to win the "Chopped" Grand Championship.
==Celebrity Clientele==
Chef Saunders clientele includes A-listers like Jann Wenner, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Justin and Hailey Beiber, Gary Sheffield, D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Common, Uzo Aduba, and Q Tip. Brand clients include Emile Henry, SMEGG, and Patron, to name a few.
Saunders has been private chef to Queen of Hip Hop soul artist Mary J. Blige since 2013.
==Media and Appearances==
Chef Saunders has made several media appearance throughout her career including the Today Show, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Business Insider, to name a few. 
In 2019, Danielle was featured in Toques in Black (Savor). The critically-acclaimed book, with photographs by the award-winning photographer, Battman and the foreword by award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson, highlighted 100 of the best black chefs in America, their favorite recipes and inspiring stories.
In February 2022, Chef Saunders participated in Recipe for Change: Amplifying Black Women, YouTube’s Black Voices Fund initiative. Chef Saunders curated a multi-course menu and participated in the discussion about Black Identity and female empowerment.
==Culinary Ventures==
In 2012, Danielle created It’s a Family Affair, a high-end celebrity catering company.
In March 2023, Saunders announced her partnership with celebrity chef Kimberly Van Kline to create Soulā, a 5-city limited engagement supper club featuring themed 8-course dinners beginning in Los Angeles in Fall 2023. 
Category:1977 births
Category:People from Harlem 
Category:Norfolk State University alumni
Category:American television chefs