Tracy Cates

Background

About Tracy Cates

My work and professional interests are rooted in creative entrepreneurship, communications, graphic media, and puzzle-solving for mission-based organizations and individuals. My interests are in creating harmony between people, our homes, our communities, and the systems we engage with. In this way I am ever a student, always ready to learn new things and apply them to my growing understanding of how to live life well. My favorite jobs have come through this ongoing pursuit. I am currently working for the non-profit, Lama Foundation, which strives to cultivate mutual respect between spiritual traditions. My role at the Foundation is multidisciplinary, engaged with strategic planning, communications and fundraising. My 30+ years of professional experience include invaluable years in the culinary industry, where hard work, communications between people of diverse backgrounds, and an ability to focus under pressure are paramount. My work in this field varied from cooking, service, management, event planning, teaching, mentoring, planning and operations. The highlight of my culinary career was creating and directing COOK! Programs, especially my time teaching and mentoring the young people that went through the program. I founded COOK! In 2009. The program was dearly loved in the community and won "Best-Of" in Parents Press in the categories of 'Teen Leadership' and 'Culinary Camps for Kids,' in the San Francisco Bay Area, for many years. In my spare time I devote myself to projects that inspire me, many for talented artists who need support. I have a deep love of the arts and sciences, for psychology, and especially for parenting (my own kids). I am an avid baker, currently refining my high altitude sourdough recipe. I am also a long-time student of Chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea, and co-host an online monthly event for a group of tea enthusiasts.