CATHERINE DE ORIO

Catherine De Orio is a culinary expert, media personality, and founder of Casa De Orio, a digital lifestyle publication that celebrates cuisine, culture and craftsmanship. With formal training in both culinary and interior design — and a previous career as a litigation attorney — Catherine brings depth and polish to her work across media, philanthropy and creative direction.

She currently serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, where she leads impactful initiatives like the Yes, Chef! Culinary Camps, creating education and career opportunities in the culinary industry for youth from under-resourced communities. Her work has redefined access to culinary education by launching comprehensive training programs, scholarships and mentorship pipelines that champion inclusivity and opportunity for the next generation of culinary professionals.

A trusted voice in the culinary world, Catherine has regularly appeared as a guest chef on the TODAY Show, hosted the Emmy award-winning dining review show Check, Please!, and has been featured in The New York Times. She has also served as a media spokesperson for major brands including Conagra Brands, Crate & Barrel and Disney. Additionally, she sits on the board of directors for Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism board.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Catherine is the founder and creative director of Casa De Orio. Through Casa De Orio, she curates a refined perspective on intentional living — blending editorial storytelling with her passion for food, design and global craftsmanship.