In this episode, Joseph interviews Kerry Brodie, the Founder and Executive Director of Emma's Torch. Emma's Torch is an organization that empowers refugees and survivors of human trafficking through culinary training and workforce development. Kerry explains that she founded the organization after realizing that she had the passion and idea to create a culinary training program for refugees and survivors of human trafficking.
She was inspired by the question, "Why not me?" and decided to take on the challenge herself. Kerry highlights the mission of Emma's Torch, which is to empower refugees and survivors of human trafficking by providing culinary training and opportunities for workforce development. She explains that empowerment is important because these individuals have often been told that they are different, other, and not the same.
Emma's Torch aims to change that narrative by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all humans and providing them with opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. When asked about the origin of including survivors of human trafficking in the mission statement, Kerry explains that they work with a wide range of individuals who have been forced to flee or migrate for various reasons.
They focus on tailoring their support to the needs of these individuals and have developed a range of training modules to address English language skills, conflict resolution, and employability. Joseph asks Kerry about the name "Emmas Torch" and she explains that it is a tribute to Emma Lazarus, a Jewish woman who advocated for refugee resettlement and wrote the poem that is now inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty.
The poem, titled "The New Colossus," speaks to the idea that welcoming refugees is what makes the United States strong and unique. Kerry shares the initial activities of Emmas Torch, which started with a minimum viable product approach. They provided three weeks of culinary training to three students and raised funds through a catering event. They then opened their doors in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and expanded their training to include employability and empowerment modules.
In terms of data and impact, Kerry mentions that Emmas Torch has worked with approximately 350 students since its inception. They have seen significant wage growth among their students, with an average earning increase of six times within the first year after graduation. Their students also have a high job retention rate of around 85%.
Overall, Emmas Torch has created over $7 million in increased wages. Kerry discusses the future of Emma's Torch, which involves expanding their presence in New York and Washington, DC. They are also exploring opportunities for replication in other cities and states with high refugee populations and a need for social services. In terms of engagement, Kerry encourages people to visit their restaurant, support their catering services, and follow them on social media.
She also welcomes partnerships with employment partners, nonprofit organizations, and anyone who wants to collaborate in supporting their mission.
Overall, Kerry is grateful for the opportunity to share the work of Emmas Torch and is inspired by the positive impact they are making in the lives of refugees and survivors of human trafficking. She hopes to continue growing and providing opportunities for individuals to build a new life and pursue their dreams.
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?

Donate: https://emmastorch.org/donate

Phone: (718) 243-1222

Email: Info@emmastorch.org

Website: https://emmastorch.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmasTorchFood/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmastorchfood/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emma's-torch