Lianne Wadi

Hi, I’m Lianne Wadi. I’m a student at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, with a love for food, hospitality, and creative expression in the kitchen. I’ve worked in restaurant operations, catering, and business management, and I earned a BBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from the University of Minnesota.

Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of hands-on experience that’s helped to shape my skills and perspective, particularly in the areas of managing high-volume kitchens and large-scale catering events. As an Operations Manager at a well-established restaurant in my hometown of Minneapolis, I helped increase sales, implemented a new online ordering system, and made sure the business observed only the highest standards of food quality and customer service. I even had the amazing experience of managing the company’s operations at the Minnesota State Fair in 2024, where our team generated half a million dollars in sales in just 12 days.

When opportunities arise, I compete in cooking contests as a way to challenge myself and continue growing as a chef. I’m an active member of the social media marketing team at CIA, a role that combines my background in marketing with my passion for food.

When I’m not in the kitchen or the classroom, I love staying active and exploring new places. Traveling is a big part of my life. I enjoy discovering new locales, new cultures, and, of course, new cuisines. I also love shopping and trying new restaurants, both for pleasure and professional inspiration. Whenever I have an extra moment or two, I do my best to stay active, so you can often find me at my gym, walking around my home city of Minneapolis, or exploring my adopted town of Hyde Park.