Recently, I had the honor of hosting a truly magical event at UC Merced featuring acclaimed author Natalie Baszile and pioneering wine industry professional Brenae Royal. Their stories of courage, resilience, and determination left an indelible mark on all who attended, reminding us of the power of pursuing our dreams and breaking barriers.
One particularly poignant moment came from Brenae Royal herself, who took to Instagram to share her gratitude for the opportunity to speak in front of her family for the first time in her career. In her heartfelt post, she expressed how special it was to have her loved ones witness her passion and success firsthand. This personal touch added an extra layer of depth to an already inspiring event, highlighting the importance of family support and the significance of celebrating milestones together.
The genesis of bringing Natalie and Brenae together to share their inspiring narratives on our campus began during the challenging times of the pandemic back in 2021. It all started when I stumbled upon Natalie’s insightful conversation about “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” on the David Chang Podcast. Intrigued, I promptly ordered the book and delved into its pages. It was on page 105 where I discovered Brenae Royal’s remarkable story, rooted in nearby Atwater, CA, a mere 15 minutes from our own UC Merced. Captivated by her journey, I made a mental note to bring Brenae to our campus once the pandemic subsided. Fast forward over three years, and despite the hurdles, I remained committed to this vision. When Brenae agreed to share her story, I seized the opportunity to reach out to Natalie through her publisher. To my delight, Natalie responded the following day, expressing her enthusiasm to join us. However, the journey was far from over. Securing sponsors and a suitable venue posed its own challenges, but with the unwavering support of incredible colleagues here in Merced, the pieces fell into place. A heartfelt thank you goes out to UC Merced’s Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence, the El Capitan Hotel, the Monterey Bay American Culinary Federation, Hospitality Services, Parking Services, the Central Valley Community Foundation, and my fellow dining chefs, as well as Jaymz Harkey, for their invaluable partnership and support. Without their collaborative efforts, this extraordinary event would not have been possible. Special shout out to our moderator, Taylor Kimber for skillfully guiding the conversation.
Throughout the evening, Nathalie Baszile captivated the audience with her journey of leaving her family business to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Her bravery and determination served as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase after what sets your soul on fire. Meanwhile, Brenae Royal’s presence on the panel showcased her resilience and tenacity as one of the few black women making waves in the wine industry. Her words resonated deeply, inspiring all who listened to embrace their uniqueness and persevere in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, let us carry the lessons learned from Nathalie Baszile and Brenae Royal with us. Let us remember the importance of following our passions, the value of family support, and the strength found in perseverance. May their stories continue to inspire us to dream big, break barriers, and make our mark on the world.
Thank you to all who made this event possible, and here’s to many more moments of inspiration and empowerment in the future.
Culinary Connections 