Valeria Milagros Molinelli (she/her)
Senior Instructor Department Chair College of Food Innovation & Technology Department of Culinary Arts Providence
Biography
Valeria Molinelli is an accomplished culinary educator, practitioner, and Certified Executive Chef holding a Master of Arts in Teaching. Born in Peru, she is a proud ambassador of traditional and modern Latin American culinary arts, specializing deeply in her native Peruvian cuisine.
Dedicated to student success, she bridges academia and industry. She teaches foundational culinary labs and sustainability courses while advising Culinaria Latina, CFIT Champions, and the SkillsUSA Rhode Island chapter to foster student skills and professional advancement.
Beyond the classroom, Molinelli serves as the summer executive chef for The Flavor Experience, a premier forum for high-volume foodservice operators. Leveraging this role, she facilitated establishing JWU as the event’s official educational partner, creating immersive experiential learning opportunities for students, alumni, and staff. She manages large-scale logistics, enabling over 70 sponsors to showcase trend-forward concepts. Her expertise spans modern Latin American culinary arts, event planning, and contemporary foodservice workforce trends.
Education
AS, Johnson & Wales University
Baking & Pastry Arts
MAT, Johnson & Wales University
Master of Arts in Teaching
BS, Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Arts
AS, Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Arts
Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
American Culinary Federation
Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM)
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
American Culinary Federation
Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM)
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
CFIT Innovation Award
Johnson & Wales University
Chaine des Rotisseurs Inductee
Chaine des Rotisseurs
Advisor of the Year 2024
Student Engagement
CFIT Citizenship Award
Johnson & Wales University
The Vollrath Award, Certificate of Appreciation
Johnson & Wales University
Outstanding Service Award
Johnson & Wales University
Outstanding Service CCA Freshman Lab Pilot
Johnson & Wales University
Outstanding Service Award
Johnson & Wales University
Dean’s Award
Johnson & Wales University
“Flavor Trifecta: A blend of guanabana, aji amarillo and panela offers flavor inspiration..” Molinelli, V. (July 18, 2020)
https://www.getflavor.com/flavor-trifecta-valeria-molinelli/?utm_source=FLAVOR+FLASH+by+Flavor+%26+The+Menu&utm_campaign=ae1c763115-08-13-20+Flavor+Trifecta%3A+Valeria+Molinelli&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fe0893a448-ae1c763115-72637725
Peruvian American Chef Association
Bread Bakers Guild of America
Chaine des Rotisseurs
Skills USA Professional Membership
Sanchez Silva Molinelli, V. & McHugh, A. (May 10, 2021). Female chefs are making inroads at these Newport restaurants. (Magazine/Trade Publication).
https://www.newportri.com/story/lifestyle/2021/05/10/newport-restaurants-welcoming-more-female-chefs/5027260001/
University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo 2025, “Exploring Chili Peppers: Heat, History, and Health Benefits,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, United States. (February 14, 2025).
Hispanic Entrepreneurs, “Efficiency to Maximize Food Production and Profit,” Hope & Main, Warren, RI, United States. (October 24, 2024).
RIHSC Breakfast 2024, “Healthier Hispanic Menu Alternatives for Public School Cafeterias,” Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition, Warwick, RI, United States. (October 23, 2024).
Hispanic Entrepreneurs, “Efficiency to Maximize Food Production and Profit,” Hope & Main, Warren, RI, United States. (May 10, 2024).
“California Pro Start Cup Competition,” California Restaurant Foundation, Long Beach, CA, United States. (February 21, 2024).