Current role: Healthy Communities Policy Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Previous role: Casting for Chopped, Top Chef, Top Chef Just Desserts, and Restaurant Stakeout

Before Laura transitioned into her current work in nutrition and wellness at various non profits in Brooklyn, NY and currently at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Erie County, she spent many years as a casting director for TV and film in LA and NYC. It was through her casting roles on acclaimed food competition shows like Top Chef and Chopped that she discovered her passion for food and cooking. This experience ultimately inspired her to pursue her current role at CCE: creating greater health equity through a NY State grant focused on improving nutrition, physical activity, and wellness in schools and communities across Western New York.

Laura is also a current and active member of the Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council.

Chef/Owner,
Marble + Rye

Michael Dimmer, born and raised in Buffalo, NY, is the Chef/Owner of Marble + Rye located at 112 Genesee Street. After graduating from the UB School of Architecture, Michael realized that his true passion was the industry that helped pay his bills through college—restaurants. After starting a small catering company and saving up enough money, his second entrepreneurial venture was born—The Black Market Food Truck. Three years later (in 2015), Marble + Rye opened its doors to the public and has been serving Downtown Buffalo for the past 10 years.