At Melibee Global, we have always believed that food is more than just sustenance—it is a vessel for history, a tool for justice, and a bridge between cultures. It is with immense pride that we celebrate two luminaries on our speaker roster who have been recognized by TIME for their world-changing influence: Michael W. Twitty and Chef Ashleigh Shanti.

Being named to the TIME100 and TIME100 Next lists isn’t just about professional success; it’s about shifting the cultural needle. Here is a look at how these two incredible speakers are redefining the global culinary and social landscape.

Michael W. Twitty: The Culinary Historian Mapping Our DNA

Recognized: TIME100 Next

Michael Twitty is a two-time James Beard Award-winning author and a living bridge between the past and the present. His work, including the seminal The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul, explores the deep, often painful, but ultimately resilient intersections of African American and Jewish culinary histories. His latest book is Recipes from the American South.

• Why He Matters: Michael doesn’t just cook; he examines what lands on the plate. He uses food to trace the genealogy of the African Diaspora and explores how “food is a flag” that represents our identity and survival.

• Speaking Impact: When Michael speaks, audiences don’t just learn about recipes; they embark on a journey of racial reconciliation and cultural healing. His talks on intersectionality, faith, and heritage are masterclasses in how we can use our shared history to build a more clear future.

  Learn more about Michael’s talks here.

Chef Ashleigh Shanti: The Future of “Affrilachian” Cuisine

Recognized: TIME100 Next (2025)

Chef Ashleigh Shanti is a force of nature. From her standout performance on Top Chef to her James Beard Award-winning book Our South: Black Food Through My Lens, Ashleigh has become the leading voice for Affrilachian (African-Appalachian) cuisine.

• Why She Matters: Ashleigh’s work at her Asheville-based restaurant, Good Hot Fish, and her extensive research into Black foodways, preserves stories that have often been sidelined. TIME recognized her as a rising star because she isn’t just following trends—she is excavating the soul of Southern cooking and presenting it with modern brilliance.

• Speaking Impact: Ashleigh brings an infectious energy to her sessions, whether she’s leading a hands-on team-building cooking demo or discussing the preservation of Black thought through food. She empowers organizations to think about diversity and heritage as living, breathing (and delicious) parts of our daily lives.

Learn more about Ashleigh’s talks here.

Bringing the TIME100 Vision to Your Event

Why do these accolades matter for your next conference or campus event? Because Michael and Ashleigh represent the gold standard of thought leadership.

At Melibee Global, we curate speakers who do more than provide a “talk”—they provide a transformation. By bringing a TIME100 visionary to your stage, you are offering your audience:

• Unmatched Expertise: Insights from the very people shaping global conversations.

• Authentic Storytelling: Narratives that resonate deeply across DEI, history, and culinary arts.

• Actionable Inspiration: Concrete ways to view culture and community through a fresh lens.

Ready to bring Michael Twitty or Ashleigh Shanti to your next event? Contact Melibee Global today to discuss how these culinary icons can elevate your program.