Genesis Robinson

Food Waste Summit 2026

Genesis Robinson

Administrative Director of Food & Nutrition for UCLA Health

Genesis Robinson

Genesis Robinson is the Administrative Director of Food & Nutrition for UCLA Health, where she leads all aspects of hospital dining operations with a focus on excellence, efficiency, and exceptional service. She oversees high-volume foodservice programs, directs multidisciplinary teams, and develops innovative, cost-effective menu strategies that meet both nutritional and operational goals.

With more than 20 years of diverse foodservice experience, Genesis brings a proven record of leadership, creativity, and strategic insight to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Africana Studies, a degree from the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (C.I.A.), and a Master’s in Business Administration. Genesis discovered her passion for healthcare foodservice early in her career, uniting her culinary expertise with a deep commitment to patient and community well-being. She has held various roles with distinguished organizations such as The Ritz-Carlton, Kaiser Permanente, and Keck Medicine, where she honed her ability to blend operational excellence with compassionate service.

A proud Los Angeles native, Genesis is dedicated to redefining the standards of healthcare dining through visionary leadership, collaboration, and innovation. She continues to inspire teams and elevate experiences, ensuring that every meal served supports healing, dignity, and human connection.

Biography

As Executive Chef Director of Nutrition Services for Cheney Public Schools since 2015, LJ has revolutionized K-12 dining by creating scratch-made, nutritious meals while championing sustainable practices to minimize food waste. His innovative approaches inspire students to embrace healthy, eco-conscious food choices. Beyond schools, LJ consults nationwide, collaborating with early childhood programs, the Washington Fire Chiefs Association to integrate sustainable menus into fire stations, and the Department of Defense to educate military families. As the founder of Richland Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute, he empowered future chefs to prioritize sustainability.
On the panel, LJ will share practical strategies to combat food waste, drawing on his servant leadership philosophy and culinary expertise. Using food as a universal language, he’ll challenge attendees to rethink waste through purpose-driven solutions, from community kitchens to institutional reforms, inspiring actionable change for a more sustainable future.

Sessions

2/24/26
9am-Rising Collection Costs- Celebrity Ballroom

2/25/26
11am- Food Waste in Education- Celebrity E