Gina Keatley

During her time as a student Keatley received multiple culinary awards from the New York chapter of the American Culinary Federation.[5]

In June 2007 Keatley co-founded and was CEO of Nourishing USA.[6][7] She spent five years as director of nutrition and culinary arts combating obesity and diabetes in food deserts in New York City.[8] She was nutrition consultant for several partnership organizations including The New York Yankees,[9] where she designed an outreach childhood weight management and wellness program. Delving into urban malnourishment issues and pushing for promotion of personal responsibility for health resulted in Turner Broadcasting naming her a CNN Hero.[1] She was named by L’Oreal as a Woman of Worth.[10] "Special Inspiration Awardee" at the Susan G. Komen Inspirational Awards[11] and a Wiley College Women of Excellence Awardee.[12]

In 2012, Keatley launched a private nutrition counseling center, Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. Gina received The President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award in 2013.[13]

In 2014, Keatley was named one of Collaborate Magazine's 40 Under 40[14] for her accomplishments as one of the industry's top young professionals. In 2015, Keatley became The American Ambassador of Malaysian Cuisine.[15]

In 2017, Keatley became the Editor-in-chief of Spiralized Magazine [16] and Creative Director of Tasty Bytes Magazine [17] and developed the iOS apps Fork Up Phone Down and The Dinner Bell to support healthy eating initiatives.

In December 2017, Keatley became a professor of International Cuisine at Queens College, City University of New York. In May 2018, Keatley facilitated the launch of SIMMER, a tech and food collaboration. In 2018, SIMMER began development of the app Hungry4Halal, a mobile application designed to help users find locations that serve halal cuisine.[18] In January 2022, Gina Keatley became the chief executive officer of the Sicilian Olive Leaf Tea Company and launched Matche, the world's first powdered olive leaf tea at the World Tea Conference and Expo.[19][20]

On May 16, 2023, Gina Keatley gave a TEDx Talk titled "The Journey to Finding Your Food Identity". The talk was released on TED's official YouTube channel and can be viewed here.

In her presentation, Keatley advocated for a redefinition of our relationship with food. She encourages her audience to explore diverse cuisines and be open to new culinary experiences. Keatley, a professor of international cuisine at the City University of New York and a prominent figure in food media and nutrition, underscores the belief that food is not merely sustenance. Rather, she argues, it is a conduit of connection, an embodiment of culture, and a source of joy.[37]

One notable moment in the talk involved her brewing tea from olive leaves, which later inspired the creation of the Matche Olive Leaf Tea by her company, The Sicilian Olive Leaf Tea Company. Keatley's emphasis on embracing new experiences and the importance of food in our lives aligns with the mission of her company.

Keatley's TEDx Talk serves as a platform for her message, "No one can start you but yourself." Through her work, she encourages individuals worldwide to explore their own food identity and to be open to trying unique, flavorful, and healthy food options.

• Gina Keatley at IMDb
• Official website
• Matche Olive Leaf Tea