The Richmond drive for excellence doesn’t stop after graduation. It’s typical for our Spiders to continue pushing themselves whether their next steps are graduate school, the business world or philanthropic initiatives.

Chris, ’05, and Meredith Powell, ’06, are an example of a Spider couple who not only started their own company, but are working tirelessly to make a difference in their community — and our country at large. They were recently named the James Beard Foundation’s 2017 Angel Award recipients for their work toward making America’s food culture more diverse and sustainable.

In 2013 the Powells founded Orange Door Hospitality, a community-focused kitchen, supper club and catering company in Maynard, Massachusetts. Since their company’s inception, Chris and Meredith have helped bring together chefs, farmers, food companies and others to work toward tackling some of the biggest challenges in today’s society, including food waste, sustainable agriculture and labor equality. 

In addition to Orange Door Hospitality and their involvement with James Beard Foundation programs, the Powells also both serve as trustees for the Osprey Foundation and spearheaded the Good Food Advocacy Movement, aimed at securing easy access to good food for all Americans.

“Chris and Meredith’s work within the food industry is truly remarkable, and their contributions to the James Beard Foundation have aided us in addressing the issue of sustainability within today’s culinary world,” said Kris Moon, vice president of the James Beard Foundation. 

Congratulations, Chris and Meredith! We’re proud of your hard work!