The Idaho Potato Commission along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education selected Tracy Figueroa, culinary instructor at the Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park Campus, to receive the 2025 Postsecondary Educator of the Year award. This national honor recognizes an educator’s professional commitment to the educational community and foodservice industry. 

Chef Figueroa is dedicated to advancing the foodservice industry and shaping the next generation of culinary professionals. She regularly goes above teaching responsibilities by being actively engaged in curriculum development, industry collaborations and professional development initiatives enhancing the quality of culinary education. She illustrates equal dedication to her students through mentoring, competition coaching and consistently integrating modern culinary trends into coursework. 

“Tracy’s approach to teaching is not only engaging, but also fosters critical thinking and creativity,” said Susie Tucker, director of culinary schools & bakery at Cooks Bellecour/Cooks of Crocus Hill. “She continuously seeks personal growth through her various committee volunteerism, professional development, industry networking, community involvement and memberships in various organizations.” 

Student Yer Yang-Robertson reported that Chef Figueroa inspires confidence in her students. “Chef Tracy overflows with confidence in her job as a culinary professor. She is engaged in the process of teaching culinary details, building relationships and helping students grow into their futures.”

Hennepin Technical College Academic Dean Mark Johnson noted Chef Figueroa’s positive impact on every critical metric the college uses to measure success - enrollment, student persistence, retention and award completion. “She leads by example and with grace,” he said. 

Chef Figueroa said in her application, “Throughout my career, I have been committed to equipping people and culinary students with the technical skills, creativity and the industry knowledge needed to succeed.”

The Postsecondary Educator of the Year award provided Chef Figueroa with a $1,000 cash prize, commemorative plaque and complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2025 Leadership Conference held this summer in Pittsburgh.

Click here to go back to the 2025 CAFÉ award recipients list.