Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland
Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda has the edge of a New Yorker, the creativity of an artist, and the culinary skills of a true chef. Spending much of her childhood in sunny California, Lucy’s family relocated to Lakeland where she inherited an affinity for cooking from her father. Her natural curiosity and inquisitive nature led her from farmer’s markets to mid-town kitchens as she sharpened her skills and expanded her knowledge. She eventually worked her way through culinary school and headed to Brooklyn. Lucy returned to Lakeland and joined the Red Door team in January 2020 – and she brought her spunk and skills with her.
Community Leader Alice Koehler, Iron Horse Family Foundation
Alice is a graduate of Florida Southern College, a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, a mother, and a life-long learner. Her work experience is comprised of more than 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with roles in social mobilization, teaching, project origination and management, grant writing, fundraising, executive leadership, and creatively seeking ways to improve social conditions.
Alice currently serves as the President and CEO of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine where she gets to engage the community and ensure that Polk County’s working uninsured residents have access to high-quality, compassionate and free primary health care.
In addition to her role at LVIM, Alice serves as the Executive Director of the Iron Horse Family Foundation, a private family foundation that supports organizations’ efforts to improve the lives of children.
