World’s 50 Best announce 2024 Champions of Change: Jessica Rosval, Caroline Caporossi and João Diamante

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants have announced the recipients of its 2024 Champions of Change awards, honouring those making significant strides in the hospitality industry towards positive impact and sustainable progress within their communities. This year’s winners include an Italy-based duo renowned for their initiative aiding migrant women and a Brazilian chef dedicated to improving the futures of young individuals in Rio’s favelas. In recognition of their efforts, 50 Best will provide financial support to further the winners’ causes, contributing to the continued development of their impactful projects.

Jessica Rosval and Caroline Caporossi, Roots (Modena, Italy)

Jessica Rosval and Caroline Caporossi, the founders of Roots in Modena, Italy, have been recognised for their social enterprise which doubles as a co-working space by day and a restaurant by night. Their initiative focuses on empowering migrant women through culinary training, aiming to integrate them into professional environments as chefs. Roots offers a unique model of social impact, providing not just employment opportunities but also a platform for these women to showcase their cultural and culinary heritage.

João Diamante, Diamantes Na Cozinha (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

In a similar vein, João Diamante, the visionary behind Diamantes Na Cozinha in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been celebrated for his work with the youth of the city’s favelas. Diamante’s project educates young people in cooking, nutrition, and hospitality, steering them away from the prevalent issues of organised crime and drug addiction in these communities. Through his restaurant and culinary school, Diamante has managed to impact over 3,000 lives, offering a beacon of hope and a path to a brighter future for many.

The Champions of Change award, initiated in 2021 amidst the hospitality sector’s recovery from the pandemic, aims to spotlight those in the industry striving for innovation and reform.

William Drew, director of content for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, emphasised the importance of recognising individuals who contribute significantly to the betterment of their communities and the global hospitality landscape.

This year’s award ceremony, which will take place in Las Vegas in June, is set against the backdrop of an extensive programme celebrating culinary excellence, including the thought-leadership forum #50BestTalks and the Chefs’ Feast, culminating in the awards ceremony on 5^th June.

Food Desk

For further information about Roots visit their website here, for Diamantes Na Cozinha visit here.