Elizabeth Ziegler

I feel like I am a very lucky person and I plan to share my good fortune with others.

My name is Liz Ziegler. I am originally from Weston, Massachusetts and am a 1985 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. While attending the CIA, I had the great fortune of meeting my husband, Matt, who was also studying at the best cooking school in the country. I am very grateful that my parents were able to afford tuition because attending the CIA was an experience I will never forget or stop appreciating.

After graduation, Matt and I traveled and worked across the country. I was a chef at restaurants, resort hotels and catering. We settled down in Colorado Springs, CO where we have now lived for 33 years. After having children and needing better work hours in order to raise a family, I went into food sales which eventually led me to my current job.

I am the Director of Culinary at Waypoint. Waypoint is a national sales and marketing company where I have worked hard for many years to reach this unprecedented culinary director position. I have just reached my 10-year anniversary with this company. Waypoint is not only comprised of talented salespeople, but we also have a team of 100 culinarians across the country. I manage, mentor and direct my team of Corporate Executive Chefs on a national level aside from many other responsibilities.

My passion is mentoring others who have the same inspiration and drive. I’m a firm believer in giving back and paying forward. For many years, I have had the desire to support a student through culinary school; the CIA has graciously offered to assist me in this endeavor.

It is my proud honor to announce the Liz Ziegler ’85 Mentorship Scholarship; a scholarship that will be awarded to a student residing in the state of Colorado who is attending The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where I got my start. I firmly believe in an abundant universe where anything is possible.

My hope is that this scholarship will make a huge difference to a CIA student who may not have the financial means or family support to achieve their education and career aspirations.