Zahara Kathawalla Memorial Scholarship

Zahara Kathawalla was a vibrant and adventurous young woman who embraced life with infectious joy and curiosity. Born in Minneapolis, MN, Zahara graduated from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her life was tragically cut short and her family started the Zahara Kathawalla Foundation (www.zaharakfoundation.org) to support young adults to pursue the things Zahara always loved.

Her passion for exploring new cultures, trying diverse cuisines, and connecting with people from all walks of life made her a true global citizen. During her time studying abroad in Singapore, Zahara’s love for food and cultural exploration flourished. She immersed herself in the local culinary scene, discovering hidden food stalls and savoring authentic dishes that even long-time residents had yet to uncover. This experience exemplified Zahara’s approach to travel – not just visiting tourist sites, but truly engaging with the local culture and its people.

Zahara’s zest for travel took her to nearly 40 countries, where she turned strangers into friends and experienced cultures in their most authentic forms. She believed in mindful eating, savoring each bite of her favorite desserts, and using food as a bridge to connect with others. Her ability to forge connections across cultures and her genuine interest in people made her a natural ambassador for cross-cultural understanding.

The Zahara Kathawalla Memorial Scholarship with the Culinary Institute Of America aims to honor Zahara’s legacy by supporting students who share her passion for culinary arts, cultural exploration, and fostering connections through food. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing culinary education with a focus on international cuisine and cross-cultural culinary experiences. Recipients will be encouraged to embrace Zahara’s spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness to new experiences in their culinary journey.