Dr. Wanida Lewis, CEO of Crescendo Foods, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the culinary landscape in Ghana. With a background in chemistry and food science, Dr. Wanida embarked on a mission to support food businesses and entrepreneurs through Ghana’s first shared commercial kitchen space and culinary hub, Crescendo.
Dr. Wanida’s academic journey, from Saint Augustine’s University to North Carolina Central University and North Carolina State University, equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to revolutionize Ghana’s culinary industry. As a Senior Economic Program Advisor in the US Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, she gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing capital and resources
In 2021, Dr. Wanida realized her vision by founding Crescendo Foods, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a shared commercial kitchen space and comprehensive support services to food businesses in Accra. Crescendo stands out for its FDA-approved kitchen facilities, workshops on food safety, food photography, importing/exporting, and food labeling, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive.
Dr. Wanida’s decision to start a co-kitchen space stemmed from her encounters with female entrepreneurs struggling to scale their businesses due to a lack of accessible kitchen facilities. Recognizing the need in the market, she took the initiative to bridge this gap and create a supportive environment for culinary innovation and growth.
As a female entrepreneur herself, Dr. Wanida understands the challenges faced by women in accessing funding and resources. Through Crescendo Foods, she aims to address these barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for culinary entrepreneurs, particularly women.
Crescendo Foods boasts two FDA-approved kitchens, providing a safe and certified space for cooking classes, food bloggers, and culinary enthusiasts. The FDA’s oversight ensures that all food products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy, further enhancing Crescendo’s reputation as a hub of culinary excellence.
Dr. Wanida’s vision for Crescendo Foods extends beyond providing kitchen space; she envisions a global community of support and collaboration, with opportunities for funding and scaling up businesses. By addressing the biases and challenges in accessing capital, she paves the way for a brighter future for culinary entrepreneurs in Ghana and beyond
Through Crescendo Foods, Dr. Wanida Lewis is not just creating a kitchen space; she is fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and excellence in the culinary industry, leaving a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Ghana.
