Shara joined Datassential in September 2023 to lead Elevate, a community initiative driving innovation through connection. Prior to joining Datassential, Shara worked for The Culinary Institute of America for 19 years, leading corporate relations and guiding program strategy for the strategic initiatives group. Through this role she connected foodservice manufacturers, commodity boards, and associations with thought leadership initiatives focused on health, sustainability, global cuisines, and innovation. Shara started her career in foodservice with brands from Mrs Fields to Marriott and Disney World, in a number of positions spanning the front- and back-of-house.. Shara holds a degree in Hospitality Administration from Boston University, and lives in Napa, CA with her husband and two children.