2026 TASTE for Equity “Cultivate” event

On a beautiful summer evening in August at Maloof Wines cafe and estate vineyard in Forest Grove, TASTE for Equity hosted a unique progressive dinner that celebrated the land, farmers, makers, and people that nourish our community. Adelante Mujeres was the beneficiary of the “Cultivate” event, which was rooted in connection, recognizing that equity work is communal, shared, and built on relationships.

“What an incredible evening and night. To have this event located where food is cultivated was really special,” said Andrea Chunga-Celis, Adelante Mujeres Director of Development. “From the intimate conversations, learning about the chefs and winemakers to dancing under stars, it all was a blast!”

Guests were greeted by Los Mestizos Dance Group as they arrived, then enjoyed three different courses prepared by local BIPOC chefs. Chef Fatou Ouattara (AKÂDI) shared the flavors and traditions of West Africa, Chefs Manny Lopez and Suny Parry (Ki'ikibáa) shared Mexican cuisine from their childhoods, and Chefs Tracee and Brandon Hirahara (Kau Kau) shared food that drew on Hawaiian and Okinawan traditions. These courses were paired with wine from vintners Sofia Torres McKay (Cramoisi Vineyard), Lizzy Esqueda (Mijita Wine Co.), and Bee Maloof & Michelle McCaw Maloof (Maloof Wines). Finally, Daniel Huerta and Isabel Sanchez (Churros Locos) provided a sweet treat to end the night.

Guests were also treated to performances from Drag Me Outside, Gemanereida, and DJ Blas. David Wills-Ehlers of Zephyr Farm spoke from the heart about the importance of local, sustainable farming. And Natalia Hawrylak de Heny, our Marketing Lead at Adelante Mujeres, inspired guests with her personal story. “I participated and graduated from the Cultivando el Futuro from our Regenerative program in 2025, and for our last class, we had to create the garden of our dreams. I did the project with my children. And the best part? We actually started it. This season, we have been growing tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and other veggies in our backyard. Seeing my children go outside, picking their own fruits and vegetables, and eating something they helped grow is something very special to me.”