In 2002, Monita Buchwald made the leap from the boardroom to the kitchen. After 22 years in the public relations field, she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump’s school) with a professional culinary degree.

Monita is now the recipe tester for Martha Stewart Living magazine, a position she has held since 2003. Previously, she worked at The Food Network, Pier Sixty (Abigail Kirsch catering) and Gastronomia. Monita also serves as a chef volunteer for City Harvest’s Operation Frontline

Prior to culinary school, Monita was Vice Chairman at the public relations agency Manning Selvage & Lee. During that time she represented many food and beverage companies such as Nestle, Nabisco, General Foods, Procter & Gamble.

Her career switch was motivated by a desire to translate a personal passion for food into a profession.