I am a creative community builder and multidisciplinary professional with over 20 years of experience in culinary leadership, editorial direction, and mission-driven program development. I specialize in connecting people through food, storytelling, and place-based engagement, using my skills to cultivate inclusive spaces where creativity, comfort, and care intersect. Throughout my career, I have designed and implemented impactful food equity programs, curated and managed events with numerous local vendors, and led community engagements that foster inclusivity and connection. I am passionate about advocating for food equity and local access initiatives, continually striving to make a positive impact through my work.

Twinkle Van Winkle

I am a creative community builder and multidisciplinary professional with over 20 years of experience in culinary leadership, editorial direction, and mission-driven program development. I specialize in connecting people through food, storytelling, and place-based engagement, using my skills to cultivate inclusive spaces where creativity, comfort, and care intersect. Throughout my career, I have designed and implemented impactful food equity programs, curated and managed events with numerous local vendors, and led community engagements that foster inclusivity and connection. I am passionate about advocating for food equity and local access initiatives, continually striving to make a positive impact through my work.

Available to hire

I am a creative community builder and multidisciplinary professional with over 20 years of experience in culinary leadership, editorial direction, and mission-driven program development. I specialize in connecting people through food, storytelling, and place-based engagement, using my skills to cultivate inclusive spaces where creativity, comfort, and care intersect.

Throughout my career, I have designed and implemented impactful food equity programs, curated and managed events with numerous local vendors, and led community engagements that foster inclusivity and connection. I am passionate about advocating for food equity and local access initiatives, continually striving to make a positive impact through my work.

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Work Experience

General Manager, Community Engagement & Instructor at Cafe Oztara @ The Damien Center
July 1, 2025 - August 24, 2025
Created seasonal menus and managed daily operations. Designed culinary training for high-risk clients and hosted community art and food events fostering engagement and inclusivity.
Community Engagement & Events Director at Niemann Harvest Market
July 1, 2024 - August 24, 2025
Built partnerships with 50+ local vendors and distilleries. Led teaching kitchen classes and managed Chef’s Meal Kit program. Coordinated cross-departmental programming and marketing initiatives.
Food & Dining Editor at Indianapolis Monthly
March 1, 2024 - August 24, 2025
Edited and wrote feature articles and cover packages, including the January 2024 cover story. Managed social media content strategy and a freelance team of seven writers. Participated in peer-reviewed editing and consistently met monthly deadlines.
Executive Chef & Culinary Instructor at The Patachou Foundation
January 1, 2022 - August 24, 2025
Led culinary programs serving over 1,500 students weekly. Developed farm-forward vegetarian menus and training systems. Implemented equity-focused school food program and collaborated on The Food Fellowship program to align food philosophy with job preparedness.
Chef & Prepared Foods Manager at Wildwood Market
January 1, 2019 - August 24, 2025
Managed recipe creation and inventory. Provided customer service and staff training to enhance operational efficiency.
Community Engagement & Creative Editor at The House Life Project
January 1, 2019 - August 24, 2025
Edited People + Property community publication. Led creative events and supported neighborhood storytelling to foster community connection.
Market Master & Marketing Lead at Hoosier Harvest Market
January 1, 2018 - August 24, 2025
Managed communications and vendor relationships. Created blog content and seasonal recipes to enhance market visibility.
Executive Director & Programming Lead at Girls Rock! Indianapolis
January 1, 2017 - August 24, 2025
Directed organization operations and created music education programs tailored for youth empowerment.
Editor at AIM Media
November 1, 2014 - August 24, 2025
Managed editorial strategy and freelance team. Edited culinary content including the Hoosier Harvest Cookbook.
National Lifestyle Producer at LIN Media
November 1, 2013 - August 24, 2025
Led lifestyle content production across markets. Produced interactive content and managed contributor networks.
Content & Video Producer at Angie’s List
October 1, 2010 - August 24, 2025
Created original video and written content. Supported growth of social presence and audience engagement.
General Manager, Community Engagement & Instructor at Cafe Oztara @ The Damien Center
July 1, 2025 - August 24, 2025
Created seasonal menus and managed daily operations. Designed culinary training for high-risk clients. Hosted community art and food events.
Community Engagement & Events Director at Niemann Harvest Market
July 1, 2024 - August 24, 2025
Built partnerships with over 50 local vendors and distilleries. Led teaching kitchen classes and managed Chef’s Meal Kit program. Coordinated cross-departmental programming and marketing.
Food & Dining Editor at Indianapolis Monthly
March 1, 2024 - August 24, 2025
Edited and wrote feature articles and cover packages. Produced January 2024 cover story. Managed social media content strategy and a freelance team of seven writers. Participated in peer-reviewed editing and maintained consistent deadlines.
Executive Chef & Culinary Instructor at The Patachou Foundation
January 1, 2022 - August 24, 2025
Led culinary programs serving 1,500+ students weekly. Developed farm-forward vegetarian menus and training systems. Helped implement equity-focused school food programs. Collaborated in creating and implementing the Food Fellowship Program for job preparedness and on-the-job training.
Chef & Prepared Foods Manager at Wildwood Market
January 1, 2019 - August 24, 2025
Managed recipe creation and inventory. Provided customer service and staff training.
Community Engagement & Creative Editor at The House Life Project
January 1, 2019 - August 24, 2025
Edited People + Property community publication. Led creative events and supported neighborhood storytelling.
Market Master & Marketing Lead at Hoosier Harvest Market
January 1, 2018 - August 24, 2025
Managed communications and vendor relationships. Created blog content and seasonal recipes.
Executive Director & Programming Lead at Girls Rock! Indianapolis
January 1, 2017 - August 24, 2025
Directed organization operations and created music education programs.
Editor at AIM Media
November 1, 2014 - August 24, 2025
Managed editorial strategy and freelance team. Edited Hoosier Harvest Cookbook.
National Lifestyle Producer at LIN Media
November 1, 2013 - August 24, 2025
Led lifestyle content across markets and produced interactive content managing contributor network.
Content & Video Producer at Angie’s List
October 1, 2010 - August 24, 2025
Created original video and written content. Helped grow social presence and audience engagement.

Education

M.A. Journalism & New Media at University of Mississippi
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
B.A. Creative Writing & Fine Arts at University of Mississippi
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003
M.A. Journalism & New Media at University of Mississippi
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
B.A. Creative Writing & Fine Arts at University of Mississippi
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003
A.A. Elementary & Adult Education at Northwest MS Community College
January 1, 2000 - August 24, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods