Lauren V. Haas is a pastry innovator and educator driven by a powerful purpose: to inspire, empower, and elevate chefs within the pastry industry.
Lauren developed a deep understanding of the art and science of pastry in kitchens across the United States, including The White House, the Inn at Little Washington, and the Hotel duPont.
During her 11-year teaching tenure at Johnson & Wales University, she honed her skills as an experienced educator and leader while collaborating with brands such as Cacao Barry, Sosa, and 100% Chef. In 2020, Lauren undertook the role of Lead Chef at the Chocolate Academy in North America by Barry Callebaut.
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of her creative philosophy, and in 2017 she earned a master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems, deepening her advocacy for responsible practices within the food industry.
Lauren’s contributions to the pastry industry have been recognized globally. In 2023, she received the La Liste Game Changer Award, an international honor celebrating visionaries shaping the future of gastronomy. In 2016, Lauren was distinguished as one of the “Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America’ by Dessert Professional, and in 2018, she was honored as one of the nation’s “Top Educators” by Bake magazine. Her work has garnered global recognition and has been featured on the cover of publications such as So Good Magazine.
Currently, Lauren is a professor at the Culinary Institute of America, where she seeks to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.
Education:
MS, Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT. BS, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI.
Professional Experience:
Lead Chef, Chocolate Academy North America, Chicago, IL. Associate Professor, Interim Dean of Baking & Pastry and Department Chair, Johnson & Wales University, Providence. Consultant, John E. Koerner Co., New Orleans, LA. Corporate Assistant Pastry Chef, Albert Uster Imports, Gaithersburg, MD. Pastry Consultant, The White House, Washington, DC. Head Chocolatier, CoCo Sala, Washington. Executive Pastry Chef, IndeBleu Restaurant, Washington.