Wendy Gauthier

Owner, Chef Chic

Age: 30

Community involvement: Angel Ball; American Cancer Society; National Association of Women Business Owners; the Eye Ball; Northern Pima Chamber; The United Way; Big Brothers Big Sisters; One on One Partners, mentor

First paying job: Worked at a charm school for kids

Proudest professional accomplishment: Being elected chairperson for the National Advisory Council for the U.S. Professional Chefs Association

Unique thing no one knows about you: I turned down a partial scholarship to JMU (James Madison University) for the xylophone to go to the Culinary Institute of America.

A word from the nominator: "As a national leader in her industry, she is influencing the entire industry with her leadership and innovative practices. Her vision is to see the Chefs Association take on a Best Practices approach from many of the business practices she has implemented in her own business." - MJ Jensen, owner, Idea Magic