Kira O’Brien is the Chief Impact Officer at Emma’s Torch, where she leads the organization’s culinary training program and social ventures. She joins the show to discuss the mission of Emma’s Torch, the success stories of her students, and how everyone can support immigrants in this current political climate. In this conversation we explore the data and demographics behind Emma’s Torch, the skills she teaches her students to thrive in some of the world’s best kitchens, and building a community through food in the New York City restaurant industry.

Emma’s Torch, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that provides refugees with culinary training and career support, will open a café and training center in downtown Silver Spring on June 12, according to a Tuesday press release from the upcoming restaurant.

Its new location is at 1200 East West Highway on the ground floor of the 1200 East West apartment building. It is the former home of NaiNai’s Noodle and Dumpling Bar.

Founder Kerry Brodie told Bethesda Today on Tuesday that she was thrilled about the opening and said an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony was a “huge milestone.”