Valeria Milagros Sanchez Silva Molinelli (she/her)


Senior Instructor College of Food Innovation & Technology Culinary Arts Providence

Biography and Expertise

Born in Peru, Valeria Molinelli moved to the United States in 1998, establishing a dynamic culinary career spanning global internships in Ireland and Asia, catering, management, research and development, and private cheffing.

A credentialed educator and practitioner, Molinelli holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and a Certified Executive Chef certification. She bridges industry and academia by teaching foundational culinary labs alongside specialized sustainability courses such as Cooking From the Farmstand. Beyond the classroom, she fosters student success as a bilingual mentor and adviser for student organizations including Culinaria Latina, CFIT Champions and the SkillsUSA Rhode Island Chapter.

Molinelli specializes in modern Latin American cuisine, event planning and workforce trends. She actively applies this expertise as the summer executive chef for The Flavor Experience, directing large-scale culinary operations for more than 600 corporate food executives.

Education

AS
Johnson & Wales University

MAT
Johnson & Wales University

BS
Johnson & Wales University

AS
Johnson & Wales University

Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM)
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals

Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
American Culinary Federation

Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM)
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals

Chaine des Rotisseurs Inductee
Chaine des Rotisseurs

Advisor of the Year 2024
Student Engagement

CFIT Citizenship Award
Johnson & Wales University

The Vollrath Award, Certificate of Appreciation
Johnson & Wales University

Outstanding Service Award
Johnson & Wales University

Outstanding Service CCA Freshman Lab Pilot
Johnson & Wales University

Outstanding Service Award
Johnson & Wales University

Dean’s Award
Johnson & Wales University

Bread Bakers Guild of America

Chaine des Rotisseurs

Sanchez Silva Molinelli, V. & McHugh, A.
Female chefs are making inroads at these Newport restaurants

Exploring Chili Peppers: Heat, History, and Health Benefits
Oral Presentation
University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo 2025
Johnson & Wales University
Friedman Building
Providence
RI
United States

Efficiency to Maximize Food Production and Profit
Lecture
Hispanic Entrepreneurs
Hope & Main
Hope & Main Demo Kitchen
Warren
RI
United States

Healthier Hispanic Menu Alternatives for Public School Cafeterias
Demonstration
RIHSC Breakfast 2024
Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition
Crown Plaza Hotel
Warwick
RI
United States

Efficiency to Maximize Food Production and Profit
Lecture
Hispanic Entrepreneurs
Hope & Main
Hope & Main Demo Kitchen
Warren
RI
United States

California Pro Start Cup Competition
Competition Judging
California Restaurant Foundation
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach
CA
United States