Partnerships
A Look at Our Partners…Past & Present
At 14 Caliber, we work closely with operators, producers, and management companies who are in the business of serving others, redefining the status quo, and creating systemic and sustainable change. We have proudly partnered with game-changers such as:
Foodservice Management & Manufacturing
Finance & Risk Management
Nonprofit
Strategic Communications
Testimonials
Words from Our Amazing Partners & Friends
Swipe to the left to advance each testimonial. ⬅️
Many thanks go out to those who took time to reflect on our work together.
“Our team hired Keziah Calmese as a consultant with operational and marketing expertise to support the launch of our new state of the art central manufacturing facility. This building is the first of its kind in the nation to combine both operations and academics on the same property and includes a manufacturing kitchen, and education center as well as an operational farm and garden. Keziah has supported and continues to support our department with marketing, communications, operations, garden and nutrition education and people development. She was a critical member of the strategic planning process including goal setting, resource allocation and analysis, plus she worked closely with the local design firm for the creation of the new brand, logo, and tagline. Keziah is a subject matter expert on operational excellence and has the unique ability to hold both the big picture as well as all the details together because she is keenly aware of our needs. She has been a thorough and thoughtful partner and continues to provide great ideas and guidance.”
Irene was the Executive Director of Nutrition Services for Oakland Unified School District, in partnership with 14 Caliber. She now works as an executive in risk and safety management.
Irene was the Executive Director of Nutrition Services for Oakland Unified School District, in partnership with 14 Caliber. She now works as an executive in risk and safety management.
Irene
“Working under the leadership of Ms. Calmese was one the best moments in my career. She empowered me to realize my marketing leadership qualities as well as apply them in my job. Ms. Calmese was instrumental in my professional development and her coaching has inspired me to continue to learn and grow both on the job and in higher education as I pursue my MBA in Innovation Management.”
Michelle was a Marketing Manager with Aramark and was an amazing asset to Keziah’s team. She now works as a product manager with Newell Brands and recently graduated with her MBA.
Michelle
“I had the privilege to grow and learn beside Keziah for four years in the Hotel School at Cornell University. We worked on many group projects during our time at Cornell, including a marketing proposal which won first-place honors within a course competition and later received university-wide recognition in a second competition as one of the top business plans created that year. Keziah’s creativity, drive, and quick business competence was essential to our project’s success and her contributions in the classroom furthered my learning greatly. Likewise, I know she was a valued member of the entire class–peers would quickly seek out her advice and partnership on projects when possible.”
Jason was a former classmate of Keziah’s during her time Cornell University. He is currently a global DEI consultant, entrepreneur, and activist based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jason was a former classmate of Keziah’s during her time Cornell University. He is currently a global DEI consultant, entrepreneur, and activist based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Jason
“I had the pleasure of working on Keziah’s team at Aramark supporting the Chicago Public School District. She is the true essence of a giving business partner. She always seeks for the voice of the client to be heard and is very skilled at implementing strategies that benefit the long-term stability of a business. She truly values her role as a coach and mentor, and is highly respected among her peers. I would work with her again in a heartbeat! She would be an amazing asset for any organization.”
John was a summer intern with Aramark, and worked on Keziah’s marketing and communications team. He now works in Talent Acquisition and is pursuing a master’s in Human Resources.
John
“Keziah supported me to take a project from a bare bones idea to a fully executed pilot program with great skill and humor. She was a thought partner, cheerleader, consultant on strategy, designer, and career coach, depending on what was best for the circumstance at hand. Keziah clearly communicated how she could and could not support projects, which made it easy to understand how to work with her. At each step of the process I was fully confident that Keziah would follow through on her commitments thoroughly and professionally. We developed a structure for student engagement in school food and nutrition education for our district that was customized to the circumstances at hand, and Keziah provided important guidance on everything from strategically including important partners and leaders in the work to the details of graphic design direction. I was honestly surprised at how well our first two years turned out, and Keziah’s support helped build the foundation for us to grow from. Now we have greater experience in gathering, processing, and sharing customer insights that will serve our programs at a pivotal moment. On top of it all, it was a personal joy to interact with Keziah throughout this work, and I am grateful for the laughs and the support.”
Lydia is a Wellness Specialist in the education space, and has worked with FoodCorps, Hope Collaborative, and People’s Collective Kitchen in the Bay Area.
Lydia is a Wellness Specialist in the education space, and has worked with FoodCorps, Hope Collaborative, and People’s Collective Kitchen in the Bay Area.
Lydia
“Having had the opportunity to work with Ms. Calmese in multiple roles, it has been my ultimate pleasure to build a long lasting relationship. Ms. Calmese has shown great strategic thought leadership, a strong work ethic, and a capability to build trust with her clients. I have seen her operate in both a large corporate environment as well as working with the small business owner. She focuses on what is important and leads to the best outcomes for all. I started a consulting business in 2017. Because of my experiences with Ms. Calmese it was natural that when I had a client who needed additional support beyond what I could provide, I would reach out and recommend her. My clients have been extremely happy with her services and have extended scopes of work where possible to keep her engaged in activities such as operational support, marketing, branding, communications and strategic planning. I look forward to our continued collaboration and future opportunities.”
Leslie is a leading foodservice industry expert, consultant, and advisor specializing operations, financial management, and people leadership. She is currently the founder and CEO of AFYA Food Service Management. Keziah is honored to call Leslie both a mentor and a friend.
Leslie is a leading foodservice industry expert, consultant, and advisor specializing operations, financial management, and people leadership. She is currently the founder and CEO of AFYA Food Service Management. Keziah is honored to call Leslie both a mentor and a friend.
Leslie
“Keziah is passionate about food, storytelling, and nourishing communities in need. Since launching 14 Caliber Consulting three years ago, we have watched her exponentially grow the business, bringing her passion and dedication to developing brand strategies, menu ideation, team building, and more, for clients big and small. From Las Vegas to Reno, Chicago to Oakland, and to Wisconsin and beyond—she brings her work ethic and candor to every project and delivers 100%. Keziah’s infectious laugh combined with her attention to detail brings joy and confidence to every engagement and we are so proud to see the continual manifestation of her vision.”
Danai and Sienna are Keziah’s thought partners, confidantes, and best friends.
Danai is the VP of Social Good & Advocacy for Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, and formerly the Communications Outreach Director for the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Sienna is the VP of Community and Social Affairs for Lady Askari, a Kenya-based risk management service provider that focuses on capacity building for women in the security industry; Sienna and Keziah graduated together from the Cornell Hotel School in the class of 2007.
Danai and Sienna are Keziah’s thought partners, confidantes, and best friends.
Danai is the VP of Social Good & Advocacy for Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, and formerly the Communications Outreach Director for the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Sienna is the VP of Community and Social Affairs for Lady Askari, a Kenya-based risk management service provider that focuses on capacity building for women in the security industry; Sienna and Keziah graduated together from the Cornell Hotel School in the class of 2007.
Danai and Sienna
“From my first interaction with Keziah, I knew that working with 14 Caliber was going to be fun, well thought out, and to the point. We have been being working with 14 Caliber for two years and the experience is always above expectation and our bid and RFP outcomes prove it. We look forward to working together on our next proposal.”
Anthony is the co-owner of Open Kitchens, a food manufacturing and service management company in Chicago. He also serves its Vice President of Operations.
Open Kitchens has been awarded National Women’s Business Enterprise Certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a woman-owned, operated, and controlled business. Open Kitchens is also WBE certified by the State of Illinois.
Anthony is the co-owner of Open Kitchens, a food manufacturing and service management company in Chicago. He also serves its Vice President of Operations.
Open Kitchens has been awarded National Women’s Business Enterprise Certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a woman-owned, operated, and controlled business. Open Kitchens is also WBE certified by the State of Illinois.
Anthony
“I had the pleasure of working with Keziah Calmese at the Chicago Board of Education. I can confidently recommend Keziah’s high quality, and professional work. As I have worked with her, I can truly say for sure that Keziah represents some of the best in the industry. In addition, Keziah works extremely well with her subordinates and peers to achieve business objectives. Keziah is a meticulous leader of project requirements and manages to stay focused on the voice of the client to solidify the criteria for successful solutions.“
Juan is a Chef Manager at Chicago Public Schools.
Juan is a Chef Manager at Chicago Public Schools.
Juan Burrell, Chef Manager, Chicago Public Schools