David Hertz

 Born in São Paulo, he began his career as a professional cook before discovering his true calling: using food as a tool for social transformation.In 2006, he founded Gastromotiva, a non-profit organisation that promotes social inclusion and sustainable development through culinary education. The project provides free culinary training for disadvantaged young people, encouraging entrepreneurship and improving their employability prospects.

Hertz is also one of the co-founders of the Refettorio Gastromotiva in Rio de Janeiro, which was created in collaboration with Italian chef Massimo Bottura and journalist Alexandra Forbes during the 2016 Olympic Games. This soup kitchen transforms surplus food into nutritious meals for homeless people, combining sustainability, art, and hospitality.

Furthermore, Hertz is a global advocate for the social gastronomy movement, participating in conferences and collaborating with the UN and other international organisations.