The 2025 South Beach Wine & Food Festival® was a fantastic gathering of great food, fun, and celebrity chefs. However, the real stars of the event were the FIU students, who impressed everyone with their skills.
Ashley Shapiro, the senior director of Festival program administration, shared her excitement: “The real highlight of my week was the students. They were exceptional this year.” Over 1,500 students from the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management took part in this four-day event, making it a premier platform for young talent.
The Festival is more than just an event; it’s a great learning experience. Students get hands-on opportunities, linking what they learn in class to real-life scenarios. Michael Cheng, Dean of the Chaplin School, emphasized this, saying, “The energy, innovation, and passion they experienced makes this event unique.”
Food Network star Robert Irvine with FIU students at his fitness-focused event.
Students play crucial roles at over 105 events across South Beach and other South Florida locations, such as Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. They assist in logistics, greet the attendees, and even work on sustainability efforts through the FIU Green Team, which has successfully saved over 40 tons of food waste in past years.
Candela Gonzalez, a graduate student, has been involved with the Festival for four years. She said, “It’s been an incredible experience. Being part of the FIU Green Team is fulfilling because we educate guests about sustainability.”
Celebrity chefs like Rachael Ray also praised the students, highlighting their hard work and dedication. In a recent article for the Miami Herald, she noted, “FIU students are the lifeblood of the festival. They don’t just witness the magic; they help create it.” Ray shared the success story of Andrew Kaplan, an FIU alumnus who volunteered at the Festival and now works as executive vice president for her culinary brand.
Such connections make the Festival a favorite among students, drawing them back every year. This event also provided a chance for students to meet the new FIU Interim President, Jeanette Nunez, who attended various activities.
For Samantha Wagner, the Festival is a family tradition. She’s participated for six years, and this time, both she and her brother are team leads. It’s a bittersweet moment as she prepares to graduate. She noted that “hands-on learning is unique and allows students to go beyond classroom discussions.”
Hospitality graduate students Samantha Wagner and Monique Blake during media interviews.
To date, the Festival has raised over $40 million for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Next year will be the Festival’s 25th anniversary, scheduled for February 19-22, 2026.
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