Celebrity Chef Jeff Henderson to headline 2025 Welty Gala at The W
Jeff Henderson, award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author and television personality, will be the featured speaker for Mississippi University for Women’s 2025 Welty Gala at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus.
“It’s a privilege to host Chef Jeff Henderson to The W and Columbus. His inspiring story will resonate with our students and community while speaking to the power of second chances,” said Nora Miller, university president.
Henderson will share his inspirational and emotional journey of redemption from the streets to the stove. Since discovering a passion and gift for cooking in the unlikeliest of places — prison, he completely turned his life around and today serves as a popular and powerful voice for self-transformation.
Henderson is the creator of Food Network’s reality series, “The Chef Jeff Project,” host of “Family Style with Chef Jeff” and the star of the nationally syndicated series, “Flip My Food with Chef Jeff.” He is also the best-selling author of two books.
From humble beginnings in South Central Los Angeles to life as an imprisoned drug dealer and then as an award-winning celebrity chef and best-selling author, Henderson serves as a role model for anyone who needs the encouragement to reinvent their life. His dynamic and engaging presentations help audiences discover their hidden business aptitudes, make life-changing decisions and gain a new foothold on the ladder to success.
“The Welty Gala is a cherished annual tradition supporting the MUW Scholarship Fund. This elegant, black-tie-optional evening brings together alumni and friends to celebrate the transformative power of education,” said Elise Wilson, interim executive director of Development and Alumni. “Proceeds from the event directly support scholarships for deserving students, helping them continue their academic journey and pursue their dreams.”
Gala sponsorships are available at various levels and offer attendees the opportunity to enjoy a private reception with the guest speaker, along with premium seating during dinner. A book signing and question-and-answer session will follow the program.
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Online registration is available at muw.edu/welty/gala.
To support or attend the Welty Gala, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni at (662) 329-7148.
To learn more about Chef Henderson, please visit www.chefjefflive.com/