Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) is thrilled to recognize Leah Zvanovec as the 2026 HTM Educator of Excellence for her outstanding contributions to the next generation of culinary professionals through her work at Shakopee High School.

About Leah: 

As a business educator and CAPS instructor, Leah empowers students to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. She invests significant time helping students develop business plans and marketing strategies that launch actual ventures. Leah also fosters deep connections with industry partners, arranging for professionals to provide authentic career insights and organizing field trips to local companies.

Her impact extends to her role as a DECA advisor, where her coaching has led numerous students to qualify for international conferences. Leah’s ability to collaborate across disciplines—including engineering and media—ensures her students see the bigger picture of how business connects to the world around them.

Join the Celebration: We invite you to honor Leah at the 2026 Scholarship Breakfast on May 5 at The Beach Club in Minneapolis.