About Wahadi
I owe everything to my profession. Being a chef has given me a sense of purpose and belonging. I even met the love of life in culinary school. We don’t have children, but we have two seriously spoiled fur babies, Porter and Stanley. I love art, music and philosophy. I guess you could say I’m idealistic. I believe in the power of kindness, compassion and altruism.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am the executive chef for The University Of Nebraska's Dining Services. So, the short of it is I lead, and I feed. Also, I'm in good company because we have a great team and our leadership is amazing. The focus of my role is to assist in growing our culture and acumen, to prioritize things like culinary training, menu development, sanitation and safety. It also requires that I help assist my leadership in looking forward. A lot of that involves exploring our diversity of expression and industry trends, all the while keeping in mind our budgetary obligations. It can be very challenging work, but I am grateful for every moment.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The university, to me, is an engaging community. It’s not just an institute of higher learning; it's a place where you learn to view yourself as part of an eco-system, one that celebrates the things that make you unique. I came here because I have a genuine desire to add value to this community, and that’s what this organization does.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I like that everyone on campus is learning, whether it’s students, faculty, or staff. As long as you are learning, you are growing, and growth equals opportunity.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Every interaction is an achievement. If a customer is satisfied, I take great pleasure in that. I could talk about landmarks in my personal journey, people that I love, but the reality is I love us all. I take the most pleasure in being a person of value, and my secret is providing value for others. What greater thing could anyone achieve?
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I love classic cinema like Cary Grant, Sidney Poitier, Sean Connery and more. I’m a serious James Bond Fan. I like the idea of the world being saved by some guy with great taste in food, wine, and 100% worsted wool. Haha it’s comforting.
What is your life like outside of work?
I try to prioritize family, friends and community. My wife is an angel, and I always value our time together. Also, I volunteer my time to things I’m passionate about like fundraisers and charity events. I love reading biographies and self-improvement literature; otherwise, I’m pretty fixated on my work. Food is life!
