Honoring Culture, Opening Doors: The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp Foundation’s Lasting Impact
When Ernestina Alonso first learned about the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, she saw a movement to empower young people, celebrate culture and heritage, and create real pathways into the culinary industry.
As President and CEO of the Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp Foundation, based in San Diego, Ernestina leads efforts to support initiatives that advance opportunities for Latino youth. A proud Latina herself, she felt an immediate connection to the Impact Fund’s purpose.
“I was struck by how directly the program opens doors for young people,” she said. “It’s not just about scholarships – it’s about opportunity, mentorship, and long-term change. That really stood out to me.”
The Kreutzkamp Foundation began supporting Emeril Lagasse Foundation five years ago. In 2022, when the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund became a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Ernestina and her team deepened their involvement, recognizing a shared focus on leadership development, culture, and community.
Founded by her family, Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp, the foundation’s mission is to strengthen communities and improve the lives of the most vulnerable—locally in San Diego and around the world. Under Ernestina’s leadership, the organization continues its legacy of compassion and collaboration. “I was raised by a strong, independent, and generous woman and an inspiring father figure who taught me the importance of creating social impact by serving others,” she said.
The same spirit of service guides Ernestina’s partnership with the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund. Through its support of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, one of the initiatives within the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, the CEK Foundation helps provide educational opportunities and strengthen alumni connections that create lasting change far beyond the classroom. “What excites me most is that the support doesn’t end with a scholarship,” she said. “These students have a community to lean on. That kind of sustained investment helps turn a dream into a lifelong career and builds networks that create generational impact.”
Over time, Ernestina has watched the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund evolve from opening doors to cultivating leaders who are reshaping the culinary industry.
“The ripple effect is powerful,” she reflected. “Students become professionals, alumni give back, and the community grows stronger. I’m proud to be part of that journey.”
Ernestina’s belief in mentorship and culture mirrors what drives the Impact Fund every day. Her leadership reflects the same heart and purpose behind the program – lifting others, honoring heritage, and helping students grow into confident, creative leaders.