Hi! My name is Lauren Ravalico. I’m an Assistant Professor of French & Francophone Studies, a faculty affiliate in Women’s & Gender Studies, and the Director of Global Foodways. I’m so happy that you are here on our blog! I really hope to see you at some of our events. You can learn more about my motivation for coordinating this yearlong program on the “Press” page. I am thrilled to have Josie, Abbey, and Casey working with me on this initiative. Check out Josie and Abbey’s beautiful photo essays about our various events on the “Sights and Sounds” page. I was able to hire these two industrious students thanks to a major grant award from SC Humanities.

Hi! My name is Josie Cataldo and I’m a junior at the College of Charleston where I’m pursuing a major in English and a minor in French. I’m originally from a small town called Hingham, Massachusetts, but I fell in love with the city of Charleston the moment I visited in 2016. It’s been two years since moving here, and I’m thriving in the most beautiful city in the world, immersing myself in the sweet Southern culture that I’ve grown to love and live by. Some of my hobbies include running, reading, going to the beach, and photography, and Charleston is the perfect place for me to exercise my passions and live the life I’ve always dreamed of. I have strong ties to and a special place in my heart for the wonderful city of Charleston, South Carolina, and Global Foodways affords me the opportunity to go out into the community I know and love and leave it better than I found it.

Hi! My name is Abbey Phillian. I am currently a freshman at the College of Charleston where I’m double majoring in Elementary Education and French and minoring in Anthropology. After studying French for five years and taking an introductory anthropology class, I became interested in learning about the characteristics and traditions of different cultures. Being able to work alongside Dr. Ravalico on Global Foodways brings me the perfect opportunity to study the unique roles that food plays in societies. Some of my hobbies include playing in band, writing to my pen-pal, and watching movies!

Hi! My name is Casey Smith. I am the Language Lab Director for the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. I am also the administrative assistant for both the African American Studies Program and Asian Studies Program. I am happy to be working on this endeavor and assist in the marketing of Global Foodways events, courses, and news.