The Judging Panel

Meet the celebrated chefs and foodies who will select the winners at Dish It Up.

Get Your Tickets Here!

Kiki Aranita

Kiki Aranita, Chef, Food Writer, Poi Dog Sauce Entrepreneur

Kiki Aranita is a chef, food writer, fiber artist, sauce entrepreneur, and recipe developer. Her Poi Dog sauces are rooted in Hawai'i-style cuisine and available nationwide. Aranita joined the Philadelphia Inquirer as a food writer in October 2024. Learn more at kikiaranita.com.


Christina 1

Photo Credit: Neal Santos

Christina Mitchell, @PhillyFoodLadies

Christina Mitchell is a Philly-based content creator who co-founded the page, @PhillyFoodLadies with her freshman year roommate, Becca Neckritz, at her alma mater, Temple University, to highlight their favorite places to eat and things to do in Philly! Since moving to Philly and starting her page in 2017, she has gained over 160,000 followers, eaten at hundreds of restaurants, and showcased countless small businesses, with the goal of exploring the city she loves and putting people on to some of the best kept “hidden gems.” In addition to her side hustle, she works full-time in food & beverage PR, and in her free time you can find her being active (likely barre, soccer, or volleyball), watching campy horror movies, listening to an audio-book, or hosting a wine and cheese night.


Josh Moore Aranita

Josh Moore, @JoshEatsPhilly

Josh Moore, known as @JoshEatsPhilly, is a Philadelphia-based food influencer and content creator who shares vibrant, engaging content that highlights the city’s dynamic culinary scene. His passion for food has led to a following of over 190,000 across social media platforms. Celebrated for supporting local, minority and women-owned businesses, Josh was named Philadelphia Magazine’s Food Influencer of the Year in 2023.


Waa-walk-4
Untitled design 81

Historia de Shakeda

Alyssa

Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa*, a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, was living with her parents.

Read Full Story
Untitled design 11

Candace's Story

When people consider domestic violence (DV), they often think of the adult victim/survivor. But what about the children who have seen or experienced the abuse; the boys, girls and young adults who have been afraid in their own home? Candace, who worked as a therapist at Women Against Abuse, witnessed her mother being abused for many years, is choosing to share her story to shine a light on this little told aspect of DV. These are her words.

Read Full Story
Kalias story

Khadijah's Story

It was young love, and it felt exciting. Looking back, there were red flags early on, but I didn’t see them at the time.

Read Full Story
Sarah_Johannsen_2

Sarah’s Story

Sarah joined Women Against Abuse in September 2010 through a partnership program with the German peace and volunteer organization ARSP.

Read Full Story
Tamika 3

Tamika's Story

I was 23 years old, a single mother, and pregnant with my second daughter. My fiancé had a drinking problem, and I took a lot of busted lips and sore arms until our daughter was born. I realized if I didn’t get out, my daughters wouldn’t see me as a strong person.

Read Full Story
William-spratley

William’s Story

William Spratley flicks through the text messages on his phone until he finds the one he’s been looking for. It’s from his 27-year old daughter, Ameya, and it’s the last words he will ever exchange with her.

Read Full Story
Megan

Megan's Story

I’ll never forget that moment when the judge asked, “Did he hit you?” I was standing in the courtroom, our 4-month old son sleeping in the baby carrier strapped to my chest. I didn’t know what to say. Everything else – the years of insults, the screaming in my face, the violence, the gaslighting, the drug abuse – was being overlooked. Just because you’ve never been hit, doesn’t mean you aren’t being abused.

Read Full Story
Dick-mackay

Dick MacKay’s Story

Dick MacKay knows the real reason for the holiday season—to bring hope to families in need.

Read Full Story
Sheila

Sheila’s Story

Sheila arrived at the Women Against Abuse Emergency Shelter after waking up in a hospital emergency room.

Read Full Story

If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

Sign up for Action Alerts, Updates & Newsletters!