Music City Test Kitchen is a nonprofit organization located in Nashville, Tennessee, and is inspired by an organization from founder, Kaleb Wischmeier’s hometown of Fort Madison, Iowa called Elliott Test Kitchen. Music City Test Kitchen was created to provide an area for youth, a safe, nurturing environment that provides services to improve their lives. Music City Test Kitchen will provide an opportunity for our participants to step into the professional kitchen and learn valuable cooking skills from talented professional chefs. We strive to make an impact in the lives of the youth in our communities. By creating an environment where nourishing food, community and education is celebrated, we hope to be able to truly make a difference in the lives of the young people who step through our doors. Music City Test Kitchen will also be a great place for gatherings of all kinds, including organizational meetings, specialized culinary lessons, and other special events like concerts, and benefit dinners.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission for Music City Test kitchen is to educate, inspire, and connect members of our community through food, using expertise from local chefs, and educators.
OUR VISION
Our Vision for Music City Test Kitchen is to create an environment where cherishing education, culinary arts and each other is celebrated, and more importantly, accessible to all.
OUR VALUES
We will lead with kindness, humbleness, and commitment to making a difference in our communities through food and education. We believe in celebrating diversity in our communities and will lead with love in our hearts and minds.
Kaleb Wischmeier
Executive Director, Board President
Kaleb is from Fort Madison, Iowa and is the Founder, Executive Director and Board President of Music City Test Kitchen. He graduated from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa in 2018 with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. Kaleb brings with him over 5 years of experience in the culinary arts and hospitality industry, including baking and pastry, large and small event catering, fast casual concepts, and full service restaurant roles. Kaleb is currently working as a Personal Chef, serving individuals around the Nashville area. Kaleb is thrilled to be bringing Music City Test Kitchen to life in Nashville and hopes to be able to make a difference in the lives of those who participate in our programs. Kaleb has a passion for the service industry, and educational programs. He’s very excited to get the opportunity to put two of his passions together with Music City Test Kitchen.
Lanse Macke
Board Vice President, Director of Marketing
Lanse is originally from Southern California but has lived in Nashville for over five years and is proud to call Nashville HOME. Lanse is a founding member, Vice President, and Director of Marketing for Music City Test Kitchen. He graduated from Oregon State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in New Media Communications, and Music. Lanse brings over 5 years experience in nonprofit management with various organizations, and received his Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from the Center for Nonprofit Management here in Nashville. Lanse also has over 8 years experience working in the people/service industry, primarily as a marketing & advertising professional, project manager, consultant, and event planning. Lanse is excited to bring Music City Test Kitchen to Middle Tennessee, and to help connect students to our vibrant and extensive culinary and hospitality community here in Nashville! Come join the most inspirational kitchen in Nashville, Music City Test Kitchen – cooking, culinary, community, connections.
Wendi Cain-Fox
Board Secretary
Wendi Cain-Fox is the Board Secretary of Music City Test Kitchen. Wendi brings with her over 20 years of teaching experience. Wendi has an extensive background of teaching in the Nashville Metropolitan area. She brings knowledge, dedication and high energy to the team at Music City Test Kitchen. Her love for the Nashville area will help Music City Test Kitchen make connections to the community she has called home for so long! She has a passion for teaching and helping others, and we’re excited to have her on our team.
