Shornalee Banerjee

Shornalee Banerjee Sous Chef

Shornalee is a Sous Chef with FLIK, Compass Group at Freddie Mac since April 2018. She has lived in Northern Virginia for the last 18 years with her husband and two doting daughters. She was born and raised in Mumbai, India. She owes much of her love and passion for cooking to her family, especially her mother and grandfather.

Her culinary training at Mumbai’s prestigious Sophia College almost did not happen. She was born with a minor birth defect with two short fingers and the absence of joints in one finger, on her right hand. Her Dean at the college had serious concerns about her succeeding in her chosen career and she was asked to leave. What clinched the deal? Her determination to give her all before giving up saw her successfully accomplish her Hotel Administration and Food Technology course with flying colors.

Her career has spanned across 2 continents and yes, the Atlantic Ocean! She has been a part of one of Asia’s largest flight kitchens, Disney Cruise Lines and Harris Teeter. She is passionate about eliminating food waste in the various sectors of the hospitality industry. She is a voracious reader, loves to potter in her backyard; growing vegetables she likes to cook and spend quality time with her family and friends.