Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation

A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK

Service Has Always Been on the Menu.

Since 1958, when Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben’s Chili Bowl on historic U Street, our restaurant has been more than a place to eat; it has been a gathering place rooted in love, resilience, and community. From serving neighbors during the Civil Rights Movement to staying open through the 1968 uprisings to supporting first responders and residents, Ben’s has always stood at the crossroads of food, culture, and justice.

The Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation carries that spirit forward. Through youth empowerment, community partnerships, and local giving, the Foundation creates opportunities for neighbors to join us in giving back, ensuring that the same generosity that shaped our past continues to strengthen our city’s future.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Support the Foundation

Your support fuels everything we do. A donation to the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation helps uplift youth, strengthen local nonprofits, and empower the next generation of community leaders. But giving back isn’t only financial; everyone has something meaningful to contribute.

Ways You Can Get Involved:

  • Donate to support our youth programs and community partnerships.

  • Volunteer your time or skills to support Foundation events and initiatives.

  • Mentor a young person or share your expertise through our student programs.

  • Be a positive force in your neighborhood; small acts of kindness strengthen the whole community.

Group of people sitting around dining tables in a pizza restaurant, listening to a man in a suit speaking.

Ready to support?

DONATE NOW
DONATE NOW

If you’re interested in volunteering or have other questions, please contact us directly:

Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation
P.O. Box 73695
Washington, DC 20009
202-251-1975
benschilibowlfoundation@gmail.com

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Led by a Legacy of Service.

Each member of the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation Board shares a deep commitment to community and service. Our board includes educators, business leaders, nonprofit experts, public health professionals, and members of the Ali family, all working together to advance the Foundation’s mission.

  • Sheila Pradia-Williams Image

    Sheila Pradia-Williams, R.Ph., M.B.A.

    Board Chair
    Deputy Associate Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration

    Public health senior executive with 29+ years of experience improving healthcare access in underserved communities nationwide.

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  • Kamal Ali Image

    Kamal Ali

    Vice-Chair
    Co-Owner, Ben’s Chili Bowl

    Decades of leadership in hospitality, family business, and community giving.

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  • Rachel Kronowitz Image

    Rachel Kronowitz

    Vice-Chair
    Founding Partner, Gilbert LLP

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

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  • Winona Lake Image

    Winona Lake

    Secretary
    Senior Vice President of Operations, Ingennovation LLC

    Civil rights and equal opportunity leader with over 20 years of experience in government and organizational leadership.

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  • Sonya Ali Image

    Sonya Ali

    Co-Owner
    Ben’s Chili Bowl and Ben’s Next Door

    Oversees HR, menu development, and day-to-day operations.

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  • Raj Aggarwal Image

    Raj Aggarwal

    Board Member
    Founder and President, Provoc

    Guides over 450 nonprofits and socially responsible businesses in branding, marketing, and engagement.

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  • Michael Akin Image

    Michael Akin

    Board Member
    President, LINK Strategic Partners

    Former Chairman of the Greater Washington Urban League and the American Experience Foundation.

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  • Fredric Walls Image

    Fredric Walls

    Board Member
    Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

    Leads wealth management strategies and plays an active role in nonprofit and community leadership.

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  • Dr. Bernard Demczuk Image

    Dr. Bernard Demczuk

    Board Member
    Assistant VP for DC Government Relations, The George Washington University

    Over 40 years of service in community, corporate, and academic leadership.

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  • Sage Ali Image

    Sage Ali

    Board Member
    Co-Owner, Ben’s Chili Bowl

    Firstborn son of Ben and Virginia Ali; community advocate and martial arts instructor known for mentorship and leadership.

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  • Vida Ali Image

    Vida Ali

    Board Member
    Co-Owner, Ben’s Chili Bowl

    After 25 years in Hollywood’s entertainment industry, Vida returned to DC in 2009 to expand the Ben’s brand and honor Ben Ali’s legacy.

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  • Carl Blake Image

    Carl Blake

    Board Member
    Community Advocate

    DC resident for nearly two decades, passionate about creating opportunities for people of all economic backgrounds to reach their full potential.

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  • Stanley Mayes Image

    Stanley Mayes

    Board Member
    Co-Owner, Divine Shine; Real Estate Consultant

    DC native and Howard University graduate with advanced degrees in public policy and law from Rutgers University.

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  • Brian Summers Image

    Brian Summers

    Board Member
    Political Analyst, Republican Senatorial Committee

    Political strategist with 26 years of experience, including service as a presidential appointee under President George W. Bush.

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