Mina Hoyt

Hospitality Manager, Personal Touch Food Services at Bishop Kearney High School

Mina grew up in Greece, NY, and knew from the age of 10 that she wanted to be a chef. Coming from a large Persian and Italian family, baking and cooking have always been central to her life. Whether making Italian cookies with her aunts or learning Iranian dishes from her father, her path to a culinary career seemed inevitable. As a child, Mina dreamed of becoming an artist and working in a chocolate factory —so she blended her passions and became a pastry chef!

She refined her craft early on, attending We-Mo-Co’s vocational program for Pastry and Baking while still in high school. Her talent has taken her far, as a successful competitor in EPI’s Chocolate Ball Cake Competition and on several Food Network shows, including Bakers vs. Fakers, Girl Scout Cookie Championship, Holiday Wars, and more! She has also served as a judge on Food Network’s Buddy vs. Duff.

This year, Mina is returning to EPI’s Chocolate Ball for the first time as a judge! She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the competition and looks forward to seeing the creativity on display.