Dave Terrazas

Dave Terrazas is an El Paso, Texas native who became interested in the culinary arts while serving on active duty in the Air Force. While traveling he learned about different cultures, building a knowledge of indigenous cuisines along the way. Dave later became a Homeland Security and defense analyst, focusing on social networks and civil unrest factors, including hunger and food insecurity. That work influenced Dave to begin a second career as a chef. He has since worked in various areas of the industry, including fine dining, institutional, emergency and disaster feeding operations, children's foodservice and education. Dave is a farm-to-table advocate, and in 2016 relocated to San Antonio to build the Culinary and Wellness Program at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. He champions garden-based learning in the classroom with the goal of helping communities in San Antonio build resiliency and food security. Dave currently manages and teaches the culinary arts program at the Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School. He also serves as a consultant to the City of San Antonio Metro Health District, and is a member of the Board of Directors with Gardopia Gardens. Dave found and joined SACXS this spring after attending the spring plant sale event.