Celebrating Culture, Elevating Voices
Rooted in Heritage and Excellence
Our Journey to Culinary Impact
From Soulfood Roots to Leadership
For over fourteen years, Mrs. O has defined hospitality through passionately inventive soulfood and the energy of live production. Her culinary path began in the heart of Minnesota, transforming simple family recipes into the centerpiece of vibrant gatherings and backstage celebrations. As chef and founder of RCK Soulfood, Mrs. O became a staple of both community tables and major concert tours, building a reputation as the go-to caterer for artists demanding flavor and consistency at the highest level. This relentless pursuit of excellence created the foundation for Plates & Partners - a culmination of chef-driven brilliance, cultural heritage, and transformative storytelling.
Inspired by those behind-the-scenes moments and the desire to amplify stories often left out of the spotlight, Mrs. O envisioned a platform fueling more than appetite. Her leadership brings together fine dining, soulful performance, and creative partnership, expanding beyond traditional catering to immersive events that celebrate every chef's voice. Plates & Partners now stands as the living legacy of her journey, infusing every experience with cultural richness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to community upliftment.
Building a Movement for Change
Plates & Partners was born from a resolute mission: to uplift Black women chefs, empower minority-owned businesses, and craft experiences where culture shines. Moving past the standard model of dining or event production, this platform gives brilliant chefs and passionate entrepreneurs a chance to collaborate, be seen, and thrive on stages once out of reach.
Every signature event - whether a multi-chef showcase or culinary competition - becomes a canvas for storytelling, connection, and collective celebration. Chefs are given more than a seat in the kitchen; their heritage becomes the heart of multi-sensory spectacles witnessed by national audiences. Vendors and small businesses gain visibility and economic opportunity, while guests step into elegant spaces that place artistry, partnership, and community at the forefront.
By blending high-profile dining, live entertainment, and hands-on mentorship, Plates & Partners bridges culinary tradition with innovation. It stands as a vibrant movement, writing new narratives for how food interacts with culture, shining a light on stories waiting to be told, and inviting all to join in reimagining what dining can become.
Meet Our Team
At the center of Plates & Partners is a team whose expertise spans culinary artistry, creative direction, event production, and community building. Each member brings passion, vision, and dedication to excellence - fostering an environment where chefs receive mentorship, stories ignite connections, and every guest feels the pulse of belonging and celebration. Collaboration fuels this movement, and together, we lift voices and amplify culture through unforgettable experiences.
Orneary Conley
Founder, Executive Producer, and catalyst for the Plates & Partners vision, Orneary Conley - known as Mrs. O - brings together over fourteen years of culinary mastery and tour-level event expertise. Her leadership shapes every partnership, production, and chef's journey on the Plates & Partners stage.
Toni Washington
Toni E. Washington steers the brand's visual narrative as Creative Director and Marketing Strategist. She crafts each event's look, chef story, and guest experience, ensuring every moment aligns with artistic excellence and celebrates the diverse voices at the movement's core.