Dana Cowin is an award-winning editor, author, podcast host and convener who propels change and fosters resilience through food and joy.

Founder of Progressive Hedonist, Cowin has launched a national potluck series to build community, support local food, reduce food waste and deepen commitments to healing the planet through joyful gatherings. Since 2024, she's hosted dozens of events in 15 states, as well as produced a podcast that was a finalist for a James Beach Foundation award.

This movement builds on Cowin’s experience creating Speaking Broadly, which featured events, a zine and podcast spotlighting visionary women at the intersection of creativity, sustainability and food.

In traditional media for most of her career, Cowin was Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine for more than 20 years, leading all editorial aspects of the brand including print, digital, books and the Best New Chefs franchise. She has written extensively on food and culture, including a cookbook, "Mastering My Mistakes in the Kitchen: Learning to Cook with 65 Great Chefs and 100 Recipes." Cowin has been a judge on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay as well as a speaker at SXSW, the Welcome Conference, TEDx Manhattan, and many other events.

She's on the board of Food Education Fund and, as well as the Food Council of City Harvest and Hot Bread Kitchen.