Whitney Chen, 28 (New York), a former engineering consultant, quit her job and received a culinary certificate from L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Md., and worked her way up the culinary ladder to the line at a Three Michelin Star restaurant in New York City. A serious home cook turned professional chef, Whitney enjoys using the freshest seasonal ingredients in her cooking and believes that anyone can incorporate advanced techniques into making everyday meals that impress.