Kherut

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Yves Masquéfa

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Yves Masquėfa, Founder & Executive Director, brings over 50 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He began his career at age fourteen as a busboy and worked his way through every level of restaurant operations, ultimately owning and operating his own establishment for more than 30 years. This hands-on experience shapes Kherut’s practical, skills-based training model. Yves has long been committed to serving others, supporting hundreds of charitable efforts across Orange County through his business and church. His passion for service has also taken him internationally, where he provided meals and support to hurricane victims in New Orleans and served vulnerable populations in Ukraine and Kenya. In 2013, he partnered with Missions of Hope International to establish a cooking school in Joska, Kenya, creating vocational opportunities for orphans and at-risk youth. After returning to the U.S., Yves focused on local impact, working with marginalized youth through the Anaheim School District, Teen Court, and Higher Ground. During this time, he identified a critical gap in employment opportunities for survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable women. In response, he developed a workforce training model centered on culinary skills and real-world experience. This vision led to the founding of Kherut in 2019. Under his leadership, Kherut has grown into a workforce development organization equipping women with job skills, paid training, and pathways to long-term independence.

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