Susan Garcia Treischmann

A longtime volunteer and food services entrepreneur, Susan Garcia Treischmann merged her passion for food and service by starting Curt’s Cafe (Curt is shorthand for Cultivating Unique Restaurant Training), a non-profit restaurant in Evanston, Illinois that provides life skills and on-the-job training for at-risk youth. Susan was recognized as a L’Oreal Woman of Worth in 2013 for her innovative charitable work.

As an original member of Restorative Justice Evanston, a non-profit that helps criminal offenders and their victims make peace with each other and return to society, Susan learned the best way to prevent repeat offenses was to help offenders find employment.

Curt’s Cafe is how Susan carries out the vision to break the cycle of crimes committed by youths ages 15-24, giving them work experience so they can succeed. The work these youths do at Curt’s Cafe gives them the opportunity to redefine themselves and participate in their community through mentorship and ongoing support.