Kerry Diamond is the co-founder and editorial director of Cherry Bombe, a biannual indie magazine about women and food. Adweek named Cherry Bombe one of 2014's five hottest new magazines. She is also the co-owner of three Brooklyn eateries: Nightingale 9, Wilma Jean, and Smith Canteen. In 2015, Kerry was named Best Restaurateur by Brooklyn Magazine.
Kerry has been called "Brooklyn's chicest restaurateur/editor" and has a career that spans not only food but beauty and fashion. Kerry has spoken at the TasteTalks Brooklyn Conference and the Women, Inspiration and Empowerment Symposium and has been featured in Vogue, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Marie Claire, Wall Street Journal, and other publications.
She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and currently serves on the school's alumni foundation board. She resides in Brooklyn.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
I was fortunate to be born in New York City, I'm the oldest of five, I went to 12 years of Catholic school, and I started working when I was 13. Those things probably shaped me more than anything else and all are things I really had no control over. Many things shape you before you begin to shape yourself.
How has your previous employment experience aided your position at Yahoo Food?
Having a background in editorial, PR and restaurants lets me look at the food world in a different way. I certainly bring a unique perspective to the mix. I think I have more sympathy for chefs and restaurateurs, for one thing!
What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Yahoo Food?
Two things. The massive size of Yahoo's audience is both a highlight and challenge. You need a solid mix of information that's broad and niche, so it's a balancing act. The second thing that's both a highlight and challenge is the current state of the food world. It's evolving fast and is somewhat schizophrenic. There's a healthy food revolution underway, but at the same time, a large part of the population remains obsessed with fast food. How do you balance that? What do you cover and why?
What advice can you offer women who are seeking a career in your industry?
These are interesting times. You don't have to sit around anymore and wait to be discovered or for someone to look at your resume or answer your email. You can start a blog, a video channel, great Instagram account, etc. You have more control over your destiny than at any other time in history.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
The lack of resources for working mothers. I don't have children, but even I know its b.s. Life shouldn't be so challenging for working mothers. Yahoo is one of the better companies in that regards with its maternity policy, parking spots for pregnant women, lactation rooms, etc.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
Mentorship has been everything, but I didn't realize that until recently. I always thought a mentor was like Obi Wan Kenobi or the guy in Karate Kid. Someone who spends time with you and really guides you. But sometimes mentors are just people who help you in small, but extremely meaningful ways. You might not realize how meaningful until much later.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Martha Stewart, and Anna Wintour.
What do you want Yahoo Food to accomplish in the next year?
I want Yahoo Food to be a site that everyone loves and turns to for recipes, food news, and entertainment. Beyond that, diversity is a big issue for me. The food media does a terrible job at showcasing how diverse the food world is. I'd love for Yahoo Food to be a site that's truly diverse and inclusive in terms of the people we cover.