Vel Scott

Board of Trustee

Vel Scott was the creative force behind Vel’s Entertainment Complex, a restaurant-banquet and night club facility, located in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle, where the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Art Museum, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and many other fine institutions are located.

Scott is very adamant about wellness and lifestyle. She speaks, lectures and presents around the country discussing her expertise, “Healthy Eating – Healthy Living.” Her love of food began at an early age in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where her parents and grandparents prepared fresh food grown in their own garden. Growing, cooking and eating fresh food became a way of life for her.

Scott has traveled extensively throughout West Africa, Europe and Asia, teaching what she calls, “Global Soul Cuisine” – a fascinating blend of colors, fragrances, textures and cultures that nurture both the body and soul.  Coupling her culinary expertise with her flair for business and entertaining is what has allowed her to share her experiences with people from all ages, races and backgrounds for over 30-years.

Vel Scott is also a community advocate in the effort to bring healthier foods to inner city neighborhoods where many healthy foods don’t exist.  In 2008 she created with her husband Don, granddaughter Kayla, and neighborhood residents a community garden, Vel’s Purple Oasis Garden, on an acre and a half of land owned by her family.  She conducts workshops and cooking classes. She is a mother of two adult children, and six grand children.