About

The Story
Of “The Queen of Hospitality”

A sought-after advisor, personality, producer, and speaker in the culinary, lifestyle, philanthropic, and business corridors.

Tren’ness Woods-Black is President and Chief Strategist of her eponymous corporation and Chief Curator of cultural salon series TV show – Cornbread and Conversations. Granddaughter of the Soul Food icon, Sylvia Woods, (founder of Sylvia’s Restaurant, Sylvia’s Soul Food Products, and ATOC Real Estate) in which Tren’ness serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.

“Our main ingredient is love and you have to care about what you are doing.”

Tren’ness Woods-Black

This Queen of Hospitality has curated magical milestones and moments for A-listers such as Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chris Rock to name a few. Her passion for hosting dinner parties birth epic collaborations with the likes of Chefs Daniel Boulud, Marcus Samuelsson, Carla Hall and a host of fine wine and spirit makers perfectly paired with a wide range of artists.

Tren’ness’ community x commerce, diversity and inclusion and marketing talents have been shared with a diverse roster of corporations. Her innate business savvy has led to successful partnerships with Diageo, Target, Group Nine Media, McNeil Nutritionals and more. Most recent, she has partnered with Thrillist as Executive Producer and Host of IRL franchise Thrillist Block Party – “the ultimate community party with a purpose” – with plans to tour multiple cities across America.

“You can’t beat me giving” was one of the mottos Sylvia Woods lived by. Tren’ness late mother, a decorated US Customs EEO Officer, instilled the importance of inclusion and education of the oppressed by exemplifying it in her daily life. These jewels gave birth to Tren’ness philanthropic efforts, which have raised hundreds of thousands for charities, garnered high honors and were instrumental in the development of several not-for-profits and alliances.

Board appointments include Harlem Park to Park – Co-Founder / Co-Board Chair, The NYC Hospitality Alliance – Founding Executive Board Member, NYC and Company – Co-Chair of the Culinary Committee / Executive Board of Directors, NYC Health Department Food Service Advisory Board Member, The Studio Museum in Harlem Community Advisory Board, Harlem Parade Founding Executive Board Member, and Founding Executive Board Member of the SHE CAN Foundation.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tren’ness’ talents were tapped by NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo to join the New York Forward Advisory Board.

A bona fide hospitality media darling, Tren’ness accolades, and contributions include The New York Times, (A1) Conde Nast Traveler, Total Food Service, Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 List, NV Magazine’s Movers and Shakers List, Paper Magazine’s Beautiful People List, and placement on Times Square Jumbotron.

Moreover, she has been interviewed by numerous outlets to include: The Associated Press, Time Magazine, Epoch Times, Oggi, Good Morning America, Thrillist, Eater, Crain’s, MSNBC, The Early Show, BBC, Good Day New York, Pop Sugar, The NY Daily News, and The Dr. Phil Show among others. Her love and expansive knowledge of the NY landscape earned her several official NYC promotional features with nationally and internationally exposures.

Tren’ness has also appeared and/or been featured on: numerous tv shows – The View, Master Chef (Poland, Australia), The Profit, The Food Network Special Savoring Harlem, Food Paradise, Project Runaway; two documentaries – Harlem on My Plate, and HEIRLOOM: Upholding a Family Legacy; and two books – Gucci Dapper Dan’s Harlem, and Worn Stories New York.

Currently, Tren’ness lends her love of storytelling to Netflix Top 10 Weekend Debut “Worn Stories,” and Tribeca Film Festival Short – Soul of the City. Blissfully married to Real Estate Executive and Fitness Enthusiast – Scott Black. They reside in her beloved village of Harlem.

NYC & Company
Board Member and Culinary Co-Chair
Executive Board of Directors

NYC Hospitality Alliance
Executive Board of Directors

Harlem Park to Park
Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair

SHE CAN Fund
Executive Board Member

Harlem Parade
Executive Board Member

Studio Museum of Harlem
Community Advisory Board

Mayor Bill de Blasio
Food Service Establishment Advisory Board for NYC
Advisory Board Member

Governor Mario Cuomo
New York Forward Reopening Advisory Board
Board Member Appointment

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