At 12th St Catering, transformation begins with Michele Leff. As founder and principal, she has grown a neighborhood business into a dynamic enterprise known for innovation, creativity and cultural relevance. Her journey reflects more than business success—it showcases a philosophy rooted in passion, precision and meaningful connection.
Over the past three years, Leff has led the company through a period of exponential growth. This evolution has been marked by a focus on emotional resonance rather than fleeting trends. Her events are designed to foster connection, making each experience both impactful and memorable. As the business scaled, she remained committed to preserving its signature intimacy and detail.
Behind the scenes, Leff has prioritized operational excellence. She and her team have streamlined systems, improved client engagement strategies and invested in staff development. These changes have created a structure that supports both creativity and efficiency, enabling the company to meet increasing demand without compromising quality.
Since earning Titan 100 Honoree recognition, Leff has focused on deepening leadership across the organization. She has stepped back from daily execution to create space for others to grow. This shift has empowered her team to take greater ownership, unlocking new levels of innovation and collaboration. The result is a more agile and motivated workplace where talent flourishes.
Leff draws energy from the nature of her work. Creativity is not a department at 12th St Catering—it’s the foundation. From menu design to event flow, each project is approached as a unique challenge. Her passion is sustained by the opportunity to continually reimagine what’s possible in hospitality. That constant reinvention is what fuels her drive and sets her company apart.
One of the most valuable lessons she embraced this year was the importance of stepping back. By focusing less on doing and more on guiding, she’s built stronger internal systems and supported her team’s development. This approach has improved both culture and performance, creating a workplace where people are trusted, engaged and eager to lead.
Leff also champions the next generation of professionals through mentorship and intentional hiring. She cultivates an environment where young creatives and entrepreneurs gain hands-on experience and learn the values of service and teamwork. Impact, for her, is measured in the individual transformations that occur within her team and client base.
Outside of business, Leff’s aspirations are just as bold. If given the chance to master a skill instantly, she would choose to fly an airplane—symbolizing her love of perspective, control and challenge. That same mindset informs her approach to leadership: strategic, daring and always reaching for what’s next.
The Titan 100 community has provided her with valuable relationships and fresh perspectives from across industries. For Leff, the recognition reinforces her belief in values-driven leadership and the power of experience to inspire change. Through every plate served and every gathering brought to life, she continues to redefine hospitality as a force for connection and transformation.
