Lezli Harvell is a board-certified pediatric dentist, who has spent her career providing oral healthcare to healthy and special needs children. She and her husband run a center called Dental Kidz, with a Z, in Newark, New Jersey. She’s also a mother of 5 daughters. Along with a passion for good health and family, Lezli is passionate about food and about breaking the antiquated industry traditions that go along with it. A dual citizen of the United States and Jamaica, Lezli is the creator and curator of The Iconoclast Dinner Experience (also known as IDE). IDE is an event series that has been celebrating diversity and culture through food since 2015. IDE now runs annual events in New York, Chicago and Martha’s Vineyard. IDE strives to broaden the food conversation by honoring chefs, sommeliers, and spirit trailblazers of color. All event proceeds benefit Lezli’s alma matter Spelman College students from Jamaican and sub-Saharan African countries.

Julia met with Dr. Lezli on her lunch break and they spoke about why she started IDE, how she runs it, and what it means to her. 

Follow-up links:

• For more about the Iconoclast Dinner Experience, head here.
• Follow Dr. Lezli on Instagram!
• Check out the goods at Great Jones! (remember to use the code 'CALM' for 15% off!!)