Raised in upstate New York

Began her career at Macy's Marketplace in New York, first at the candy counter and then as the manager of the fresh foods department

Helped to Agata & Valentina, the prestigious New York gourmet marketplace, where she was the store manager and buyer

Managed pubs and restaurants at the famed Sagamore resort on Lake George

Recruited by Cowan & Lobel, a large gourmet market in Albany, to be its food buyer; later began a series of cooking classes

Offered by an Albany TV station to do a weekly "30 Minute Meals" segment for the evening news; the show was nominated for two regional Emmys

Published the companion cookbook, 30 Minute Meals, which sold 10,000 copies

Joined the Food Network as host of "30 Minute Meals"

Next hosted "$40 a Day" and "Inside Dish" for the Food Network

Hosted "Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels" on the Food Network

Launched her magazine, Everyday with Rachael Ray, in coordination with Reader's Digest

Signed a deal with Oprah Winfrey and King World Productions to host her own daytime talk show

Endorsed and served as the spokeswoman for Dunkin Donuts; also helped launch a new health-conscious menu

Premiered her series, "Rachael's Vacation," on the Food Network

Produced the Latin cooking show "Viva Daisy!" for the Food Network, starring Daisy Martínez