What courses do you teach at the CIA?
I currently teach most classes in the associate degree program and in the college’s restaurant, as well as all classes in the bachelor’s degree Latin concentration. Aside from that, I take part in ProChef Certification classes and Food Enthusiast classes.
What do you like most about being on the CIA’s Texas campus?
I love the location. Being in Pearl exposes our students to such an amazing area of the city. There are a great number of restaurants, which helps them find jobs more easily and enjoy a variety of events, farmer’s markets, and food. Another thing I really like is that our campus is small. We can interact with and get to know the students much better since we will likely have them in multiple classes throughout their program.
What passions/activities do you like to pursue outside of your work at the CIA?
I love to be with my family, and my dogs are a big part of my life. I spend a lot of time creating new dishes for my restaurant as well; I enjoy that very much. I also like riding my bike and my motorcycle, fishing, and traveling.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Centro de Estudios Culinarios Roccatti, Monterrey, Mexico. Bachelor’s degree, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Professional Experience:
Executive Chef, FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar, San Antonio, TX. Executive Chef, Buen Provecho, Boerne, TX. Executive Chef/Catering Manager, The Helene House Event Center, Boerne. Chef and Manager, Rodizio Grill—The Brazilian Steakhouse, McAllen, TX. Bar Manager, State Farm Arena, McAllen. Chef, Francesco’s Seafood & Grill, Monterrey. Sous Chef, Silvano’s Ristorante, Monterrey. Line Cook, Grupo Pangea: La Embajada, Monterrey. Line Cook/Bartender, La Maldita Mantequilla, Monterrey.
Awards:
Best Chef in the City of San Antonio, San Antonio Current, 2020. First Place, Special Variety Category, The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, Austin, TX, 2019. CIA Gold Award for Teamwork and Collaboration, 2019. First Place, Salsa Verde Category; Honorable Mention, Salsa Roja Category; The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, Austin, 2016. Winner, Most Original Mexican Chef Contest, Monterrey, 2011.
Member:
Mexican National Women’s Soccer Team, 2001–2004.