Women's Month: POV on being a Latin woman in the US by the amazing Chef Dayanny de la Cruz
|
|
|
Posted By: How May I Help You NC on January 20, 2026 Producer: By Martina Gobato The culinary world has historically been an all-boys club. Chef Dayanny de la Cruz has been the changing that narrative and shattering glass ceilings in gastronomy and specifically inside the culinary SPORTS arena for decades. We sat down with this incredible woman to hear how she did it and what keeps her motivated to continue to change the game today. The culinary world has historically been an all-boys club. Chef Dayanny de la Cruz has been the changing that narrative and shattering glass ceilings in gastronomy and specifically inside the culinary SPORTS arena for decades. We sat down with this incredible woman to hear how she did it and what keeps her motivated to continue to change the game today. A Latina Powerhouse Dayanny was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the United States at the age of 24, where she earned a Master of Culinary Arts from Grand Rapids Community College, and a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management from Eastern Central University. Step by step, she built her resumé at some of the most elite sporting event kitchens in the country: the New York Open, the Kentucky Derby, and the NBA’s All-Star Game. Dayanny ran the kitchen at Miami's “Hard Rock Stadium”, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, until recenly she became the Vice President of Culinary Position for Levy Restaurants. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CoNVT0Hr2Nu/[/embed] But if you can believe it, that’s not all. She was also the first woman to run the kitchen during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and then again broke records by becoming the first female Chef to cater for the Super Bowl in 2020! Here, Chef Dayanny shares her journey with COCINA… What are your personal or professional achievements as a Latina woman living in the US that you are most proud of? Personal: “Being able to raise three beautiful souls (my kids) as a single mother in a society that labels you as a failure because you don’t fit the ideal profile. All this while growing, learning, and exploring a career predominantly led by man." Professional: "Being the first one to crack the ceiling in sport and leisure with the Super Bowl LIV. It was an honor to lead and pivot that moment.” Can you describe the road to get to where you are today? "Bumpy, full of sacrifices, amazing, lonely but more than anything full of momentum! I understand now that the journey is more important than the destination." [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CnKm3wTPIc6/[/embed] What is the most challenging part about being a Latina in the US? “I can speak as an Afro-Caribbean person about how I would like for us to have a more clear representation of who we are. We need more seats at the executive tables." And the best part? "To be a woman is this business and to be able to change the narrative it’s the biggest blessing." When it comes to Women’s [History] Month, what does this trailblazing Latina think should be celebrated or recognized? “Being unique. Being authentic. Owning our compassion and empathy. Being smart and bold is the new orange.” Who are 3 women who inspire you? Why? "My mother is one, with all the things she did for us so we could fly high. My grandmother is the other one: she was a leader and a rock for me with her compassion and vision of the future." And Michelle Obama - "Her motto is ‘I want to leave things better than how I find them’ and she inspired the world in the process." What advice would you give to your 12-year-old self? "Do not listen to the voices that ask you to be perfect. Your super power is how beautifully imperfect you are." [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm67MKDPY8c/[/embed] Thank you, Chef Dayanny, for sharing your inspiring thoughts with us! If you liked this article, check out our other interviews with Latina Chefs! (Editor’s note: opinions and statements have been edited and condensed for length and clarity). Recent Posts MrChuy’s video: “How my... How We Decluttered Our... A Mediocre Bunny’s... Why “Hay Ropa En La... https://wearecocina.com/blog/latin-woman-i... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
How May I Help You NC
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Career Content
 |
Top 12 Monthly Moments to Send Greeting Cards 🌷Sending a greeting card each month is a easy way to stay connected, celebrate special moments, and brighten someone’s day. With so many national holidays and fun moments throughout the year, there’s a ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 157 Views • March 6th, 2026 |
 |
Why do athletes earn millions while teachers and nurses struggle?Photo: A balance scale shows an athlete on one side and a teacher with a nurse on the other, highlighting societal inequality.
A society reveals its values through the people it rewards. When a p ...more
Joel Savage • 362 Views • March 3rd, 2026 |
 |
How AI will change real estate: A keynote by Chris Kelly
Stackpoint
2,178 followers
3mo
Real estate is about to be repriced around AI readiness. If you don’t yet have a strategy, start here. This keynote by Stackpoint co-founder and GP Chris Kelly la ...more
How May I Help You NC • 382 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
 |
Minute with a Muskie: Jack & Suzi Hanna class of 69’Passion for animals, dedication to teaching, and a great sense of humor. That’s the recipe that made Jack and Suzi Hanna two of the most well-known, well-respected and well-loved conservationists ever ...more
How May I Help You NC • 428 Views • March 1st, 2026 |
Popular Career Content
 |
PAID, federal internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative!The Washington Center Federal Diversity Internship Initiative Now is your chance to apply for paid fall internships with the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative! This is your once-in-a-lifetime op ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 42,215 Views • June 14th, 2017 |
 |
Today's Success Tip: Joachim de Posada says, Don't eat the marshmallow...yetWe were invited to the National Association of African Americans in Human Resource's reception held at the
Atlanta Marriott Marquis during the SHRM conference, and the gift/tip we walked away with w ...more
How May I Help You NC • 41,156 Views • June 29th, 2012 |
