Books

My first picture book "I Want To Be Spaghetti!" is a story about how one little ramen packet dreams of becoming spaghetti –– but realizes being ramen has been perfect all along. It's about diversity and all the beauty that comes from self-love. Illustrated by the very talented Claudia Lam (but maybe you know her as The Forest Mori). Publishing July 11, 2023 with Kokila, a ​Penguin Random House imprint. Order it now! 🍥 And I am also currently working my first cookbook called "The Half-Latinx Cookbook," which will publish in spring 2025 with Harvest of HarperCollins. 

Recipe Development

Food means connection and culture. I love learning about the world through a dish. My area of interest is food from marginalized audiences. Sometimes that means sharing a chef's famous recipe from an underrepresented community, and other times that means highlighting an ingredient that can be overlooked due to its affordable price. Food should be as inclusive and vibrant from the diverse communities it comes from, and I do my best to maintain that integrity through recipes. Currently, I am a regular recipe contributor for the Japan Times, The Kitchn and Food52.

Social Media

From building influencer programs to developing YouTube strategy, I have experience improving engagement across all major social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, etc). By making informed decisions supported by data, I create tactics that lead to long-term success. I also love coming up with social plans for large-scale activations. And don't get me started about the digital partnership I developed with Pusheen the cat. It will forever be one of the proudest moments of my career.

Writing

I'm very passionate about storytelling. Whether it's a single line of marketing copy or a lengthy 3,000-word feature, I always strive to tell the best narrative possible and connect with readers. Which two pieces am I most proud of? My first published story in The New York Times – and an Instagram caption I wrote that said, "Meat shells, meat shells by the cheese shore."

Photography

I got my start in professional photography at Taco Bell, where I styled food and directed social photoshoots. It's something that sparks joy for me, and I've incorporated the practice into my personal life, as well. Fun fact: One of my photos has been on display at the Taco Bell in Tokyo, Japan. 

Digital Video Strategy

In order to meet the changing needs of the social media industry, I have developed a strong background in video strategy. I provide editing feedback to get the most bang for your buck and the furthest reach. I also develop unique series, some of which have gone viral. My most popular video has over 100 million views. The Church of Satan retweeted it, and I'm still not over it yet.