Paola Velez
Paola is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and community organizer. In October 2024, she released her debut cookbook, Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store, and was named one of the best cookbooks of 2024 by The New York Times, Robb Report, The Washington Post, Barnes & Noble, Eater, Boston Globe, and more.
Raised in the Bronx and the Dominican Republic, Paola draws inspiration from her Afro-Latina culinary heritage. She has received numerous accolades and nominations, including being recognized as “Pastry Chef of the Year” by Esquire and “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine. Paola was also nominated as “Rising Star Chef of The Year” by the James Beard Foundation. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Paola gained experience working under culinary icons such as Jacques Torres and Christina Tosi. In addition, she has presented at prestigious events and has been featured in publications like Food Network, The Art of Plating, Time Out, The Today Show, Cherry Bombe, and InStyle Magazine.