An Inspiring Culinary Voice: A Podcast with Giovanna Sarabia
A young Latina seizes an opportunity to make a culinary impact
I recently had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring conversation with a rising star in the culinary world, Giovanna Sarabia, or Gio as she goes by, for our Cafecito with Latin Biz Today podcast. Gio is a 2023 alum of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, a program dedicated to empowering young chefs and diversifying the culinary industry. She graduated with a Culinary Arts Certificate from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. The Aarón Sánchez Scholarship included her tuition, flights, housing, grocery and transportation assistance, as well as mentorship from Chef Aarón Sánchez and other industry professionals.
I met Gio through Jennifer Killian, who is the Director of the overarching Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund. One of the important initiatives of this program is the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, which provides aspiring chefs with educational and professional opportunities, as well as mentorship and training.
I was truly impressed by this young Latina’s ability to take chances and seize every opportunity that came her way. That courage unlocked new possibilities for her at every turn leading to a remarkable trajectory in the culinary world. Her resilience, her adaptability and passion, her strong creative skills, and her ability to build meaningful relationships within the culinary community are truly inspiring. Hers is a story many young professionals—and really, anyone at any stage of life—can be inspired by, especially if you’re in the culinary world.
Before receiving the scholarship, Gio’s story begins with her time as an au pair in Paris. It was there, through cooking classes, that she found her true calling. I loved hearing how something she was initially reluctant to do blossomed into a full-blown passion. This experience led her to take a leap of faith and move to Ensenada, Mexico, to work at the Michelin-recognized restaurant, Fauna. She had no professional experience, but her determination and the supportive environment there allowed her to thrive, particularly in her work with desserts. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most important thing is simply having the courage to show up and try.
Gio’s educational path is just as fascinating. She started in fashion business management, studying at Parsons in New York City and then switching to FIT, before making the bold decision to pursue her newfound love for food at the Institute of Culinary Education. Through this switch in career paths, she continued to be dual enrolled at both institutions, and graduated from FIT as well. This pivot is a perfect example of following your heart and not being afraid to change course. We also talked about the immense impact of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship on her career. Gio’s appreciation for the scholarship wasn’t just about the financial support; it was about the community and the friendships she built—the kind of connections that last a lifetime and are so crucial in this industry.
It’s clear that Gio is an emerging leader in the food media landscape. Following graduation from the Institute of Culinary Education, Giovanna was selected for the prestigious Food Network Fellowship—a paid, full-time, four-month experience that immerses young culinary professionals in the fast-paced world of food media. She’s also been food styling director for First We Feast. I was so intrigued when she described her role, likening it to a makeup artist for food. It’s that kind of creativity and attention to detail that sets people apart. And her future aspirations? They’re nothing short of ambitious. She told me about her desire to create documentary-style shows and an upcoming food magazine which she’s developing with a partner. I’m sure it will be something special.
We also got real about the challenges in the food industry. Gio was candid about the financial instability and the demanding hours, but she also spoke with so much hope about the growing opportunities for young professionals. It’s a strong message for those just starting out: Yes, it’s hard work, but there’s a community ready to support you.
Gio’s commitment to celebrating Latin cuisine is also important to her work, highlighting its rich heritage and the importance of its representation in the culinary world.
In a last-minute scoop, I’m thrilled to report I walked away from our conversation with more than inspiration—I also got the recipe for her amazing Cafe de Olla Tiramisu which sounds absolutely divine.
Tune in to our Cafecito with Latin Biz Today podcast to hear how this young professional is shaping the future of food media, one delicious project at a time.
Related content:
Chef Aarón Sánchez Creates a Legacy with His Impact Fund [Video]
A Tasty Interpretation of Arroz con Pollo from Chef Aaròn Sánchez
