First L.A. Female Chef President in a Century: Chef Fionna España

Send us a text When Chef Fionna España was told she should "just stay home" because she had "too many kids" to become a real chef, she didn"t just push back—she made history. As the first female president of the LA chapter of the American Culinary Federation in over 100 years, this proud Latina executive chef has transformed barriers into stepping stones. "I didn"t realize that it was a male-dominant industry," Fionna reveals with characteristic candor. "I thought women belonged in the kitchen until I got my first job and didn"t see a lot of women on the hot line." Rather than accepting these limitations, she used them as fuel, setting an ambitious goal to become an executive chef before 40—a milestone she achieved at 38. What sets Fionna apart isn"t just breaking glass ceilings but how she"s using her leadership to lift others. During the LA wildfires, she mobilized resources to raise over $20,000 in just one week for first responders. "I used my powers for good," she reflects during a rare moment of self-acknowledgment. This community focus extends to her approach with the next generation of culinary professionals, whom she encourages to balance work ethic with self-care. Meanwhile, Chef Thomas Parker dazzles with his culinary wizardry, presenting three show-stopping dishes including a mojo-crusted carne asada f Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials. Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!  Support the show Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling. Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time. We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open. Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality. 📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com