Meet Lola

Conducting Field Research in Oaxaca
Photo Credit: Lola’s Cocina

In 2010, the same year I began my graduate studies at San Diego State University, UNESCO recognized Mexican cuisine as a “cultural treasure worthy of preservation.” Coincidence?

With a zeal for Mexican gastronomy and world travel, I focused my graduate thesis research on Oaxaca’s emerging culinary tourism industry. I spent the summer of 2012 immersed in Oaxaca’s unique regional food scene, resulting in an academic work of art (at least to me!) completed in 2013 titled, Culinary Tourism in Mexico: Small Business Perspectives.

My love affair with Mexican culture stems back to childhood where I spent summers with extended family in Acámbaro, Guanajuato, my father’s hometown. Growing up Mexican-American in Southern California, I learned family recipes and spent many hours in the kitchen as a child with my mother, grandmother, and aunts who I consider my culinary mentors. I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge (and food) with others, especially with those interested in Mexican cuisine and culture. Beyond the kitchen, my passion for travel and finding interesting food scenes has taken me throughout the world to Cuba, Croatia, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Israel and Thailand.

Now, more about my professional background…my work experience spans the non-profit, private and public sectors where I have worked on strategic growth and marketing initiatives for small businesses and organizations. I have had the opportunities to work in Taiwan, Washington, D.C., and Spain and remain active in my community by serving as a board member for the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s San Diego chapter and as a marketing committee member for MANA de San Diego, an organization that promotes education and leadership to young Latinas. I have also volunteered for organizations such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Calvary Woman’s Shelter, DC Central Kitchen, and Girl Scouts Spanish Trail Council.

Most recently, I graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Latin American Studies, which has freed up some time for me to finally organize my favorite Mexican recipes for this website!