Reyna Maldonado, born in Guerrero, Mexico, was raised in the heart of La Costa Grande, where she was deeply influenced by the indigenous traditions passed down by her grandparents, Mami Goya and Papi Chico. Their teachings, rooted in healing practices, storytelling, and the art of crafting with plants, flowers, and clay, instilled in Reyna a deep respect for cultural heritage and the wisdom of her ancestors. Growing up surrounded by an abundance of fruits and plants, Reyna learned not only the practical skills of cultivation but also the spiritual significance of the land and the strong sense of community that ties everything together.

In 1999, Reyna migrated to San Francisco’s Mission District, reuniting with her mother, Ofelia Barajas. This separation from her grandparents deepened her desire for a reconnection to the land. Driven by this need, Reyna began an apprenticeship at a nonprofit educational farm, which sparked her passion for cultivating a healthy, just food system. Navigating the complexities of an undocumented life in the city, she developed a fierce entrepreneurial spirit that led her to transition from an Immigrant Rights Community Organizer to completing her education at Mills College.

With a jefa mentality and a commitment to collective healing, Reyna’s journey merged activism and entrepreneurship. Reconnecting with her roots through farming and indigenous healing practices, she co-founded La Guerrera’s Kitchen with her mother in Oakland. The restaurant, offering traditional Guerrero dishes, became not just a business but a platform for empowering immigrant women—especially those like her mother—who are often overlooked in the entrepreneurial world. La Guerrera’s Kitchen is a symbol of resilience and community strength, where every dish tells a story of culture, survival, and entrepreneurship.

Reyna’s work transcends the kitchen—her commitment to food justice and her entrepreneurial drive make her a powerful force in reshaping the food industry and advocating for immigrant rights. Through La Guerrera’s Kitchen, Reyna shows how building a business is an act of healing and empowerment, creating a space where every meal is not just a taste of home but a celebration of strength, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of immigrant entrepreneurs.