Master’s in Culinary Arts Degree Student, CIA, The French Laundry; Yountville, CA

Lourdes Valdez is a master’s in culinary arts degree student at the Culinary Institute of America. Hailing from the shores of New Jersey, Lourdes has chased her dreams through bustling kitchens in New York, Florida, and the islands of the Caribbean—each adventure deepening her love for food that tells a story. But it's her Dominican Republic roots that truly fuel her fire, drawing from family recipes and the warmth of her heritage to craft dishes bursting with love, spice, and soul. Now in her second year of a master's in culinary arts at CIA, she is blooming as an intern, having grown through every department of The French Laundry. Outside the stove, Lourdes cherishes sharing meals with loved ones and nurturing those around her.