Nicole Ponseca

Nicole Ponseca is New York City-based restaurateur of two groundbreaking Filipino establishments—Maharlika and Jeepney. The Washington Post commends, “The influence these two restaurants have had on Filipino-American restaurants is immeasurable.” Her combined marketing and hospitality background has truly ignited a dormant conversation on Philippine culture and cuisine.

Celebrated as cookbook of the year by The New Yorker, NY Times, LA Times, Saveur, Food and Wine, and Chicago Tribune, Nicole’s first cookbook “I Am A Filipino”, was also recognized by The James Beard Foundation as a finalist for International Cookbook of the Year.

During her time working in marketing and advertising, Nicole learned the power of engaging women and promoting self-esteem at any age, to which she credits her mentors and former bosses.