In the midst of the pandemic in 2021, I had a spark of inspiration that led me to pitch an idea for a museum exhibit focused on Mexican women’s food stories. When I shared it with a colleague at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes—a museum in downtown Los Angeles dedicated to celebrating the Mexican and Mexican American community—she immediately connected with the concept. She mentioned that the museum had long envisioned an exhibit centered on Abuelas, and just like that, "Abuelita’s Kitchen: Mexican Food Stories" was born.

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WATCH COMPLETE FILM HERE: 

Password: laplaza2022​

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Abuelita's Kitchen: Mexican Food Stories is an exhibit and documentary that celebrates the rich and diverse food traditions of Mexican and Mexican American grandmothers. Debuting at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles in 2022, the project captures the stories of ten abuelas—Indigenous, mestiza, Afro-Mexican, and Mexican-American women—who have preserved and adapted traditional Mexican culinary practices across generations. The exhibit highlights their resilience, migration journeys, and the central role food plays in expressing love, cultural identity, and maintaining familial bonds. One compelling story is that of Merced Sanchez, a street vendor who not only keeps her culinary heritage alive but also advocates for the legalization of street vending in Los Angeles. The exhibit continues to travel around the country, continuing to inspire and honor the contributions of these remarkable women in preserving and passing down cultural traditions.

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​The exhibit and corresponding film are a heartfelt tribute to these remarkable women, illuminating their vital role in keeping Mexican culture alive and thriving in the heart of Los Angeles.