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Chef  Mayra Melgar

Salvadoran expert chef, renowned for her healthy cooking and community empowerment. Inspired by her experience with gestational diabetes, she champions the philosophy, "Medicine is in the food." She has traveled extensively, sharing recipes and teaching healthy habits to strengthen communities.

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Chef Mayra Melgar, a prominent Salvadoran culinary expert, has gained international recognition for her innovative approach to healthy cooking and her tireless work in empowering communities through food. Her life philosophy, 'Medicine is in the food and food is the medicine,' is deeply rooted in her personal experience with gestational diabetes, a condition that transformed her perspective on the relationship between health and nutrition.

At 61 years old, a mother of five, with a career spanning over 30 years, Mayra has dedicated her life to improving people's health and well-being through the use of natural, nutrient-rich foods and superfoods like flaxseed and chia. Her journey to culinary excellence began at Los Angeles City College, where she discovered how a balanced diet could transform lives, starting with her own and her family's.

 

Driven by the desire to prevent diseases that could be avoided with proper nutrition, Mayra made significant changes in her home. Her personal success inspired her to extend her knowledge to other families, helping them adopt healthier habits. In 2014, she began taking classes, courses, and culinary trainings in various countries, allowing her to bring her message to international audiences. Since then, she has traveled the world sharing innovative recipes and teaching that good nutrition is accessible to people of all economic levels.

In addition to her work as a chef, Mayra has worked as a professional family assistant and an executive production assistant, roles that have strengthened her leadership and organizational skills in community projects. Her commitment to service drives her to actively participate in social programs, where she inspires others to discover and develop their purpose, talents, and skills.

 

Convinced that anyone can achieve extraordinary accomplishments with the right tools and support, Mayra is a passionate leader in personal and social transformation. Today, her legacy continues to grow, demonstrating that the combination of good food, education, and purpose can change lives and strengthen communities around the world.

Career

  • Executive Director at Missions Of Love, Inc

  • Private Chef.

  • Sous-Chef at Yamaava Resort, Spa & Casino

  • Executive Production Assistant.

  • Worked as a Health Care Specialist at Los Angeles Unified School District.

  • Worked as a Special Education Pre-School Teacher at Los Angeles Unified School District.

  • Studied at Los Angeles Community College District.

  • Studied Foreign Languages at California State University, Bakersfield.

  • Studied at Jefferson High School.

Her travels through Asia, Europe, and the Americas have enriched her culinary experience:

  • Thailand and Vietnam: Perfected the balance of flavors in dishes like green curry and pho.

  • Mexico and Japan: Explored indigenous techniques and adopted mindfulness in cooking.

  • Europe: Gained experience in French, Italian, Spanish, and Belgian cuisines.

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