Claudette Zepeda is an award-winning San Diego-based chef, culinary entrepreneur, and storyteller known for her fearless approach to regional Mexican cuisine and deep respect for Mexico’s culinary heritage. With more than two decades in professional kitchens and extensive travels throughout Mexico and the world, Zepeda explores the intersection of culture, history, and food through bold, ingredient-driven cooking. A James Beard semifinalist and San Diego Chef of the Year, Zepeda has appeared on Top Chef , Iron Chef , Bobby’s Triple Threat , and Tournament of Champions . She is the founder and lead chef of Chispa Hospitality, where she leads the creative vision for concepts across San Diego, Nashville, Australia, and Mexico. Her latest project, Novecientos Grados, located in the San Diego International Airport in partnership with Tony Hawk, celebrates the spirit of border and skate culture through vibrant Mexican cuisine. In 2026, she founded Mestiza Creative, a cultural storytelling and creative agency dedicated to amplifying first-generation and immigrant voices.