Victoria Maree

My signature dish is spaghetti. One day, I decided to learn how to make my own sauce at home instead of buying a canned version. It showed me how you can take something convenient and make it even better from scratch. I also learned how to make homemade pasta, which completely changed the meal for me. Cooking spaghetti from scratch became more than just making dinner, it turned into something I genuinely look forward to creating and improving every time.

My culinary inspiration is my mother and Wolfgang Puck. My mom inspired me to continue learning how to cook and to perfect my dishes over time. Wolfgang Puck inspired me by showing how cooking can become a brand and a successful business. One thing I admire most about his cooking is the way his staff prepares steaks with the perfect texture and flavor. Many chefs struggle with overcooking steak and making it dry, but after trying his food, I learned how important technique and consistency are.

’m a high school senior preparing to attend my dream college. My mom owns a company, and I run a nonprofit that teaches children of color how to 3D print at no cost. This money would help cover college expenses I did not fully consider and allow me to continue growing my nonprofit. I want to expand the program, buy more materials, and provide more students with access to STEM and creative learning opportunities. I would also love to help my mothers company!