Zacara Leanna Riggins

My signature dish is Cajun Gumbo Collard Greens: slow-simmered collards tangled with smoked turkey, andouille sausage, tender chicken, and buttery shrimp in a rich, smoky broth kissed with Cajun heat. It’s Southern comfort dressed in black magic. Cozy, spicy, deeply seasoned, and built to warm your soul and silence the room after the first bite.

My culinary inspiration is the strong Black women in my family, especially my mother. I was raised on old-school Southern cooking where everything was made from scratch and flavor lived in every jar in the kitchen. My mom taught me that recipes are just a starting point. She showed me how to trust my palate, play with seasonings, and create something that feels personal, soulful, and unforgettable.

I’d invest the $25,000 into growing my own culinary business while also pouring back into my community in Trenton. There’s so much talent here, but many chefs lack access to funding, equipment, and professional kitchen space. I want to help create opportunities through community kitchens, support local culinary arts programs, and give future chefs the resources to fully step into their potential.