Reyna Maldonado, born in Guerrero, Mexico, was raised in the heart of La Costa Grande, where she was deeply influenced by the Indigenous traditions passed down by her grandparents, Mami Goya and Papi Chico. Through healing practices, storytelling, and crafting with plants, flowers, and food, they instilled in her a deep respect for cultural heritage and the wisdom of her ancestors. Surrounded by an abundance of fruits, recipes, and community care, Reyna learned not just the practical skills of cultivation, but also the spiritual and communal significance of the land.
Migration & Activism
In 1999, Reyna migrated to San Francisco’s Mission District to reunite with her mother, Ofelia Barajas. The distance from her grandparents deepened her longing for reconnection to the land and her roots. This led her to apprentice at a nonprofit educational farm, sparking her passion for cultivating a healthy, just food system. As she navigated the challenges of being undocumented, Reyna’s fierce entrepreneurial spirit emerged. She transitioned from working as an Immigrant Rights Organizer to completing her education at Mills College, blending activism with purpose-driven business.
Founding Las Guerreras
With a jefa mentality and a commitment to collective healing, Reyna co-founded Las Guerreras Cocina & Cevicheria in Oakland alongside her mother. Centered on traditional dishes from Guerrero, the restaurant is more than a business, it’s a cultural space for visibility, and a platform for immigrant women, especially mothers like Ofelia, to be seen as leaders and creators.
Vision & Impact
Reyna’s work transcends the kitchen. Through Las Guerreras, she merges food, storytelling, and healing to celebrate the strength of immigrant communities. Each meal is a love letter to her roots and a vision for a more just, nourishing future.
In recognition of her impact, Reyna was named a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree by the San Francisco Business Times. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of undocumented entrepreneurs, cultural workers, and community builders.
