Laura I. Gonzalez, Chef de Cuisine of Taqueria Centro at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

Instagram: @cheflau86; @omnimontelucia

I chose this as my career because I love eating and being creative.

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is to create more experiences and show how this industry has changed throughout the years with more professional chef women. Cooking defines who I am. Every single dish captures my current mood when I am creating it. I love how cooking allows me to release stress and be creative.

I separate myself and my brand from others by just being myself and always smiling.

I draw inspiration from professional female chefs who are successful. One of the former chefs [Chef Becky Windels] who I worked under has inspired me to stay motivated even though she’s not in Arizona but having her on social media and seeing her success is great.

My New Year’s resolution is to connect more with the Valley through social events.

My greatest advice to share with young girls is to pursue what you have always dreamt of and only you can make it true.