Meet the Team
Beto
I am Beto, a Colombian immigrant who arrived in the USA 14 years ago. With over 6 years of experience in the industry, in 2018, I decided to step out of the kitchen to share the untold stories that shocked and inspired me as a cook, combining my hobby of photography with my love for storytelling. I believe that food is a universal language and a catalyst for change. Moreover, I am convinced that the stories of the individuals who form the backbone of the restaurant industry hold invaluable wisdom and a call for change.
Megan Watson
I'm Megan Watson, a chef who recently made the move from NYC to San Diego. The high-intensity pace of the New York food scene left me feeling burnt out, but coming to San Diego has been a breath of fresh air. Joining HOTK as a reporter has allowed me to meet so many passionate people who share my love for food and are dedicated to making positive changes in the industry.
Christian Guzman
I'm Christian, a nerd for advertising and passionate about storytelling. I’m a Colombian currently living in Miami. I truly believe in the power of stories to make a difference in the world; they've been our survival tool throughout history. Untold stories have a special allure for me, which is why joining HOTK to uncover and share untold human stories has always brought me deep joy. Kitchens, with their organized chaos, hold a particular fascination for me. In my free time, I enjoy surfing and seeking out stories from cooks in the coastal towns I visit, adding fresh tales to the collection. My plan is to continue discovering untold stories of people whose lives have been changed by food.
Juan Junca
I’m Juan, a Colombian living in NYC. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced food’s social, economic, and environmental power in changing lives. Being passionate about triggering changes, I see HOTK and HK as an ideal medium to catalyze impact, tell untold stories, and promote well-being in a crucial industry.
Delphine Soret
I'm Delphine, a 33-year-old French cook with a decade of experience in the culinary world. I've traveled across Europe, living in London, the South of France, and working seasonal stints in the Alps. I'm passionate about finding inspiring people and places, and I believe in the power of storytelling. Using HOTK as a platform, I aim to inspire others to join the hospitality industry and work towards making the world a better place through food.
Luis David Vidal
I’m Luis David, I come from a family of immigrants, from Spain to Venezuela and now in Mexico. As a photographer, I always aim to really immerse myself in whatever I’m capturing. A couple of years back, while working with a kitchen-related brand, I started falling in love with what goes on in the back of the house; the rush, the smells, the joy of a perfectly executed dish, and that moment for a quick smoke break.Each time I went to shoot in a kitchen, I became more aware of the incredible stories behind those who create the dishes others enjoy. But it also made me aware of the challenges and injustices they face. I believe stories have shaped us since the beginning of time, and are those stories, when shared, that have the power to change the future. I really admire the work of HOTK, and it’s truly an honor and privilege to be part of this team.
Pedro Sanchez
I’m Pedro, a visual director and storyteller from Venezuela with over 12 years of experience in video production. I grew up around the food industry and eventually began to develop a taste for filming food and the people around it. When I started working in Miami, I was approached by HOTK founder, Beto Ortiz, to start collaborating together and fell in love with the project and its objectives. My dream now is to spread the word through cinematic storytelling about those who work inside and outside the kitchen, with or around food, and help HOTK’s followers be inspired by their tireless effort, commitment and passion for food. I hope I can help and inspire people with stories from… the Humans of the Kitchen.
Alondra Landaeta
Hello! My name is Alondra, and I'm a 25-year-old digital marketer who left Venezuela five years ago to pursue my passion in Miami. I work as a copywriter at 'Human of the Kitchen,' combining my skills with my love for storytelling. Transcribing interviews is a deeply fulfilling job, as every story touches my soul and inspires me. It is remarkable how we can shine a light on the lives of chefs, kitchen helpers, and others who often go unnoticed. Their dedication is genuinely inspiring, and I am committed to crafting these stories while continuing to write my own journey.
Victor Perez
I'm Victor, I am from Venezuela, and I am a multidisciplinary graphic artist who specializes in creating urban brands, particularly in the food and beverage sector. HOTK has been a channel for me to bring together both of my passions and to gain a deeper understanding of the hard work that takes place in kitchens. Additionally, I am excited to be able to contribute in a small way to all the people working in the industry and to creatively and uniquely bring these great stories to more people.
Luis Torres
I'm Luis Torres, from Venezuela, a developer specialized in web development and who has several years of experience and especially in the food sector since 2020. The HOTK project has given me the opportunity to work with people related to the kitchen and use my skills and knowledge to help create platforms where the workers behind the kitchen can share their stories, and echo the effort and dedication they put in every day.
Rosmaribar Morantez
Hi! I'm Rosmaribar Morantez from Venezuela. I started working as a community manager 8 years ago. My experience in managing social media has been focused on the culinary world. Joining the Humans of the Kitchen team a year ago was the next step in my career. Immersing myself in the stories shared by the chefs and cooks around the world has really broadened my culinary horizons and respect for the craft.