BOOK OUR TEAM

Bring immigrant stories to life through food.

Book a community workshop, cooking class, or organizational training — or invite Dr. Julia to speak at your next event.

Chef preparing traditional dough, showcasing immigrant culinary techniques at Cocina Libre.
People seated in an auditorium watching a documentary on a screen.

Community Workshop

Cocina Libre community workshops bring people together through food, storytelling, and shared cultural exploration. We've led these gatherings with organizations like libraries, local nonprofits, statewide summits, and national conferences—creating space for learning, dialogue, and connection across cultures.

Each 1.5–2 hour session includes: (a) stories from immigrant chefs, (b) documentary screening, (c) interactive conversations about culture, identity, and belonging, and (d) tasting and shared meals that turn learning into relationship.

Whether you're a library, arts council, cultural organization, or community center, we’ll tailor the workshop to fit your space, audience, and goals.

These are not lectures—they’re experiences.

A group of people seated in a semi-circle listening to a presentation in a modern conference room with brick walls and string lights. A large screen behind displays a slide titled 'Activity 1: Sharing a Simple Food Memory.'

Organizational Workshop

Our organizational workshops are immersive, story-based experiences designed to help teams build stronger, more inclusive cultures through food, dialogue, and connection. Facilitated by Dr. Julia Roncoroni and immigrant chefs or community leaders, each session combines hands-on culinary activities with personal storytelling and guided reflection. Our custom workshops explore identity, belonging, and culture in ways that are engaging, human-centered, and actionable. Whether you’re addressing burnout, strengthening team cohesion, or creating space for cultural learning, these workshops offer a powerful alternative to traditional training.

Dr. Julia stands with a microphone and papers, speaking to a group of people seated at round tables in a modern conference room with wooden walls and large windows.

Keynotes/ Speaking

Our keynotes and speaking engagements are led by Dr. Julia Roncoroni, an immigrant psychologist, tenured professor, and nationally recognized speaker on workplace wellbeing, cultural humility, and inclusive leadership. Drawing from personal experience and over 15 years of academic and community work, Dr. Julia offers story-rich, practical talks that resonate across sectors. Whether at conferences, leadership retreats, or community events, each keynote is tailored to your audience and designed to inspire reflection, connection, and action.

Person making dough with hands on floured surface, surrounded by dough balls and a loaf of bread in a bakery kitchen.

Cooking Class

Roll up your sleeves and explore the world through food! In our community cooking classes, you'll cook side by side with immigrant chefs as they guide you through cherished recipes from their home countries. Along the way, you'll hear the personal stories, traditions, and cultural meaning behind each dish—turning the kitchen into a space for connection, learning, and celebration. These classes are perfect for food lovers, families, friend groups, or team-building gatherings looking for a hands-on, heart-forward experience that feeds both body and soul.

Why Work with Cocina Libre?

Food as Connection

Food is a powerful medium for learning and connection. Our events combine food experiences with interactive learning to explore diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Interactive & Hands-On

Say goodbye to boring PowerPoints. Our sessions bring community members into the room, offering immersive, engaging discussions paired with hands-on food experiences.

Led by Immigrant Experts

Our facilitators, Dr. Julia Roncoroni and Dr. Delio Figueroa, are Latinx immigrants. They bring authentic perspectives shaped by personal experiences and academic expertise.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Hear authentic first-person narratives from immigrant community members. These stories foster personal connections and provide real-world context for learning.

BIPOC and Women-Led

As a BIPOC- and woman-owned business, we celebrate diversity and bring unique perspectives to DEIJ training, ensuring a truly inclusive experience.

Immersive and Transformative

Our events go beyond traditional training, offering a deeply engaging and impactful approach that connects participants with immigrant experiences.

Profits fund culinary training and licensing for immigrant chefs
to start their own food businesses.

Book a
Cocina Libre
Event

Assorted fresh vegetables and spices on a wooden surface, including onions, a green bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and small bowls with spices and yellow curry powder.

  • "Knowing that you have built a safe space for immigrant chefs to share their recipes and experiences with all of us is amazing!"

    -Workshop Participant

  • "I work with immigrants, so this was a great resource and connection piece for me."

    Workshop Participant

  • "I love hearing the perspective of journeys and how they relate to food!"

    Book Launch Participant

  • "Cocina has a great way to approach the topic from a different angle. Loved the documentary too and the QA at the end."

    Book Launch Participant

  • "I am an immigrant. What most called my attention was the opportunity to explain our culture to US-born people."

    Community Dinner Participant