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Meet Our ʻUlu Ambassadors

Our ʻUlu Ambassador program aims to increase awareness and appreciation of breadfruit as an amazingly versatile, climate-smart, culturally important, ʻāina-grown superfood, and to spotlight the innovative chefs leading its culinary renaissance.

‘Ulu Ambassadors

ʻUlu Ambassador: Beñat (Bernard) Ibarra

Chef Bernard Ibarra brings more than four decades of culinary experience spanning some of the world’s most celebra...

ʻUlu Ambassador: Mari Wills

Mari Wills is a dietitian chef consultant for the Culinary Institute of America and the founder of Bite Logic, a culinary nutrition consulting business. She was born and raised on Oʻahu and draws inspiration from local ingredients like ʻulu and kalo. 

ʻUlu Ambassador: Stephen Kina

From Kalispell to Kentucky, Stephen Kina is redefining what it means to serve “local-style” BBQ—with a deep respect for his roots and a fire to share it with the world.

ʻUlu Ambassador: Bonny Davis

Bonny Davis is a Native Hawaiian chef, educator, and food entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in culinary leadership.

ʻUlu Ambassador: Jasmine Silverstein

Chef Jasmine was born and raised on a small homestead fruit farm on the East side of the Big Island where she learnt through hands-on experience the importance and hardships of growing our own food.

ʻUlu Ambassador: Chef Janeé Gutierrez

Chef Janeé Gutierrez is a passionate food creative blending her Mexican roots with Hawaiʻi’s local flavors, crafting vibrant recipes and communal dining experiences that celebrate the cultural and culinary significance of ʻulu and kalo.

ʻUlu Ambassador: Chef Dan Robayo

Born: Winchester, Virginia Lives: Hawaiʻi Island Career Highlights: Executive chef for Magics Beach Grill in Kailua...

ʻUlu Ambassador: Cynthia Archibald - Nutrition Ecologist

Passionate about the intersection between nutrition, sustainability, food security, and restoring and preserving native foodways, Cynthia is committed to improving the health of our island community.