Kia Damon is a boundary-breaking chef, creative director, and cultural force redefining what it means to lead in today’s culinary world. Known for her eclectic, expressive cooking and unapologetic voice, Damon first rose to national fame as the winner of Food Network’s Chopped in 2020 and as the former executive chef of Lalito in New York City. She now serves as Culinary Director at Cherry Bombe, where she amplifies women and marginalized voices across food media. Named a 2021 StarChefs Rising Star and celebrated for her style, flavor, and fearless presence, Damon brings purpose and power to every plate.
Cuisine:
Kia Damon’s cuisine is modern American soul food with editorial flair—informed by her Southern upbringing, queer identity, and global curiosity. Her cooking is:
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Bold, playful, and deeply personal
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Ingredient-driven and seasonally inspired
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Influenced by Florida roots, Black American traditions, and global street food
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Served with a sharp sense of cultural commentary and visual storytelling
Her dishes often blur the lines between comfort and confrontation—using food to spark thought and emotion.
Career & Restaurant Experience:
Kia began her culinary career in her home state of Florida before moving to New York, where she quickly rose through the ranks and became head chef at Lalito at just 24 years old. Her work at Lalito turned heads for its creativity, flavor, and celebration of Afro-Caribbean and Latin flavors through an American lens.
Now based in New York, Damon leads editorial and experiential projects at Cherry Bombe, overseeing brand partnerships, creative content, and events that push the boundaries of culinary media.
Media & Television:
In addition to winning Chopped, Kia has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Eater, Forbes, and Food & Wine. She’s a charismatic, camera-ready presence known for her honesty, wit, and ability to connect culture and cuisine in a way few chefs can.
She also speaks regularly on podcasts, in documentaries, and on stages about race, gender, equity, and the power of food as identity and resistance.
Culinary Philosophy:
Kia Damon sees food as a vehicle for storytelling and social change. She’s an outspoken advocate for equity in hospitality, and her menus often highlight forgotten flavors, underrepresented communities, and alternative narratives within food systems.
She champions joy as resistance—using cooking not just as a craft, but as an act of care and visibility.
Speaking Engagements & Festivals:
Kia is a high-energy, insightful speaker who appears at:
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Culinary innovation panels
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Equity and inclusion forums
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Queer food & culture festivals
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Creative brand events, art/food collaborations, and media conferences
She’s also a crowd favorite at pop-up dinners and cooking demos where she shares both flavor and philosophy.
Brand Partnerships & Endorsements:
Kia Damon has worked with forward-thinking, mission-aligned brands across:
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Sustainable food & pantry products
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Lifestyle and design-forward kitchenware
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Queer and Black-owned food businesses
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Editorial campaigns that value authenticity and activism
Her influence spans both food and fashion spaces, making her a versatile partner across platforms.
Book or Hire Chef Kia Damon:
Cooking demonstrations, endorsements, personal appearances, PR campaigns, speaking engagements, hire, book, we represent, contact, find celebrities, chefs, and agents for Kia Damon. If you want to find the representation, PR firm, marketing company, corporate consulting, or speaking agent to book or hire Kia Damon, Celebrity Chef Network is the agency of corporate consulting for your program.
Our booking agents specialize in aligning bold culinary voices like Kia Damon with high-impact platforms, campaigns, and experiences across industries.
Contact Celebrity Chef Network at booking@celebritychefnetwork.com.
Hire a chef, storyteller, and cultural changemaker who’s just getting started.
