From Ad Executive to Restaurateur, Nicole Ponseca is Championing Filipinos Through Food and Story

"If you don’t know where you’re from, how can you get to where you want to be?"


Knowing the “why” behind your decisions and dreams is one thing that can constantly fuel your motivation. In a society that favors familiarity, breaking new ground is no easy feat. For Nicole Ponseca, a Filipino woman that’s transforming the restaurant industry, she’s experienced first-hand what it’s like to break into new spaces.


On today’s episode, Nicole and I discuss how she went from being an advertising executive to a successful restaurateur. Nicole’s experience is unique, being a woman of color in an industry dominated by white men. We also discuss the racial tensions that came with opening up the first Filipino restaurant in NYC, how she handled racism hurled her way, and how she’s breaking cultural boundaries and transforming the perception of Filipino culture.


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Om Podcasten

Welcome to Vanessa Wants to Know, a podcast where you'll hear conversations that move you. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired, as you listen to host Vanessa Hong talk to paradigm shifters about their wins, losses, and everything in between.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.