Resa Solomon–St. Lewis
Women of Inspiration
Resa Solomon-St. Lewis is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader whose volunteerism and advocacy have had a meaningful impact on Ottawa’s cultural and charitable landscape. Deeply committed to community service, she has supported numerous initiatives focused on food security, cultural inclusion, mentorship, and support for vulnerable populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked closely with organizations providing meals to Black seniors and frontline workers, efforts that contributed to her receiving Black History Ottawa’s Community Builder Award in 2021. She has also supported fundraising and awareness initiatives for organizations including Doctors Without Borders and several local community associations.
In partnership with her sister, Tracey Solomon, Resa co-founded Afrotechture, a platform dedicated to supporting African and Caribbean artisans and women entrepreneurs by promoting local businesses and expanding economic opportunities during and after the pandemic. Through mentorship, public education, and community engagement, she continues to advocate for cultural representation and inclusive entrepreneurship across Ottawa.
Professionally, Resa is the CEO and Executive Chef of a celebrated Caribbean food company recognized for combining culinary excellence with cultural storytelling and community connection. Born in Winnipeg to a family from Trinidad and Tobago and raised primarily in Ottawa, she holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and completed professional chef training at Algonquin College. After a successful career in environmental engineering and management, she pursued her passion for food and entrepreneurship, building a respected culinary brand featured at festivals, special events, and major community celebrations.
Her accomplishments have earned national recognition. In 2025, Resa became the first Ottawa chef selected for the National Arts Centre’s prestigious culinary residency program, where she showcased authentic Caribbean cuisine in a fine-dining setting. Her business has also been recognized by Food Network Canada as one of the country’s top woman-led food businesses. She is also an Embassy Chef Challenge Champion and People’s Choice Award recipient.
Through culinary innovation, mentorship, volunteerism, and cultural advocacy, Resa Solomon-St. Lewis continues to strengthen Ottawa’s diverse communities and inspire others through service, creativity, and leadership.
