IWD 2025 - an interview with: Samantha Santiago Torres

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

I grew up in Spain with two more sisters. Since I was young my parents were moving continuously with us, and I think this gave me a curiosity about what was going on in other countries.

My father was in the industry, and I worked with him since young age, I knew this sector will give me the opportunity to move around like he did and see the world, so when I was 23, I move out to UK and start my career there. I work in 5* hotels, bakeries, restaurants, catering... and this gave me the skills that I need it to start forging my career and grow in the profession. 

In 2017 I move to USA, and I use the European ethic of hard worker and focus to get higher and higher in the pastry world. One year after I moved to USA, I was already Executive pastry chef in a well-known hotel in Chicago and now, after 7 years working in different places, I'm about to open a bakery as a partner.

I worked really hard to get where I am and I'm so happy to finally achieve my dream to have my own business.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

It’s a call to speed up the progress we’ve made in gender equality and push for more representation and opportunity for women in the culinary industry, particularly in leadership roles.

For me, it means using my platform and position to mentor and inspire other women who aspire to become leaders in the culinary world. It's about breaking down the barriers that still exist.

Been active creating opportunities for women to thrive, taking responsibility for fostering inclusivity in the kitchen, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in decision-making processes. It’s about not waiting for change but driving it forward.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It's something incredibly important. As a woman we know how hard is for us to been seen and more in the professional kitchen, that for some reason, always had been a men place. We need to help each other to be more present in the industry, to get the rights that we deserve and been treated with respect. If we don’t help each other first, nobody will do it.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

Diversity in senior leadership it's essential for creating a strong, adaptive, and thriving organization. It strengthens decision-making, drives innovation, and builds a more supportive, inclusive work environment for all.

When senior leadership teams are diverse, they bring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches to the table. This creates a richer, more dynamic environment where creativity can thrive, which is especially important in industries like the culinary world, where innovation is key.  

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

While the numbers are a sign of progress, they also highlight the need for ongoing advocacy, structural changes, and mentorship to create a more equitable industry where women are equally represented at all levels. As a woman in the industry, it motivates me to be a part of the solution, working to create an environment where women can lead and succeed just as much as men do.  

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

I think they main key is support work/life balance. Women in the industry had a hard time getting in higher position because our role as a woman and mother at home.

If the industry supports this balance better women will not be seen like a risk (maternity leave, time off for personal reason, etc), will be an asset since we are more empathetic and organized as natural skills

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

Be persistent. work hard and treat your team with respect and appreciation. 

Your success in leadership is coming for how your team performance, and if they feel appreciated enough, they will do anything for you.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Be aware that your life will change, and it will be really hard. Don’t be discouraged, things will get better if you persist 

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

My mum was my positive role model. I learn to be tough seen her taking care of us by herself. She is a wonderful woman, and she fought really hard for us. She is a really honest person who always tell you what she thinks and make you respect her through love. 

I had many negative role models too in the kitchen. Many chefs (women and men), that treat me really bad, I didn't want to make feel people the way that they make me feel so in certain way I have to thank all of them for make me the kind of leader that I am today.