Chef Paulette offers over 20 years of culinary expertise as a Private Chef and Consultant, serving Fortune 500 families, athletes, and events from Florida to Maine. As Owner/Chef of The 305 Chef, she crafts innovative, nutritious recipes with superfoods and local ingredients, promoting diet, exercise, and wellness. Certified as a Nutrition Coach (NASM), she helps clients and athletes of all ages enhance health and performance through nutrition.

Her career highlights include guest cheffing at the James Beard House in New York, Hard Rock Stadium (Super Bowl LIV, Miami Open, Formula One), and creating a live Interactive Culinary Showcase for the Miami Home Show. She developed “SuperFoods for SuperKids,” served as an adjunct professor at Miami Culinary Institute, and brings 15 years of startup consulting experience, guiding retail food concepts from vision to launch.

Chef Paulette also specializes in sanitation and hold ServSafe Food Protection Manager, Instructor & Proctor Certification, with the National Restaurant Association.

Maggie Rodriguez is the Founder and CEO of Inspired Events, one of Miami’s premier event planning and catering companies. With over two decades of experience, Maggie has built a reputation for creating unforgettable weddings and events that blend elegance with affordability. Her entrepreneurial journey began with political and nonprofit events, eventually leading to the creation of her own award-winning venue and planning firm. Today, through Inspired Events, she leads a powerhouse team that executes hundreds of events each year, including corporate gatherings, luxury weddings, and curated culinary experiences. Maggie is also the visionary behind The Wedding Master Class and The Grazing Box, innovative ventures that continue to empower and inspire. Her passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence make her a standout leader in the industry.

At Taste of Success Experience, Maggie will be sharing her vision for catering, whether for large-scale events, intimate dinner parties, or everything in between.

Eddy Martinez is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, community empowerment, and meaningful connections. As founder of the Summer of Success program, he helps young adults with Autism and Learning Difficulties gain real-world job experience. He also represents the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce on the City’s Advisory Board on Disability Affairs, working to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

With over 30 years in event branding and design, Eddy is a recognized stationery designer known for creating impactful visuals that elevate events. His blend of creativity and purpose has made him a trusted name in thoughtful event branding.

Outside of advocacy and design, Eddy shares his love for food through social media as @GreenHatFoodie, spotlighting unique dining experiences. Merging his passions, he created the Taste of Success Experience—a culinary event that brings together top chefs and industry pros to support his mission of promoting inclusivity for individuals with autism and special needs.

In 2009, Dr. Gigi and Coach Luis founded Schoolhouse Preparatory, Dade County’s first high school designed for students with learning differences aiming for a standard diploma. The school has successfully transitioned graduates into colleges nationwide, many with full scholarships, while preparing them for life beyond high school.

Having faced the challenges of students with special needs firsthand, Dr. Gigi and Coach Luis saw the limited options for these students and their families. Driven by their passion to make a difference, they created a school that addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of young adults, providing essential family support.

Beyond academics, Schoolhouse Preparatory offers programs like the Summer of Success, along with other athletic initiatives, to help students build life skills through team activities, leadership, and physical challenges. These programs prepare students for academic success, future careers, and independence.

Through sports and fitness, students gain valuable experiences that build teamwork, confidence, and perseverance—key traits for success in college and the professional world. The Summer of Success and other athletic programs empower students to thrive in all areas of life.

Gilbert Arriaza is the owner of Gilbert’s Bakery, a family-owned and run multi-faceted business in Miami that has been serving the community since 1976. The bakery is known for offering a wide variety of products that blend Cuban flavors with European and Latin American influences. Gilbert’s Bakery specializes in affordable catering for any family occasion, from game days to religious events, birthdays, and holidays. The bakery also serves delicious coffee drinks, including cortaditos crafted by trained Cubaristas. With a focus on convenience, the bakery offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options to cater to everyone’s needs. Gilbert’s Bakery has evolved over time, keeping beloved classics while introducing new favorites to keep up with modern trends.

Gilbert will be sharing his expertise on Heritage Cooking at the Taste of Success Experience, focusing on the importance of recipes driven by soul and roots, and how adapting these age-old recipes for today’s crowd ensures their relevance and success.