Ra is the visionary founder of RawInit NYC, where plant-based cuisine becomes an art of healing, luxury, and intentionality. Driven by a desire to reconnect people with food, she addresses the gaps in education, access, and understanding of nature’s most vibrant ingredients. Through her work, Ra has witnessed the transformative power of food—healing the body, energizing the spirit, and delighting the senses.

Trained with renowned chefs like Aris Latham in Panama and guided by spiritual mentor Queen Afua, Ra holds credentials from the Natural Gourmet Institute at ICE in Plant Wellness, retreats and fine dining cuisine. She has honed her craft through retreats, restaurants, and her own groundbreaking events, including The Bronx Vegan Bazaar, which has inspired countless people to embrace vibrant, plant-forward living.

Ra’s culinary philosophy celebrates simplicity as an art, layering textures, flavors, and traditions drawn from her Dominican heritage and fresh, tree-to-table ingredients. She believes eating is our first pleasure—a deeply nourishing act that should be as joyful as it is restorative.

Through RawInit, Ra works with clients who honor their bodies as temples, transforming meals into luxurious, intentional experiences. From immersive retreats and hands-on cooking experiences to holistic, sensual catering for brides, every dish she creates is designed to inspire wellness, joy, and connection—luxury and simplicity intertwined in every bite.

“Food is my love letter to the body, crafted with intention and desire.” -Ra