Mariya RussellMariya Russell

Mariya Russell grew up in Springfield, Ohio, where she spent most of her time with family and fondly remembers enjoying the comforts of the home-cooked meals at the center of every gathering. After high school, she moved to Chicago, received her culinary degree, and began working in the field. She spent over 12 years working her way up, through both Front and Back- of- House positions, building a reputation of excellence. 

Before the pandemic, as Chef de Cuisine of Kumiko and Kikko, Russell’s simplistic, creative and precise take on gastronomy enhanced the high-end cocktail bar with an attention to detail that highlighted the honest beauty of fresh ingredients. In 2019, she became the first Black woman to ever receive a Michelin star, 2 days before her 30th birthday. She currently resides in Hawaii, exploring new culinary endeavors and embracing life more fully.