Abdullahi hails from Ethiopia and earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Child Psychology before switching career paths. Instead of getting a graduate degree in psychology as she had intended to do, she applied to the Culinary Institute of America.

While Abdullahi was waiting to hear if she got accepted to the prestigious institution (she did!) she decided to hone her culinary skills by traveling to 18 different countries. During her three-month travel stint, Abdullahi sampled dishes and studied flavors from around the world.

Since becoming a chef, Abdullahi has worked at the three-Michelin-star eatery, Noma, in Copenhagen, and was previously the culinary manager at five Hillstone Restaurant Group locations. Her dishes tend to include nods to her Ethiopian roots and have been featured in spaces such as the Met Gala and Vogue. She is currently the Executive Chef at Hav & Mar in NYC, which was named top 12 restaurants by the New York Times and Forbes All Star Eatery. Abdullahi has been named a James Beard finalist this year and has been recognized by Observer’s Social Impact Nightlife & Dining Power List. Outside of the restaurant, you can watched her judging on several FoodNetwork shows such as Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.