Eugenia Rice
Eugenia Rice is a professional chef and culinary artist whose work sits at the intersection of food, entertainment, and community service. She began her formal culinary training at Hostos Community College in 2017, where she became licensed and quickly built a reputation for creative, high-quality catering. Her early breakthrough came when she was booked for events tied to the reality television world, including productions such as Black Ink Crew. From there, her career expanded into consistent work within the entertainment industry, including catering for the influential franchise Love & Hip Hop, as well as collaborations connected to recording studios, private celebrity events, and major productions with networks like MTV and VH1.
Beyond entertainment catering, Eugenia has built a strong record of service-based culinary work with institutions and community organizations. She has provided meals for government and civic entities including the NYPD, the Board of Education, and the Department of Corrections, while also maintaining relationships with churches and community programs. Her commitment to giving back led her to found SOS (Serving Our Seniors), a ministry dedicated to addressing food insecurity among older adults. Through this initiative, she has donated and delivered thousands of hot meals over the years and collaborates with the NYPD chaplaincy to help distribute weekly meals to seniors in need.
Eugenia is also expanding her creative career into acting, having been cast in the upcoming film Plus Size Divas: Revelation, scheduled for release in January 2027. The project reflects her advocacy for body positivity and representation. Her personal journey includes overcoming severe health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she experienced respiratory failure and underwent a long recovery process before returning to work. Today, she continues to balance culinary arts, acting, ministry work, and life coaching, with a mission centered on service, resilience, and empowering others—especially women—to pursue reinvention at any stage of life.
• Licensed Chef
• Hostos Community College Alumni (with kitchen access privileges)
• SOS Serving Our Seniors Ministry (Founder) - donated over 1
• NYPD Chaplain Collaboration - feeding 40 seniors weekly
• Domestic Violence Advocacy and Speaking
• Woman Empowerment Advocacy
• Community Fundraising Events
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, which keeps me grounded, guided, and grateful through every stage of my life and career. I believe my relationship with God has opened doors and created opportunities that were beyond my own efforts, including unexpected breaks like my opportunity on Black Ink, which began when I confidently offered my services for free and ultimately led to a contract as the show’s chef. In addition to my spirituality, I credit my success to my authenticity, positive mindset, and the genuine way I connect with people. I have always chosen to show up as myself—grateful, transparent, and approachable—which has helped me build strong relationships, earn trust, and grow organically in my industry, even when I entered it later in life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to reinvent yourself when necessary and continue pursuing your dreams regardless of age or circumstance. Do not allow cultural expectations about age, appearance, or timing to define what is possible for you. Growth often requires adapting, learning, and stepping into new versions of yourself without fear. Stay focused on your goals, remain persistent, and trust that your individuality and lived experience are strengths that can set you apart in meaningful ways.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ageism and the assumptions made about older professionals, which can limit opportunities regardless of experience or ability. I’ve also overcome major personal health setbacks, including a severe battle with COVID-19 in 2020 that required me to relearn how to walk and breathe. At the same time, there are strong opportunities in greater representation through projects like Plus Size Divas, as well as meaningful community impact through initiatives such as senior meal services and outreach programs that expand visibility and service within the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in my life and work is service to others. I am passionate about improving people’s lives and especially about empowering women over 50 to understand that their purpose and dreams do not end with age or life transitions. I believe in the power of reinvention at any stage of life and strive to give others hope through my example, authenticity, and lived experience. Guided by faith, gratitude, and a genuine heart, I am committed to giving back through initiatives such as feeding seniors, supporting women’s empowerment, and community outreach, with the goal of making a meaningful difference in every life I touch.
Locations
Private Company
Nyc, NY 10026