March 25, 2025
This blog is part of a series where we shine a light on the helping hands that made some of our Mexico projects possible. From culinary chefs cooking and distributing meals for migrants to local creatives using their art to inspire peace in their neighborhoods—progress would not be possible without the helping hands of local heroes who step up to bring change to their communities and make Search’s projects a reality.
At 35, Eunice Calderón, from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, has spent more than a decade in the culinary world. Her love for food runs deep, influenced by her grandfather who was also a chef. Initially, Eunice wanted to pursue music, but a transformative dining experience at a high-end restaurant changed her perspective. At 17, she realized her true passion lay in the culinary arts.
Determined to follow this newfound calling, she put her music studies on hold and immersed herself fully in gastronomy. The journey was filled with uncertainty but she faced challenges head-on by crafting dishes, refining them, and bringing them to life.
Winning the Mexican Bicentennial Cuisine contest validated her dedication and skill, and from that moment on, her journey through professional kitchens truly began.
OH! Cocina Taller: A Social Culinary Initiative
Eunice is now at the helm of OH! Cocina Taller, an interactive space where people can enjoy food, drinks, and cooking classes—without the structure of a traditional culinary school. The project allows her to share her passion for food while engaging the community in an accessible and enjoyable way. Through her work, she has discovered the joy of teaching and sharing her knowledge, even without financial rewards, as well as has heightened her awareness of others’ needs.
Eunice viewed the dynamics of Ciudad Juárez, a city that borders the U.S., not as a challenge, but as an advantage. The city’s fluid identity, shaped by diverse influences and migration, has given rise to a unique and ever-evolving food culture.
Conflict Resolution Through Cooking
Partnering up with Search for Common Ground on relief and social cohesion projects, such as food distributions for migrant shelters, cooking Thanksgiving meals, and MasterChef-style cooking challenges where migrants and locals teamed up and learned how to resolve conflicts while preparing creative dishes, has been an impactful experience for Eunice. Through this collaboration, she gained a new appreciation for food as a fundamental yet often overlooked privilege, reinforcing Eunice’s belief in its power to bring people together.
“Many people don’t know where their next meal will come from. Organizations like Search work to meet this need—not just with food, but with dignity and quality. They ensure that the only concern people have is enjoying their meal. That’s invaluable.”
Finding Peace Through Food
To Eunice, peace is both an emotional state and an intentional pursuit. “We don’t find peace unless we seek it,” she explains. She sees it in laughter, conversation, and the shared cooking experience. By disconnecting from outside noise and engaging in meaningful interactions such as in the kitchen, people can create peace within themselves and their communities.
What Eunice admires most about Search’s approach is the emphasis on hospitality—ensuring people feel valued, comfortable, and seen. Whether through food distribution or culinary initiatives, the goal is always to provide sustenance and dignity. Every carefully prepared plate is an act of recognition and respect.
Through her work with Search, Eunice has realized that everyone has the power to contribute in their own way.
“This experience has inspired me to be more aware of how to help. We all can make a difference—sometimes, it starts with just one meal.”
Want to meet more inspiring changemakers? Read the rest of our Helping Hands in Mexico series to discover how an artist painting murals is inspiring peace in the community and how a humanitarian leader is empowering migrants with farming and land cultivation skills.
