Maria Alvarez
Founder & Host
Maria is a trailblazer in hospitality and community-building, combining her talent for creating unique dining experiences with her passion for fostering inclusive, creative spaces. As the founder and host of Family Meal, she has built a thriving platform where connection and self-expression flourish.
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Maria’s aspirations include owning successful a bar or two, traveling often, and nurturing a happy, healthy family with her wife, Lexington. Her dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces is at the heart of all her work, making Family Meal a natural extension of her mission to bring people together in meaningful ways.
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Family Meal is a space where creativity and community thrive. It’s the kind of place little Maria would have thought was so cool—a hub where art, connection, and self-expression meet. Through Family Meal, Maria has built a platform that celebrates what she loves most: creativity, community, and meaningful connections.
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To reach Maria you can email her at maria@familymeal.info
Stay connected with Maria’s day-to-day life at @dumbsexy
Co-Producer & Creative Coordinator
Carolina is a visionary in storytelling and personal style, weaving her bold fashion sense and creativity into her passion for self-expression and celebrating individuality. A published author, her poetry collection, Speak English, You’re in America, delves into the layered complexities of belonging and identity as an immigrant in the United States after spending most of her childhood in the Dominican Republic.
When she’s not writing or curating community spaces, Carolina finds joy in reading, thrifting, experimenting with arts and crafts, and embracing whatever adventure her daughter dreams up. A passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, she inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and explore the boundless possibilities of personal style.
With a deep commitment to fostering self-love, vulnerability, and liberation, Carolina’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and community in building kinder, more authentic spaces.
To reach out Carolina you can email her at carolina@familymeal.info. You can keep up with Carolina's colorful journey, creative projects, and events by following her IG @todayscarolina.