White House Executive Chef and UP Alumnus in Hawaii

Shared Profound Experiences with Global Women

Honolulu, HI. The only Filipino and female Executive Chef appointed to the White House is in Honolulu. 

Cristeta “Cris”Comerford delivered her breakfast remark and shared her experiences as the first female Executive Chef in the White House in the Fifth Annual International Women’s Leadership Conference. This one-day conference was held in Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort on September 24, 2008.  On it’s fifth year, the conference provides a “forum for successful women from all backgrounds, cultures, religions and lifestyles to discuss what they are thinking and doing to positively impact our global community.” That morning, the conference delegates were treated to a Filipino-style breakfast.

As White House Executive Chef, her prime responsibility is to ensure that the First Family is well taken cared off.  She has a big repertoire of things that she has to contend with- ranging from daily casual breakfast for two, to sit-down formal dinners to honor high profile guests.  Her main focus is to ensure that her creations represent the First Family in terms of giving the best of American hospitality. 

Comerford recounted her experience when appointed by First Lady Laura Bush in August 15, 2005. She told about 1000 delegates of one valuable lesson, “we are all hung-up on big things and big pictures, not thinking it’s really the small menial task ...   whatever task at hand, whether menial or grand… (it) should be given the best of God-given talents and abilities…one thing I didn’t miss, which was good, is that I didn’t missed any opportunity I was given.”

Comerford noted that “about 50% of food service workers in the business are women when I was appointed, but only 4% in top positions are women.” During the Open Forum, she added, “Whenever younger generations see women leaders break barriers, it would be a great encouragement for them to move on (up)… take younger generations... not just in cooking but learning life in itself...”

As the only White House Executive Chef of Filipino decent, Comerford proudly proclaimed her roots.  She honored her mother for instilling in her the virtues of hard work; love of family, and for inspiring her to cook.  Comerford also thanked her father for supporting her to pursue a career in culinary arts.  When asked whether being a Filipino in such a high post presents a challenge, Comerford replied that her roots is a source of strength.  Her humility and her capabilities helped her maintain composure and balance in a world dominated by men.

The Office of the Governor’s website reads, “Ms. Comerford received her bachelor's degree in Food Technology from the University of the Philippines and gained culinary experience serving as Chef Tournant at Le Ciel in Vienna, Austria; Chef at Le Grande Bistro at The Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C.; and Chef at The Colonnade at the ANA Hotel in Washington, D.C., where she implemented the "Culinary Arts Gallery" which showcased the best of American fine cuisine.” http://hawaii.gov/gov/iwlc/2008/speakers/speaker-bios/cristeta-comerford

Comerford also shared her cooking secret; something that she learned from her mother.  Her mother never measured anything and reminded her to always taste her food!