Paula Strader

Chef Paula Strader is a Brazil-born culinary professional with global experience in high-volume operations, fine dining, and seafood sourcing. Trained at Universidade UniEuro in Brasília, she rose to National Operations Manager for CSM Sport & Entertainment, overseeing foodservice at 12 venues during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After the wrapping the World Cup, Paula took a well-earned break and traveled to the United States, choosing Philadelphia as her destination, thanks to professional connections she had formed with Aramark colleagues.

During a fateful visit to The American Sardine Bar, Paula met her future husband and decided to make Philadelphia her permanent home. Here, she relaunched her career at Jamonera, starting over as a Line Cook and Sous Chef. She appeared on Chopped, and worked alongside Top Chef and James Beard-recognized chefs.

In 2024, Paula expanded her culinary knowledge by traveling to Japan for an immersive training in Wagyu beef, gaining insight into one of the most revered ingredients in global cuisine. Now as Sales Representative at Samuels Seafood, Paula leverages her diverse international experience to support and inspire chefs across the industry.