Mawa McQueen, Chef
Chef Mawa McQueen is the passionate owner and executive chef of multiple restaurants across Colorado; Mawa's Kitchen and Mawita in Aspen and Crepe Therapy Café in Aspen, Snowmass Village and Boulder. Her life experiences growing up in Côte d'Ivoire and France were the foundation that ignited her passion for bringing food and comfort to people from all walks of life. In 2022, Mawa's talent and hard work was recognized by the James Beard Foundation when she was nominated for the James Beard Award Best Chef West. Mawa's Kitchen received the honor of becoming a MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurant in 2023 (Colorado's inaugural MICHELIN Guide), 2024, and 2025. In addition to her restaurants, Mawa owns her own granola company, Mawa's GrainFreeNola, where she produces gluten-free, vegan granola made with organic nuts and seeds and sweetened with dates.
Dedicated to inspiring everyone through her food and story, Mawa is a published author. Her cookbook, Mawa's Way, is a collection of fan favorite recipes from Mawa's Kitchen alongside a story of grit and perseverance to achieve one's dreams. In her motivational book, Unstoppable Ambition, and the corresponding workbook Unstoppable Workbook: Mapping Out Your Mindset For Success, Mawa shares more of her fascinating story and relentless pursuit of excellence.
More than just an executive chef and savvy businesswoman, Mawa's impact goes beyond the kitchen as she makes time to give back to her communities. In April 2025, Spoons Across America recognized Mawa with its Award for Excellence for her work to empower and uplift others through food education and mentorship. She currently serves on the Isaacson School Executive Advisory Board, Ment'or Culinary Council, and Sylvia Center Culinary Council. Mawa continues to advocate for Africa and its people through her work with Brake The Cycle and Action in Africa.
