Sofia Gardenswartz

Sofia Gardenswartz was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she began her case management career at the San Diego Emergency Migrant Shelter during the Covid-19 pandemic. After graduating from Pomona College with a degree in American Studies, Sofia moved to the east coast, where she currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Sofia has long been connected to the food and beverage industry: from running a food-service nonprofit in high school, to researching culinary history for a Michelin-starred restaurant, to her experience in the United Kingdom at culinary school. She has worked as a line cook, cheesemonger, and pastry chef. Throughout her roles in the industry, Sofia has found joy in the community created both in the kitchen and around the dining table. She is thrilled to join the Southern Smoke team to help support and uplift that community.

When she’s not puttering around the kitchen, Sofia enjoys adventuring with her husky-shepherd mix, Franklin. She is an active hiker and forager and enjoys reading and reality TV.