Meet EatOkra's 2026 Ambassadors: Creatives Expanding Black Food Culture

The best food stories are told by people who live them.

That's why EatOkra is thrilled to introduce the launch of our ambassador program — a remarkable group of women who are creatives, founders, and food influencers at the forefront of where culture and cuisine meet. Each of them brings a distinct point of view, a dedicated community, and unwavering passion.

As we continue to grow our presence across the U.S. and internationally, these women will help us go deeper, into new cities, new conversations, and new ways of experiencing Black food culture. Keep an eye out for their recommendations, reviews, and the spots they're hyping up in their cities. Then head to the app to follow their profiles (under "Creatives To Follow") and save their top picks.

Keep reading to get to know them.

Alexis Oyediran (@DiscoverwithAlexis)

Alexis is a New Jersey and London-based travel content creator and community builder with a deep love for exploring culture through food. From street food stalls to curated dining experiences, she believes cuisine is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people, places, and stories around the world. Through her platform, she inspires others to travel boldly, eat intentionally, and build meaningful connections through shared experiences.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

Definitely the Traditional Bokit with salt fish, a side of plantain, and Passion Fruit Caresse Juice from Bokit’la in London. Bokit’la is a Black-owned, family-run business serving authentic Guadeloupean street food, centered around the bokit, a deep-fried sandwich with a crispy exterior and soft interior. This meal is the perfect balance of sweet and savory; the kind of meal that leaves you full, joyful, and connected to the roots behind it.

What song matches your ideal meal?

“Free Mind” by Tems. This song has a grounding and present energy that makes you want to slow down and really savor your food.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

The first time you go to a restaurant, always ask for their specialty dish. Let them show you what they do best. Then, when you come back, that’s when you explore. Trusting the restaurant the first time almost always leads to a better experience.

Annaya Chelcy (@annayachelcy)

Annaya is a food and lifestyle creator based in Alabama who loves supporting local businesses, especially restaurants. She's always been a foodie and believes the best moments in life come from connection. She recently launched her business, Local Tourist Collective, to encourage people to explore their city like a tourist through community events and experiences.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

Chicken and waffles with sweet and spicy tenders from Yo Mama’s. It's the perfect mix of comfort and flavor which describes my personality too; warm, a little bold, but always familiar!

What song matches your ideal meal?

“Early in the Morning” by The Gap Band. It just feels like brunch, good food, good vibes, and the kind of energy that puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Always grab plastic utensils for later… trust you'll need them. And if you can, meet the owner. I love complimenting them on their work and building real connections, it just makes the experience even better.

Brilann “Bree-Ze” Coleman (@iam_breezebre)

Brilann “Bree-Ze” Coleman is a lifestyle, travel, and culture content creator based in Memphis, TN, with a passion for storytelling that highlights community, creativity, and Black-owned experiences. As the founder of Creator’s Corner Collective and a creative entrepreneur, she uses her platforms to connect audiences to meaningful experiences through food, travel, events, and everyday lifestyle moments. Whether she’s spotlighting hidden gems in her city or traveling to discover new Black-owned spaces, Bree-Ze believes food is one of the most powerful ways to tell a story and build community.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

The Genre Lamb, Shrimp & Chicken Pasta from The Genre Memphis. I love a dining experience that feels elevated but still comforting, and that dish gives both. It’s flavorful, memorable, and feels like the kind of meal you slow down for and really enjoy.

What song matches your ideal meal?

“Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems. It’s smooth, warm, and feels like rooftop dinner energy with good food, good company, and a moment you don’t want to rush. My ideal meal always has that kind of vibe attached to it.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Always ask the server what they would order if they were spending their own money. Not just “what’s popular,” but what they personally love. That usually leads you to the hidden gems on the menu that most people miss.

Briony Copeland (@brionylikepeony)

Briony Copeland is a travel writer, content creator, and entrepreneur behind Travel is My Lifestyle, a platform dedicated to helping travelers explore the world with confidence, clarity, and curiosity. With over a decade in the aviation industry, she blends industry insight with personal experience to create content that is both inspiring and actionable, rooted in culture, food, and connection. Her work focuses on empowering underrepresented travelers, especially within the Black community, to see themselves in global spaces through honest storytelling, practical travel guidance, and community-driven experiences. She is the founder of “I Bring My Black Everywhere,” the creator of BLLAT (Black Ladies Love Anime Too), and an ambassador for Black Travel Alliance.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

If I had to choose one, it would be the crawfish étouffée dog from Dat Dog in New Orleans. I’ve been going there since 2013, and it’s one of those places I visit every single time I’m in the city. It’s a crawfish sausage topped with flavorful étouffée, all served on a soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian-style bun. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but in the best way. They have a huge variety, and I rotate between the hot sausage, smoked bratwurst, and even alligator sausage depending on my mood.

What song matches your ideal meal?

"Reunited" by Peaches & Herb. Because the best meals feel like coming back to something familiar and comforting, even when you’re somewhere new.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Ask locals what they actually order, not just where to go. The best meals are rarely the ones pushed or trending. They’re the off-menu combinations, the “trust me” plates, and the dishes that don’t need a viral moment to prove they’re good. If you want to eat well, stop chasing hype and start following people who know the menu by heart.

Gabrielle Gage (@veggiebaes)

VeggieBaes was born out of a passion for making plant-based and vegan eating feel accessible, exciting, and delicious — all while spotlighting the incredible restaurants doing it right and helping them gain the exposure they deserve.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

The Vegan Kung Pao Chicken at Wokano. It’s generous in size, and the flavor and texture are absolutely on point. Proof that plant-based food can go toe-to-toe with anything on the menu.

What song matches your ideal meal?

“GOT IT GOOD” by Kaytranada. The vibe says it all — no stress, just abundance. My dream meal is all about variety: unlimited options, buffet-style spreads, and fun little bites everywhere you turn.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Always ask for a sample of two wines before committing — it’s a great way to wake up your taste buds and set the tone for the meal!

Jameela Malcolm (@jemazingtravels)

Jameela is a Brooklyn-born, South Florida-raised, proud West Indian. She's a full-time dental hygienist, homeowner, and storyteller who’s always chasing meaningful moments. She creates content that celebrates culture, community, and the beauty of showing up even when life is full. Fort Lauderdale is her home base and she's passionate about shining a light on the people and places that make this community what it is.

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

The jerk chicken pasta from World Famous House of Mac in Miami. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and culture. Once you have it, you understand.

What song matches your ideal meal?

"Cocoa Tea" by Kes. Warm, Caribbean, and feels like exactly where I want to be.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Always ask your server what their favorite thing on the menu is. They’ll tell you what’s actually good. And I always look up photos of the dish before I order. I eat with my eyes first.

Shanita Miller (@blackgirlsguideatl)

Born and raised in Atlanta, Shanita is a community & lifestyle influencer + events curator with 10+ years of professional experience in special events and community outreach. Shanita works with small businesses, non-profit organizations, and corporations to help them amplify their mission, authenticity, and work in the community. Her mission involves highlighting BIPOC businesses wherever she goes!

What’s a dish that defines your love of food?

Punanny wrap at Tassili’s — it’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and delicious in every bite. Her wraps are legendary.

What song matches your ideal meal?

"Cool" by Anthony Hamilton; I envision a cookout with friends or family with bbq and all the best sides. Just good food and good people. That’s what makes the perfect meal.

What’s one dining pro-tip you swear by?

Whenever I try a new restaurant for breakfast or brunch, my go to plate is always grits, eggs, and bacon with a biscuit and a cup of coffee. This is the foundation. I believe if you can’t get the basics right, then there’s no need for me to order anything else.