About Natalie

Natalie Jesionka is a food writer whose curiosity about the world informs her rich storytelling. For over a decade Natalie worked as a human trafficking researcher and professor, dedicating her career to advocating for vulnerable communities and educating the next generation of changemakers. After years of intense global work, she found solace and creativity in her lifelong passion: food.

Leaving academia behind, Natalie now channels her love for culinary traditions into writing that explores the intersection of food, culture, and memory. Her work draws on her global experiences, delving into the ways food can heal and connect people. Whether she’s revisiting the comforting dishes of a Polish-American household or discovering new cuisines from her travels, Natalie's writing blends warmth and a deep appreciation for the stories and people behind every recipe.

Natalie’s writing has been featured in various media, and most recently authored Kalaya's Southern Thai Kitchen, a cookbook dear to her heart that follows the recipes and stories of James Beard Award–winning chef, Nok Suntaranon.

She’s currently working on her debut Polish-American cookbook, celebrating the flavors of her ancestral home through a first generation lens. When she’s not writing, you can find Natalie experimenting in the kitchen or hosting intimate dinners that bridge cultures and communities.