Phyllis Valenzuela

Chef at San Xavier Coop Farm Catering

Phyllis Valenzuela has been contributing her internationally renowned culinary expertise to the San Xavier Coop Farm Catering for a total of seven (7) years, intermittently taking on the role of chef. During her time in the kitchen, she skillfully combines

 contemporary ingredients with traditional crops, crafting flavorsome and nutritious dishes. When not actively preparing meals for tours or off-site catering projects, Phyllis dedicates her time to developing new recipes that showcase the traditional foods

 cultivated with pride by our farmers. Whether you've savored a ciolim (cholla bud) tamale, indulged in a mesquite cookie from the store, or relished a full Three Sisters plate, you've experienced one of Phyllis's many culinary creations.

As a respected elder of the farm and a member of the Tohono O'odham nation, Phyllis seamlessly balances her passion for cooking and commitment to the farm with her leadership responsibilities in the Wa:k Community. Wearing multiple hats as a community leader, she takes pride in her role on the council as a committee member and her leadership in the Young Women's Gathering. In her leisure time, Phyllis also excels in volleyball, contributing to her championship-winning team!