THE NEW
POWER SUIT
After a day spent pounding the pavement in 2004, Chef
Suchanan Aksornnan, then 17, walked into a sophisticated
Manhattan eatery. Aksornnan, who had moved from a small
town in northern Thailand two years prior, had little
experience but plenty of passion. ”Give me any job. I’m
willing to learn.” She was hired and handed a white chef’s
coat and toque, which became her “power suit.” As one of
three women in the kitchen, the chef (nicknamed Bao Bao,
Chinese for baby, by a co-worker) endured criticism from
male colleagues for being young and petite. But she
eventually earned their respect by focusing on perfecting
her techniques. “I worked hard to prove myself,” she says.
The hard work paid off: Aksornnan now owns and runs the
acclaimed Baoburg in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where she puts
her own spin on Southeast Asian street food and takes pride
in mentoring young female chefs who, like herself, recognize
the importance of creating a collaborative, inclusive work
environment. “With some luck and a lot of sweat, I was able
to do it,” she says. “And I know other women can, too.”
Every time I wearmy chef jacket,I feel respected.”Scan the QR code to see
Aksornnan in action.*
*Data rates may apply.The hands-free lift gate on the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer ST
makes unloading groceries a breeze. (Optional features shown.)ADVERTISEMENT
Today, the defi nition of a power suit isn’t one-size-fi ts-
all. In support of women making moves in traditionally
male-dominated fi elds, Ford is spotlighting female
trailblazers like Chef Suchanan Aksornnan (aka
Chef Bao Bao). Find out how she calls the shots
at her own restaurant.