Preparing food for one’s family is a huge cultural symbol of pride for the women of Burkina Faso, a small West African country. Akin to a right of passage, it is a big part of life for a young woman from her father’s country. Though born in America, Yoland Ouiya, known as Yoli, was no exception. Twenty years later, she is known throughout the New York City area for catering for various vegan activist organizations, a brief stint at Reboot restaurant, and servicing a cultural array of clients and festivals.

Yoli Ouiya, known as a Green Chef and Sustainable Living Stylist, currently operates a green lifestyle website YolisGreenLiving.com and boutique eco-lifestyle outfit called Ou!ya. She offers rich, colorful meal and food preparation demos, workshops, lectures, and organizes a variety of eco-chic green themed events in New York. Highlighted as one of 2011’s Young African Visionaries in Obaasema Magazine, she is currently on the board of The New York Coalition for Healthy School Food, has worked with various organizations for youth based events including Health Corps and Teen ACTION (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development). and co-authoring a book slated for completion Summer 2012.