Reina Gascon-Lopez was born in Ceiba, Puerto Rico and was raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where she currently resides. She is the creator of The Sofrito Project, where she documents her culinary journey as a Southern Boricua. As a Southern Puerto Rican, Reina explores both her multiracial background and cultures through food and writing. Her work and words have been featured in VICE, SELF Magazine, The Post and Courier, and The Washington Post.