Originally from Mexico City, Chef Karina Rivera brings over 13 years of experience working in renowned hotels and bakeries. After studying Culinary Arts, she quickly discovered her true passion for pastry and began her career as a pastry chef with Celebrity Cruises.

She later joined The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami, where she refined her technique and elevated her creative approach to pastry. She went on to become Head Pastry Chef at Bachour Bakery & Bistro and Bachour Miami before taking on the same role at Novikov Miami.

In 2019, Chef Karina was a finalist on Spring Baking Championship on Food Network, and in 2022, she defeated Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli on Alex vs. America, further establishing herself as one of the industry's rising pastry talents.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated internationally, including assisting Massimo Bottura at various culinary events. She is also the founder of Women Chefs 305, an initiative dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering women in the culinary industry.

Macarons have always been at the heart of her work. In 2020, she launched her own company, specializing in seasonal macarons, consulting for bakeries and restaurants, and offering both in-person and online pastry classes. Since then, she has taught more than 1000 students across the United States and Latin America, helping both professionals and enthusiasts refine their pastry skills.

Chef Karina is also a brand ambassador for PROVA Gourmet, collaborating on recipe development and international demonstrations. In addition, she provides consulting services for bakeries and restaurants throughout the United States and Latin America and develops premium wholesale bakery products for prestigious clients, including 1 Hotel, the University of Miami, LoanDepot Park, and Riverside Hotel.

Beyond the kitchen, she has built a strong digital presence, growing an engaged community of more than 170,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares recipes, techniques, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of pastry.

Today, Chef Karina continues to inspire pastry professionals and enthusiasts around the world through her teaching, consulting, and creative work, combining technical excellence, innovation, and a genuine passion for the craft in every creation