Angela Woodley’s culinary journey began in the South Bronx, where she learned the art of cooking from her parents. Her mother’s love for growing herbs and infusing them into traditional dishes sparked Angela’s early appreciation for the power of real ingredients and bold, soulful flavor.

After relocating to Georgia in 2010 and working in the music industry, Angela began making empanadas for her studio clients a side hustle that quickly evolved into something more. In 2015, she gave birth to her son, who was later diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in 2016. That diagnosis shifted her entire mindset and lifestyle. Through extensive research, she learned about the strong connection between gut health and brain function, especially in children with special needs.

Angela made a personal commitment to adopt a fully plant-based lifestyle, not just for herself, but to lead by example and support her son’s health and development.

From 2016 to 2020, while she lived plant-based, Angela continued running La Jefa Empanadas as a catering business. She still offering traditional meat filled empanadas that her customers loved. Over time, it became increasingly difficult to serve food that no longer aligned with her values. Combined with mounting financial pressures, she made the difficult decision to pause the business in 2020.

After a three-year break to regroup, heal, and refine her vision, Angela made her return in early 2024, relaunching La Jefa Empanadas as a 100% plant-based food truck. Now, her mission is clear: to serve authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican flavors with fresh, plant-powered ingredients, proving that food can honor culture, comfort, and health all at once.