Martine Roc

Representing: Chef Martine LLC.
Years Active: 3

I am a proud Haitian woman, born and raised, who wants nothing more than to represent my country in the best light possible. My love for Haiti goes beyond my professional endeavors—I strive to showcase its beauty, its resilience, and the vibrancy of its people at every opportunity.

Haiti’s challenges meant that I had to study abroad, a path I never intended for myself. Leaving my homeland was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I always carried the dream of returning. Cooking and feeding others has always been my passion, and after completing my studies, I went back to Port-au-Prince to begin my career in the culinary world.

I started at my parents’ businesses, La Pause Restaurant, the pioneers of fast-casual dining in Haiti. I managed the culinary department and the production center that supplied five locations in the capital. My vision was to not only expand the restaurant’s impact but also to develop culinary education programs for young Haitians passionate about the craft.

Unfortunately, those dreams came to a halt. One day, on my way to the restaurant in Pétion-Ville, I became one of Haiti’s early