Kareen “Chef Coco” Linton

Award-Winning Chef | Author & Publisher | International Speaker | Educator | EdTech Innovator | Entrepreneur | International Collaborator

Her experience
spans over 30 years

Kareen “Chef Coco” Linton is an award-winning culinary professional, author, publisher, international speaker, educator, EdTech innovator, and entrepreneur whose multidisciplinary career bridges culinary arts, creativity, technology, education, and global engagement. Born in Barbados, raised in Brooklyn, New York, and based in downtown Tampa, Florida, her journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, cultural connection, and purpose-driven leadership.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Coco has built a multifaceted career spanning culinary arts, hospitality, entrepreneurship, fashion, education, publishing, and international speaking. Her professional honors include the Food 2.0 Dubai Outstanding Leadership Award (2022) and the American Culinary Federation’s National Cutting Edge Award (2015 and 2024). She also made history as the first female Second Vice President of the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association and serves as First Delegate for Disciples d’Escoffier International-USA, Florida.

With 13 years of experience as an educator, including 8½ years specializing in Educational Technology (EdTech), Chef Coco brings together culinary education, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Her work has focused on helping learners explore entrepreneurial thinking and apply technology and design tools to develop their skills, ideas, and professional potential.

As an author and publisher, Chef Coco is the author of Turn Your Sours Into Sweets. Her media and writing contributions include the New York Daily News, Caribbeat Magazine, and ParadeMagazine.com, reflecting her connection to culinary storytelling, creativity, and cultural expression.

She was also the fashion designer and stylist for celebrities such as LL Cool J, Music Producer Teddy Riley, GUY, BlackStreet, Wreckx N Effect, Positive K and was Assistant Designer to Play from the rap duo Kid N Play, just to name a few. Her clothing has appeared in the movie House Party 2, TV shows, music videos, magazines, national and international concerts.

As Founder and CEO of A Dash of Coco LLC, she continues to build upon her work across culinary arts, publishing, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. Through The Coco Foundation Inc., she champions the power of food to connect people, encourage learning, and strengthen communities.

Now entering an exciting new chapter. Chef Coco is blending creativity, technology, education, and purpose-driven leadership, she is expanding her vision toward international collaboration, connecting people, cultures, industries, and opportunities to create a greater good. Through collaborative projects with the potential to create meaningful impact across borders.

Guided by her mantra, “Food is my vehicle, love is my fuel, and purpose is my destination,” Chef Coco continues to bring creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and global connection together, inspiring others to discover their gifts, embrace their potential, and turn purpose into action.

Educator and Mentorship

A Lifestyle of Food & Fashion!

Custom made beaded full length gown made for prom.

Chef wearing self designed chef coat.

Singature black sequin Chef coat.

Chef in the kitchen wearing her signature white sequin Chef coat.