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Alumni Business Owner: Jahaira A. Ramos '22

“We all love food. My biggest thing is bringing back the traditional, authentic Mexican food – the seasoning and natural flavors."
~ Jahaira A. Ramos '22

Jahaira Aguirre-Suazo at A Toda Madre

September 15, 2023 | Sarah Fetters

Jahaira A. Ramos '22 began her UNCW experience with Hurricane Florence and endured a global pandemic but came out an overcomer willing to take on anything. The proud owner of A Toda Madre in Sanford, N.C., Ramos turned passion for family and community into the restaurant business.
 
“I love what I do,” the 23-year-old said.

taco

 

two women serving drinks

Ramos and her family’s restaurant journey began with her and her mom selling out of a minivan. Once she enrolled at UNCW, the business expanded to the opening of a food truck, Taco Jazz. In May, the family opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, A Toda Madre.

"I'm always for helping our community and being involved,” Ramos said. “I think that’s what drew me more into the restaurant industry and that's really what I wanted to do. I didn't expect it to come so soon, but we are here and I'm happy and very fortunate for all the help and support that I've received from the community.”

Her end goal is to continue to push herself, create community along the way and open a location in Wilmington to give back to UNCW’s students and staff.

Corn on plate with napkin and drink

Learn more about Jahaira and A Toda Madre in this exclusive interview.

Alumni-owned businesses are a point of pride for the UNCW Alumni Association and connect the Seahawk family across the country and around the globe. Search the directory of alumni-owned businesses to see where you can #ShopSeahawk.