Daniella Jasper-Okumagba

Founder & CEO, The BRDGE

Living alone at 22, I grew tired of the same routine—ordering in and eating bland, repetitive meals. When my mom or aunts visited, they would fill my kitchen with unforgettable Nigerian dishes that I cherished for as long as possible. Once the food ran out, I realized there was no platform dedicated to providing truly authentic and affordable ethnic cuisine.

Having moved to Canada from Nigeria at a young age, I’ve experienced the challenges of preserving cultural traditions in a new environment.

Along the way, I also recognized a significant gap in the culinary industry: chefs and restaurant businesses often struggle to succeed because they’re burdened by operational demands, leaving little room to focus on their craft.

This inspired the evolution of The BRDGE.

Our mission is to empower chefs to focus on what they do best—creating exceptional food—by providing the resources and support they need to thrive. From streamlining operations to managing logistics, we handle the complexities so chefs can shine. It’s about celebrating cultural diversity while enabling culinary excellence to flourish.

  • Most Influential CEO - 2025

    Under her leadership, Daniella champions diversity and creates opportunities for underrepresented chefs.

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  • CEO of the Year - 2025 (Digital Marketplace)

    Recognized as CEO of the Year in Digital Marketplace – Food Service 2025, she empowers underrepresented chefs through scalable support.

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  • Leader of the Year (Curated Catering)

    Through her leadership, Daniella is building more than just a business—she’s building a movement rooted in culture, connection, and excellence.

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