Maisa Abudayha is passionate about helping and supporting fellow immigrants who strive to live independently. As co-director of Feast World Kitchen, Abudayha has helped over 150 immigrants and refugees use international cuisine as a platform for economic resilience through the nonprofit’s chef program.

The downtown restaurant features a weekly, rotating chef on a daily basis and serves as a place for Spokane’s immigrant and former refugee community to share their culture. Each featured chef keeps 90% of profits. 

In addition to her leadership duties at the restaurant, Abudayha recently acquired Spokane-based meal-delivery company Pantry Fuel LLC.  The company offers dietitian-approved, single-serve meals designed around seasonally fresh produce delivered to customers within 24 hours.

What's the best piece of advice you've received? Believe in your talent and knock on the door, even if the same door didn't open for a different person.

What advice would you have for others looking to follow a career path similar to yours? Perseverance, creativity, and a passion for what you do are key for success.

 Excluding the pandemic, what's the biggest business challenge you've overcome?  Nonprofit business is hard work, plus running a restaurant is risky. Together, they have made me some hard moments, especially as a mother responsible for four kids.