Pinay White House chef in CNN’s Leading Women

MANILA, Philippines - This month, CNN’s Leading Women meets Cristeta Comerford (photo), the White House executive chef.

In 2005, Philippines-born Cristeta made culinary history when she was appointed the White House executive chef by then First Lady Laura Bush — the first female and the first minority to ever hold her post. For almost two decades, the mother of one has worked behind the scenes making sure the president, his family and high-profile guests enjoy well-balanced, well-cooked meals.

The 51-year-old chef has served under three presidents — joining the Clinton administration in 1995, working for the Bush government and now serving Barack Obama throughout his two terms.

Cristeta talks to CNN’s Isha Sesay about growing up in Manila as one of 11 children, her journey to the US at age 23 to work as a “salad girl” and feeding the most powerful man in the world at the White House.  

The Leading Women episode premieres on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. on CNN.