Conquering the Skies, the Web, and the Kitchen, Bread & Butter Founder Monica Alvarado Inspires EMPOWER Students

Indian Creek's Upper School affinity group EMPOWER kicked off its first meeting of the new year by welcoming Monica Alvarado, founder and owner of Bread and Butter Kitchen in Eastport, Maryland, to speak with students. A former Air Force service member and technology professional of 22 years, Monica shared how her varied experiences shaped her path to entrepreneurship. She opened her restaurant with the vision of highlighting local farmers and vendors while creating meaningful connections through food. 

Moderated by EMPOWER committee member Caroline Shenck ’27, the conversation explored Monica’s life before opening her restaurant. She reflected on joining the Air Force straight out of high school, describing it as an eye-opening experience that exposed her to diverse cultures and led her into an intelligence career field. 

After leaving the military, Monica transitioned into the tech industry, beginning as a technical writer and eventually working her way up to program manager. Along the way, she learned the importance of recognizing her value, negotiating her salary, and advocating for herself in professional spaces. 

Monica also spoke candidly about the sexism she experienced throughout her career, both in the military and more intensely in the tech sector. She described being sexualized, dismissed, and unsupported by HR, and acknowledged that standing her ground remains a learning process for her to this day. She encouraged the Indian Creek students not to be intimidated, to trust their intelligence, and to speak up for themselves.  

When asked what inspired her to open Bread and Butter Kitchen, Monica shared that she was laid off shortly after closing a high-value contract while in an executive role. In the years that followed, she focused on personal growth, writing, and cooking with fresh, local ingredients. Selling her food at a local farmers' market sparked the idea to turn her passion into a business. From the beginning, her goal was not just to open a restaurant, but to create a welcoming community hub and a safe space where people could come together. 

Thank you to Monica Alvarado for encouraging Creek students to follow their instincts, lean on their support systems, and recognize the importance of community. As she shared, growth and success are strongest when shared!