Corissa Hernandez

Corissa Hernandez is the co-founder and co-owner of XELAS, The Empire Tavern, and her latest endeavor, Nativo in Highland Park. Not only is she the fermenter of fun, but she’s also an LA native who was rooted in Boyle Heights and brings an authentic feel to each one of her passion projects. 

Never losing sight of the importance of giving back, Corissa has partnered with over a hundred aspiring chefs and restaurateurs of color. Drawing from her own experience as a first-generation college student and Latina entrepreneur, she takes pride in creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities unfamiliar with the competitive landscape of business ownership. She aims to create a fun and safe community for POC in the Los Angeles area.