Emoni Santiago

Emoni Santiago is a high school senior in a somewhat depressed neighborhood on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Emoni's life is challenging, as she became pregnant freshman year, and is now trying to attend school and raise her two-year-old daughter Emma. To add to her struggles, her own mother left in childbirth and her grieving father could not face raising a child alone so he returned to his homeland, Puerto Rico. Fortunately Emoni has a loving Abuela, grandmother, who raised her and is now helping her raise Emma. Emoni is responsible and caring, and finds great joy in cooking. It is clear she has talent in the kitchen, so when a culinary class becomes available at her school, she jumps at the chance to be included. The class culminates with a trip to Spain to learn how to cook the local cuisine.

Emma Santiago also known as "Babygirl"