09/01/2026
It's a privilege to say that Jacqueline A Gonzalez is one of our own! Jackie, has worked at Montage for 8 years as one of our only female chefs. Her work ethic is the reason this award is long over due! She is the glue that keeps our kitchen running from leading evening service to, creating dishes, to pushing us to improve. We are a better restaurant with Jackie and are thankful for all the years she's worked here.
In honor of our 8th class of โ40 Women To Watchโ in Iowaโs hospitality industry, weโd like to introduce you to each of our 2026 honorees! Come celebrate these incredible women on October 19th. ๐ https://zurl.co/CyHyz
Jackie Gonzalez discovered hospitality while still in high school, beginning as a hostess and dishwasher before building her career to become Sous Chef at ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ a fine dining restaurant in Cedar Falls, where she helps lead the kitchen and creates seasonal menu features. She credits the hospitality industry with opening her eyes to new possibilities and inspiring her to keep learning every step of the way. Her nominator describes Jackie as "a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen." Jackie approaches each day in the kitchen as another opportunity to grow. Concludes Jackie, "Through the tough lessons, rough messes, early mornings, and the cuts, burns, scratches, and bruises, I've grown with every challenge and become the Sous Chef I am today."
