Maimuna K Burnette

I was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa. I was very athletic, a tomboy, and loved riding bikes, with the boys. But, when I was not being a tomboy, I played “cook” in the yard with my cousins, using tin cups and ingredients from my grandmother’s kitchen. At around 9 years of age, I left for America and eventually settled in the Washington DC area. I obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Frostburg State University (FSU). While at FSU, I was very involved in politics, international relations, and president of the Young Democrats. On weekends, I collected money from my friends and cooked specialty meals. After college, I interned on Capitol Hill for a congressman, then returned to FSU to obtain my Masters in Business Administration. Upon graduation, I began my career as a management consultant. My growing passion for food started in Sierra Leone and into my adulthood in America. I have combined my passion for food, good company, and bringing people together with the launch of “Dinner with Mai,” a social event, where guests enjoy authentic West African food.