08/21/2026
A CityRise Story
Antonio Maldonado is a Culinary Creative Director and cofounder of Papadzul SF, a catering business focused on authentic Mayan cuisine in the Bay Area. Inspired by the rich flavors of the Yucatán Peninsula and his mother, Chef Magaly Valladares, he blends traditional recipes with fresh California ingredients.
Currently in the La Cocina incubator, Antonio is also part of the CityRise Business Initiative, where he is enhancing his business skills through financial modeling and strategy, while collaborating with University of San Francisco students to improve Papadzul’s digital marketing and operations.
CityRise is part of the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative ( ), a network of 59 cities working together to generate lasting, local impact.