"A fine-dining Arab restaurant in Oakland created in partnership with a hospitality group, conceived as an attempt to shift industry norms but ultimately reflective of the same power dynamics the founders hoped to change. The project placed intense pressure on its lead to perform as a visionary 'chef,' leading to repeated proof-of-legitimacy, negotiations with business partners over governance, and feelings of tokenism and martyrdom despite intentions to center cultural wisdom and healthier workplace structures." - Reem Assil