Trailblazing Raleigh woman brings traditional West African food to the Triangle [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — We’re highlighting trailblazing women in our community for Women’s History Month, and Adé Carrena is exactly that.

Born in the West African country of Benin, her mother put her up for adoption at 10 years old, hoping to give her a better life.

She faced a lot of obstacles after being adopted in America, and for years, she felt like she didn’t really fit in anywhere.

“I wasn’t African enough in the eyes of African people to really be claiming this thing, and then having lived the black experience in America while also being clear that I came from Benin, I didn’t have the right to claim the black experience,” Carrena said.

Then, she found cooking. It felt instinctual to her, and while she knew she was bringing something different and authentic to the food scene in America, it wasn’t an easy path here either.

“I am a black female …