“First we eat, and then we do everything else.” That’s a mantra for Briana DiTommaso, who was crowned Universal Woman Italy 2023. She also believes in working hard and not letting obstacles stand in your way. DiTommaso, 41, is the executive chef and winemaker for her family’s vineyard, Valentino Vineyards, in Long Grove, Illinois, where she lives with her three children and her life partner.

She is also a partner and head winemaker for the wine company Provocativo. Over the years, DiTommaso has opened several restaurants in suburban Chicago, including Mambo Italiano in Mundelein, which she owned and operated for more than 18 years. The restaurant was featured on the local TV show “Check, Please!” and earned a Readers’ Choice award from the Daily Herald newspaper.