Patricia Lara, Founder & Owner, Casa Sensei and Wonder Paws Rescue
Power businesswoman Patricia Lara is the owner of Fort Lauderdale waterfront restaurant Casa Sensei and founder of the nonprofit Wonder Paws Rescue. When she opened Casa Sensei in November 2018, Lara completely transformed the Las Olas culinary scene: The fan-favorite restaurant was voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine for five consecutive years. Lara’s dedication to her business came from the ground up— – she revamped the entire interior, built the bar from scratch, executed successful marketing strategies, and developed a delectable menu that brilliantly blends Latin American and Asian cuisine. While successfully running Casa Sensei, Lara and her daughter co-founded Wonder Paws Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit that provides temporary housing, medical care and rehabilitation for animals in South Florida.