How Zoë Weinrebe’s Jamaican roots shaped her sweet success

The moment our Woman Empowered received the life-changing call, time seemed to stand still. “It feels like yesterday. I remember when they told me I was on Zoom, I tried to be respectful of my neighbour, but I let out a shriek.” That shriek would echo through Toronto’s West End, marking the beginning of a journey that would take this local baker from her family kitchen to the national spotlight on Season 9 of The Great Canadian Baking Show.

In the diverse world of Canadian baking, Zoë Weinrebe’s story stands out for the deep cultural roots that flavour each and every one of her creations. Her journey begins in the most sacred of spaces; a family kitchen in Parkdale, where as a child, while her sister played, young Zoë watched her father cook and bake with mesmerized attention.

“I lived in the West end of Toronto with my dad and sister, and while my sister was playing, I was watching my dad cook,” she recalls, her voice carrying the warmth of those memories. These early moments were about Zoë absorbing a philosophy of food that would shape her entire approach to baking.

Like many of us who find our calling early, Zoë Weinrebe’s passion was nurtured by the glowing screens of Food Network. “My early influences were from the Food Network. I loved the process of it, and then sharing the food after, and seeing the reaction.” This cycle of creation, sharing, and witnessing joy would become the cornerstone of her baking identity. a feedback loop of emotional connection that transforms simple ingredients into vessels of memory and meaning.

What emerges in conversation with Zoë is a profound understanding of baking as both science and art. “I like the challenge of sticking to the chemistry of baking. When you are cooking a meal, you can improvise, with baking you can’t do that. When you lock down a recipe you can then experiment with it.” This disciplined approach to creativity reveals a mind that respects boundaries even as it seeks to transcend them, a balance that would serve her well under the pressure of the baking show tent.

As she speaks, she transports us back to her childhood, to moments of discovery that now seem prophetic. “My mind goes back to being 11 or 12 and melting dark chocolate and adding fruit and freezing it. I was making tempered chocolate and didn’t know it. I remember making layered cake, and strawberry fruit cake. My dad loved it.”

These were bonding rituals that strengthened the ties between father and daughter. “I would always bake cakes with dad, and he knew I had a big interest in it. I was a creative kid and would always mess up his kitchen. We would have a loveable, but intense session.” In these “intense sessions,” we see the birth of a baker who understands that the best creations come from passion.

What’s particularly striking about Zoë’s journey is the winding path that led her to this moment. With a degree in political science from Ryerson University and initial thoughts of a law career, she seemed destined for a very different kind of public service. “First it was political science, then I thought about a law career.  I love telling stories visually, and marketing honoured that.” This pivot toward visual storytelling and marketing reveals a mind that understands the power of narrative, a skill that would prove invaluable in the high-stakes storytelling of competitive baking.

Identity plays a central role in Zoë’s baking philosophy. “My dad is Jamaican, and came to Canada when he was 27, or 28. Being a mixed race can be very confusing, and I hope a young woman will see herself in me.” In these words, we hear the weight of representation and the responsibility she feels to others who might see themselves reflected in her journey. It’s a burden she carries gracefully, transforming personal complexity into universal connection.

When asked about her experience on the show, Weinrebe is quick to contextualize it within a lifetime of baking, not just a moment of television fame. “Being on the show was a lot of hard work. I don’t see this as just a year, and then ending up on the show, it is a culmination of my years of baking.” This perspective reveals the depth of her commitment and the authenticity of her craft.

For viewers tuning in this season, Zoë promises something fresh and boundary-pushing. “You can look forward to some of my personality, which is to push boundaries and break the rules a little bit, no disrespect to previous seasons, but this season is something else. You can see all different walks of life doing their thing.” This spirit of innovation, tempered with respect for tradition, epitomizes the evolution of Canadian baking itself.

Beyond her personal ambitions, Weinrebe sees her participation as part of a larger movement toward diversity in the culinary world. “I would love to do more of that, I think that we could use more women of colour in this space.” It’s a vision of inclusivity that extends beyond the tent, into kitchens and living rooms across the country.

Perhaps the most revealing insight into Zoë’s approach comes when she describes the connection she forged with the audience through her baking. “I had to bring the audience on my journey when I was sharing my bake, and that was one of the best parts of the season.” This ability to transform a technical process into a shared experience speaks to her understanding that baking, at its heart, is about community.

As our conversation draws to a close, Zoë reflects on the significance of this chapter in her life with a wisdom that belies her years. “It has been a journey for me, one I am proud that I went on, and I look forward to doing even more of this.”

For those watching Season 9 of The Great Canadian Baking Show, Zoë Weinrebe represents more than just a contestant; she embodies the richness of Canadian baking. Her journey from a Parkdale kitchen to the national stage reminds us that the most meaningful creations often begin with love, memory, and the courage to share one’s story.

As you tune in to watch Zoë and her fellow bakers compete this season, consider the stories behind the bakes: the family traditions, the cultural heritage, and the personal journeys that shape each creation. Perhaps, inspired by her example, you might find yourself in your own kitchen, creating something that connects you to your past while sharing it with your community. After all, as Zoë Weinrebe demonstrates so beautifully, baking is about who we bring to the table.