Darlene Hardister-Heumann is a cookbook author, lecturer and teaches cooking classes. She is the owner of Southern Sass®, a company that offers "Gourmet Gifts with Southern Charm". Her cookbook, The Southern Sass Cookbook, It’s All in the Sass! has received rave reviews and has been featured in numerous publications including Southern Living, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Miami Herald, and Tallahassee Democrat.

Her vision is to inspire others to live healthier lives by understanding how healthy cooking can be quick and delicious. Ms. Heumann has a Bachelors degree in Business Marketing and has also received her certificate in the Chef Camp Program and Culinary Skills Program from the Capital Culinary Institute. She has studied nutrition for over thirteen years and continues to study new research in the area of health.

She is a member of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Development Council, Rising Stars Leads Group and Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Junior League of South Brevard and the Club Esteem Guild.