FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International
Inducts 10 New Members in 2022-2023
Local chapter of philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality now exceeds 130 members
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 17, 2022—The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI-SF)—a philanthropic organization with a mission to support and nurture the next generation of women leaders in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries—is proud to announce the induction of 10 new members for the 2022-2023 nomination period. The inductees are professionals from diverse backgrounds, including highly qualified chefs, sommeliers, retailers, and executives.
Previously, prospective members were required to be nominated by an existing chapter member. In a national effort to create a more equitable nomination process, prospective members were also welcomed to apply directly through a self-nomination process during the 2022-2023 period.
"Our chapter represents a great cross section of what makes San Francisco an incubator of talent with national impact,” said Pam Mazzola, President of LDEI-SF. “We are thrilled that our membership is even more representative of diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and age ranges than ever before. The infusion of talent and contribution within our organization is incredible. Congratulations to all our new members!"
The 10 new members, who will be inducted at a private chapter event in September 2022, include:
● Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
● Cara Patricia Higgins, Co-Founder of DECANTsf, Advanced Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine
● Carie Harris, Retired Caterer and Private Chef
● Denise St. Onge, Executive Chef at Sorella Restaurant
● Erika French-Arnold, Director of the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University
● Fiorella Butron, Culinary Director and Executive Chef at Stone Edge Farm, Certified Sommelier
● Jammir Gray, Executive Chef at Compline Restaurant
● Melissa Chou, Award-winning Pastry Chef of “Grand Opening” Pop-Up at Mister Jiu’s
● Remi Cohen, MBA, CEO of Domaine Carneros
● Stevie Stacionis, Co-Owner of MAMA restaurant and Bay Grape wine shops, Founder of Bâtonnage Forum, Certified Sommelier
Dames of the LDEI-SF engage in events, programs, and philanthropy. To qualify, women are required to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in their field, possess the highest qualities of professionalism, be willing to contribute their time and talent as members, and support the LDEI mission, vision, and basic values. Members are requested to attend at least two member events per year and participate in the organization as volunteers, committee members, or chairs, host an event or serve on the Board of Directors. With the addition of the 2022-2023 inductees, LDEI-SF now exceeds 130 members.
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About Les Dames d’Escoffier International
LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit LDEI.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, Linked-in and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at lesdamessf.org. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf.
Media Contact
Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET
Charles Communications Associates
415-730-0064
kcharles@charlescomm.com
