LDBC Scholarship Recipients

The BC Chapter Scholarship Committee of Les Dames d’Escoffier International is an administrative body that annually awards scholarships to women desiring to establish or further a career in the fields of food, wine, hospitality, nutrition, food technology, the arts of the table and other fields as they relate to these disciplines.

Scholarship Recipients 2010

Leanne Bentley

After completing the baking and pastry course at VCC Leanne apprenticed at the Sutton Place Hotel, and as an apprentice competed in Skills Canada winning gold in BC and silver in Canada. On a trip to Paris, Leanne became mesmerised by the beautiful patisseries and chocolate shops and has decided to further her knowledge and training. She looks to refine and develop her skills in the world of chocolate by taking the Master of Chocolate program on Bowen Island.

Anya Spethmann

An academic advising fluke led Anya to take introduction to oenology and viticulture instead of organizational behaviour. Instantly smitten, she persuaded her employer to reduce her week to four days so she could spend the other three working in the tasting room of a Niagara winery. After moving to Vancouver, Anya worked in retail sales at Marquis Wine Cellars before combining her background in business communications with her love of things vinous at a wine agency and is currently marketing manager for International Cellars. Anya is enrolled in the WSET Diploma program and will use her scholarship to pursue the designation of French Wine Scholar at the French Wine Society’s annual conference at the embassy in Washington, DC

Tina Bacon

A mother of three who loves to share her passion for baking. Whether it be baking for a caterer or cafe, teaching a class or simply watching the pleasure on someone’s face as she shares with them something she’s made. Great ingredients, good techniques and lots of love go into everything she bakes. Tina has been baking since she was a little girl in her mother’s kitchen and is primarily self taught. After years of wishing for a job she loved rather than one that just paid the bills, she got her opportunity. Tina hopes to expand her knowledge for her customers and fine tune her skills through the Pastry Training Center of Vancouver with Chef Marco Ropke.

Ashlyn Walsh

has been working in the wine industry for the past 5 years in various roles – as cellar hand, wine educator, fine wine sales and now trade marketing. Having spent summers in the Okanagan, the local wine industry was not foreign to Ashlyn but her experience with WSET courses have opened her eyes to the entire world of wine. Now Ashlyn will continue her WSET courses at the Diploma level with thanks for Les Dames d’Escoffier for their support. In the future Ashlyn hope to eventually teach wine education courses and share her passion for wine with others.

Alice Chai

has a strong background in science and a passion for food. She pursued a food science degree from UBC and has worked in research, product development and quality assurance. Now her love for making desserts has taken over. Currently working for the Original Cakerie Alice will use her scholarship to attend the CIA and attend their pastry ‘Boot Camp’.

Chloe Pedersen

is a women of few words. She is 23 years old and is currently living in Kelowna. She will be attending the Barry-Callebaut academy in Montreal and looks forward to advancing her skills. She hopes to work around the world in different places and different settings.

Eliana Bray

is currently attending the Arts Institute of Vancouver and is enrolled in the WSET diploma. She has worked in the wine and food industry for many years, both in the Okanagan and Vancouver. Because of a wine for the wine industry she continues to learn and hopes to become a Master of Wine. Thanks to Mission Hill and Les Dames d’Escoffier that dream is one step closer.

Tanya Jennens

born and raised in Kelowna, Tanya loves to be surrounded by the orchards and the vineyards. Though Red Seal certified Tanya turned to her true calling of pastry and finds herself most happiest when designing and decorating cakes. With her own hand made preserves from the fruit grown in her organic garden, Tanya knows she has a leg up on the competition but looks forward to continuing to learn at the CIA. After the Wedding Cake design course at the CIA Tanya plans to make her part time Wedding Cake design company into a full time career and thanks the Les Dames d’Escoffier for this amazing opportunity.

Leah Learmonth

grew up in the Okanagan and works at Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar in downtown Kelowna. She is very dedicated to being success full in the kitchen and thrives on learning new techniques. She is a second year culinary apprentice and will be using her scholarship to attend the Vancouver Pastry Training Center to purse a future in bread making.

Mari Copon

has had a love for food and a passion for the culinary arts since before she can even remember. Being a young mother and wife gave her the opportunities to allow her creativity to flow through birthday cakes, family dinners and after school snacks. However, this lifestyle had also held her back from pursuing her dreams of attending culinary school. The Les Dames scholarship has brought her dreams to a reality and she will attend culinary school at VCC. She is excited to be able to share her own skills and talent with the rest of the world.

Alyssa Belter

Alyssa was a voracious reader growing up in St Albert, Alberta. She particularly enjoyed reading cookbooks. However, she was woefully inexperienced at the art of actual cooking. It wasn’t until grade 12 that she proudly learned how to scramble eggs. While attending the University of Victoria Alyssa realized she would need to learn to cook more than scrambled eggs to survive. This led to further exploration of new tastes and ingredients found at specialty food stores, farmers markets, restaurants and even the internet. But Alyssa is not only interested in cooking; cheese making, charcuterie, writing and farming also peak her interest. She will be attending Northwest Culinary with her scholarship and looks forward to discovering how she will continue to participate in our hopefully sustainable community.

Sheila Whittaker

grew up in the Okanagan Valley as the wine region grew up around her. She left Osoyoos to pursue a Bachelor in Journalism and from there traveled, lived and worked in Japan, Greece, Ireland and Scotland before returning to BC. On her website and blog RubySuitcase.com, she writes about her passions: wine and culinary travel. In addition to Ruby Suitcase, she has contributed to Edible BC’s Amuse Bouche blog, the Georgia Straight and Vendor Magazine. She has been writing professionally for ten years and has also completed her WSET levels one through three. Like her appetite for great food and wine, her thirst for knowledge is also insatiable, she would like to thank Les Dames d’Ecoffier and Mission Hill Family Estate for the Scholarship so she can continue to study wine in the Master Sommelier Introductory course.

Angelina Theilmann

grew up with time split between Vancouver and a small Gulf Island, her background includes a Bachelor of Arts from McGill and three years spent in event planning, most recently with VANOC. Through it all she has always loved everything to do with nutritious, healthy and delicious food. Influential food highlights so far include picking enormous raspberry on the Gulf Islands, Mediterranean food, farmers markets and buckwheat. Good healthy food has always been central to Angie’s experiences and she would like to find ways for others to enjoy this same experience regardless of income, age, or ethnic background. She is currently enrolled in the UBC farm’s “Sowing Seeds for the Future” practicum which will help her achieve this goal by providing a firsthand understanding of small scale organic food production, the foundation on which her vision of food-access is built.

Holly Kernohan

has just graduated from Crawford Bay Elementary- Secondary School ( small town in the Kootneys) From an early start at the local Golf Resort Holly was fascinated with the cooks and all that they did so they decided to train her on deep fryer, salads and appetizers. This lead to a line cooks position the next season. With her scholarship from Les Dames and Northwest Culinary Academy she will be attending their One year Culinary and Pastry- bread program in September. She is very interested in furthering her education and excited to learn more and more.

Scholarship Recipients 2009

Dalana Fleming

Dalana will be pursuing education at Bonnie Gordon School of Cakes Decorating and Design in Toronto.  Lana says the foundation for her love of baking came from her mother and intends to take her interest from hobby to career.  

Sukhminder Banwait

Sukhminder will use the scholarship to help with her tuition for the culinary arts program at VCC.  Her past experience as an events planner and at Provence Marinaside has made her realise she would now like to pursue a culinary career.  

Caitlin Neary

Caitlin will be attending the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, one of the leading hospitality schools in Switzerland. Caitlin is very excited to pursue a four year bachelor degree in International Hospitality Management.  

Fumiko Moreton

A graduate of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Fumiko will continue her pastry education at the Notter School of Pastry Arts. She has competed at the top level in many dessert & pastry competitions and looks forward to studying under award-winning chef Notter as she continues to hone her skills.  

Robyn Sigurdson

Inspired by the Okanagan Valley, Robyn will continue her wine education in the WSET foundation and intermediate courses. While she started her career in the culinary arts, Robyn has decided to expand her wine knowledge to round out her understanding in this field.  

Suzannah Ngo

Suzannah will continue her education in pastry at the Notter School of Pastry Arts. A bouquet of sugar flowers spiked her curiosity and led to night classes in cake decorating but after graduating from UBC and working as a valuation accountant she realized she wanted to pursue pastry professionally.  

Kami Rob

Kami will be continuing her education with WSET. Currently running her own business called Wine Pixie Cellar Management and Consulting Services, Kami helps design proper wine lists, cellar management, and inventory techniques as well as wine education for individuals.  Focused on the environment Kami is also working on developing non-profit organization which will minimise the environmental impact of the wine industry.  Kami is a recipient of the Mission Hill Family Estate scholarship.  

Melissa Owen

Melissa is a graduate of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and is in love with cakes!  She will be continuing her education in pastry at a course with Colette Peters in Gum Paste and Fondant. Melissa currently lives in Nelson and has her own business, called Epiphany Cakes and specializes in organic cakes and desserts.  

Martha McAvity

Martha has several years of food and beverage experience and is currently working at the Vancouver Club assisting with their wine program.  She will continue her studies in the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and the International Sommelier Guild.  Martha is a recipient of the Mission Hill Family Estate scholarship.  

Luzia Zemp

Luzia has had a successful career as a pastry chef, pasty instructor and in designing patisserie programs for post secondary institutions in Northern BC.  While designing these programs for students, of whom the majority are aboriginal; Luzia realized how unfamiliar she was with their culture.  She will use her Les Dames scholarship to focus the research of her Masters program at SFU towards post secondary education for Aboriginal learners.   

Caitlin Mayo

Caitlin has competed in 6 pastry competitions in the last three years and has placed in the top 3 on all occasions.  She will be using her scholarship from les Dames d’Escoffier to help fund her training for the Pastry/Confectioner category at the World Skills Competition in September 2009. She will be representing Canada in this apprenticeship competition and once it is over Caitlin intends to open her own pastry shop in Langley. 

Scholarship Recipients 2008

Maki Adachi

Recent graduate of Burnaby South Secondary School and aspiring pasty chef, will be applying her scholarship to VCC Baking and Pastry Program.

Rebekah Brooks

A Red Seal chef currently at the Four Seasons Hotel will be attending the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts for courses in Pastillage and Cake Design.

Kathryn Gardiner

Earned a Kinetics degree from UBC while working in restaurants and catering.  Kathryn will be following her passion for cake design by attending CIA Greystone for professional development – Wedding Cake Design with Condra Easley.

Eve Lacabanne

Was a graduate of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in 2000 and has worked in several of Vancouver renowned kitchens.  She will be attending a Colette Peters Advanced Cake Design course in New York City and private instruction at the Bonnie Gordon School of Cake Design in Toronto.

Marianne Limpert

A former 3 time Olympic swimmer, is currently working at Farmstead Wines.   Marianne will use her scholarship to attend the WSET Level One Foundation of Wine and Wine Service at the Art Institute.

Sarah Ng

Is head of the fine arts teaching staff at Britannia Secondary School but often finds herself as “celebrity chef” in the home economics labs.  She will be attending VCC to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. 

Adrianne Poulos

Is an Event Planner with Major the Gourmet Catering and has received a scholarship to further her education in the International Sommelier Guild’s Wine Fundamentals I & II.   Adrianne is the winner of the Mission Hill Family Estate scholarship.

Janice Wang

Is a graduate of Burnaby South Secondary School and is focuses her food passions in the lab, not the kitchen, exhibited by a recent science fair project “Amazing Natural ph Indicators in Fruits and Vegetables”.  Janice will apply her scholarship to her studies at UBC; Land and Food Systems; Food, Nutrition and Health.

Amy Yeh

Received A’s in Advanced Catering, Baking and Peer Tutoring at Burnaby South Secondary School and has taken courses at the Art Institute.  She will be attending the Culinary Program at VCC in the fall.

Taylor White

Of Quesnel, BC works at a local inn where she doing food service, preparation and plating.  Her goal is to obtain a degree in nutrition and will apply her scholarship to UBC: Food, Nutrition and Health program. 

Scholarship Recipients 2007

Annie Petrusa

Annie says she was always a keen eater and used to spend every day after school watching James Barber. She later expanded her culinary knowledge at Dame Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks. Annie has traveled in South America and Europe and it was in Turkey, sipping a cup of tea, that she decided total immersion was the way to go and applied to VCC online that afternoon. Annie is enrolled at VCC in the Culinary Arts program.

Shannon Stainsby

When she was young, Shannon’s mother passed on her love of baking, although it wasn’t until she spent a year in France following university that she decided to pursue a career in Pastry. Her employment at Les Amis du Fromage and baking at J.J. Bean Coffee has reinforced her culinary goals and she has found an abundance of shared knowledge, experience and support there. Shannon will enroll in the Baking and Pastry Arts program at VCC.

Elissa Joy Congo

Elissa has worn many hats in her 23 years, but is now enrolled at VCC wearing a tall white chef’s hat. Her passions are people, teaching and food. She will complete her Culinary Arts program at VCC in October and is looking forward to working towards her Red Seal.

Stacy Smith

Stacy originally believed her future lay in the field of social work, but while attending Langara College and working for a number of caterers, she was hooked on a culinary career. Stacy is employed at Major the Gourmet and will be enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at VCC in September.

Sung-Hee Ahn

Sung-Hee’s first experience at food preparation was cooking, and burning, a whole pot of rice at the age of 9! Luckily, her culinary skills improved and after a short career in Interior Design, she came to Canada and followed her ambition to become a chef. Sung-Hee now has her Diploma in Culinary Arts and is apprenticing at The Pear Tree working on her Red Seal.

Melodie Thomas

Inspired by learning the tricks of the trade from a number of home based business women, over the years, Melodie has participated in many cake decorating, baking, design and sugar art courses. This experimenting led to opening a successful wedding and occasion- cake business at home. Currently a Product R & D Supervisor with The Original Cakerie, she looks forward to expanding her career in dessert creativity. Melodie’s scholarship will assist in funding her studies in Pastry Boot Camp at the CIA in Hyde Park, New York.

Arlene Kroeker

After more than 20 years pursuing a career in construction and design, Arlene decided to embark on a career in food writing. For the past 10 years she has been creatively informing and entertaining the readers of The Richmond Review. Today she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from UBC and is pursuing a Master’s degree. Arlene also volunteers with the innovative Terra Nova Schoolyard Society which connects young students with earth and food.

Lori Sahlen

Upon graduating from university, Lori’s sights were set on Law School, but traveling and an introduction to people and places around the world in the food and beverage industry, changed that for her. After working in the Arctic as a cook for an exploration company, Lori returned to Vancouver and became involved with the film industry and catering. She has worked for many years at Culinary Capers and is now onsite Event Manager. Lori’s choice to pursue her Sommelier certification is an extension of the learning process in this industry. Lori’s scholarship will help to fund her studies with The Wine and Spirits Education Trust.

Katherine van der Gracht

Katherine is a Les Dames scholarship recipient for the second consecutive year, having been awarded the Mission Hill Family Estate Wine Scholarship last year, which funded her introductory course with the International Sommelier Guild. This Les Dames Scholarship will help her in the pursuit of her passion for the food, wine and hospitality industry by continuing her studies of Wine Fundamentals Level 2 with the International Sommelier Guild.
And our special awards from The Northwest Culinary Academy:

Slavita Johnson

Slavita has a Bachelor of Science degree from UBC and has worked in the field of Medical Genetics doing research and development for 5 years. Slavita has baked all her life and has attended baking and cake decorating courses. She is enrolled in the NWCA Professional Pastry and Baking program and her ambition is to become the owner of a cake design or small urban bakery.

Brook Lodge

Brooke has been lucky enough to always have known what she was meant to do. She credits the women of her childhood with this inspiration. Brooke is currently employed at The Heritage Inn and Spa in Naramata, discovering the local produce and being mentored by Chef Thomas Render. Brooke will continue her studies at Northwest Culinary Academy by specializing in the Pastry and Baking program.

Treve Ring

Treve works as a freelance wine consultant and wine buyer in the Food and Beverage industry. She writes a wine column for Metro Vancouver, EAT magazine and BC Wine Trails amongst others. She conducts wine seminars as well as judging for local and Pacific Northwest competitions. Treve will use her scholarship from the Mission Hill Family Estate towards an advanced diploma with The Wine and Spirits Education Trust this fall.

Cassandra grew up in the Okanagan Valley and ventured into the wine industry after studying for Level 1 & 2 of her sommelier diploma. She is currently a contributing writer for BC Wine Trails, Vancouver Eating and Drinking Guide and Western Living to name a few. She will utilize her scholarship from The Mission Hill Family Estate to fund the Advanced Level with The Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Amy Farnsworth

Amy was awarded $500 to continue her studies with The Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Scholarship Recipients 2006

Rosana Cheng

Rosana has a B.Sc (Major in Food Science) from the University of British Columbia. Her job experience has always been related to foods: Much of her recent work has been with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency -from being a Research Assistant, a Food Analyst, working in food manufacturing plants, to being a Food Specialist.

This scholarship, provided by the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, is helping Rosana take her first steps into the culinary field as she gains cooking knowledge, skills and techniques. She would like to continue learning and gaining experience in the culinary field. We hear that her work is outstanding!

Rosana’s goal is to promote good family relationships through cooking. In the future, Rosana would like to teach cooking for families and for children from needy families. Teaching basic cooking skills allows children to gain an extra job skill, and also helps a family function more smoothly.

Here’s a young woman whose ideals are lofty and impressive – and are so directed toward “helping others”. We wish her much success as she pursues her goals – using food as a tool for communication and building caring relationships between families and friends.

Barbara Hall

Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Barbara moved to Whistler, British Columbia where working as a server, she was introduced to the world of wine. The patient teachings of Sommelier Chris Van Nus at Araxi Restaurant and Bar strengthened Barbara’s appreciation for the art of winemaking. One night in a very busy kitchen, she realized that wine and the culinary arts were not so different, and there must a program for training winemakers.

Now Barbara is a third year student at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry in the new Faculty of Oenology and Viticulture. She believes that our Canadian wine industry rests on a passion for wine making, along with great respect for the dedication of those who worked so hard to establish the wine industry in the Okanagan. She also recognizes that an understanding of the science involved, is an increasingly important part of creating fine wines.

Barbara will be one of the first graduates of the UBC-Okanagan , Oenology and Viticulture program. Thus, it’s somehow fitting that her studies will this year will be partly funded through the generosity of one of the Okanagan Valley’s highly recognized wineries and our B.C. Les Dames Chapter’s first Corporate Sponsor-The Mission Hill Family Estate Scholarship.
Our thanks also go, to Mission Hill Winery for contributing such an important scholarship to such a keen and dedicated scholar.

Natalie Jensen

Natalie credits two influences for developing her passion for food… her culinary training, and mentoring by successful women in the culinary field, who possessed both determination, and strength of character. She particularly enjoyed being pastry chef at King Pacific Lodge in the great rain forest, where she was able to pick wild blueberries, huckleberries and salal berries to accompany her desserts.

However, once she read about the University of Gastronomic Sciences Italy, she decided she simply “had to be there”! So she has been studying in the ancient Roman city of Pollenzo, for the last two years. While her courses focus on both technology and science, the program also bridges with the cultural understandings that surround preparing food. Students, therefore gain in a wide-ranging perspective of both old traditions and new discoveries. Thus, Natalie hopes she can become a leader in a revised definition of what “gastronomy will be”.

Les Dames d’Escoffier is delighted to contribute to the tuition fees this year for this unique Gastronomic Sciences Program. We anticipate our Les Dames Scholarship will help push forward a new form of culinary training and new frontiers of knowledge in the culinary world.

Nicole Lebrun

Originally from Ottawa, Nicole moved to Vancouver five years ago when she worked with the Federal Government. She is currently Head of the Modern Languages Department at Mulgrave School, an independent school located in West Vancouver.

Nicole has always had a passion for the culinary arts and has taken several interest courses. Two years ago, however, she started a “Cooking for Kids” club at her school, where the group meets weekly to experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques. Students are also encouraged to bring in recipes from their family heritage to share with the class. Dining etiquette and fire safety are also included and the entire community gets involved. The club has been oversubscribed in the two years since it began, As much as Nicole enjoys sharing her passion for cooking with her students, she has felt the need to acquire more skills in food preparation.

Thus, Nicole’s Les Dames Scholarship will allow her to enroll in the eight-day “Serious Food Program” at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver this fall. We commend her for beginning such an innovative extracurricular school program, and for her willingness to share her time creativity and energy in promoting the love of good food with students at her school.

Sara Redpath

The diverse paths that young women take as their passion for food develops, are always inspiring! Sara Redpath, a scholarship winner who attends Malaspina University College is an example of this journey.

Sara originally majored in Political Science, and Faith, Peace and Justice, in an interdisciplinary program at Boston College.
She’s worked with the poor in El Salvador trying to understand, what & how those who “have” can share with those who “have not”. She came away from this experience realizing that pursuing her interest in food could also be an outlet for contributing to society and the world.

Thus, she and her husband moved to Vancouver Island, and she enrolled in culinary school, at Malaspina. She is a great volunteer, with a long list of food related events in which she has participated. Our Les Dames scholarship will help Sara continue her training. We anticipate that as Sara’s career unfolds, she will combine her for passion food with her strong interest in social justice in some very impressive ways.

Heather De Savoye

Heather is a student specializing in Wine Marketing and Management at INSEEC Bordeaux (Institut des Hautes Etudes Economiques et Commerciales). She has completed her required course work for a Masters of Business Administration. Presently, she is writing her thesis and will be returning to Bordeaux to present and defend her work in September 2006. Heather’s
Les Dames’ Scholarship will assist with the fees for this unique
program.

Heather currently holds the Diploma with the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and in addition, is an accredited WSET Wine Educator who is able to teach all levels of the WSET curriculum. She plans to enroll in the Master of Wine Institute beginning her coursework in London next January 2007.

Heather worked for a leading wine import and distribution company in Vancouver called Calibrium International, as a sales representative for three years. Currently, she works as a wine consultant for a start-up winery in the Okanagan Valley.

Utilizing her MBA in Wine Marketing, her specialist wine knowledge and her international experience, Heather’s goal is to focus her expertise on building profitable wine brands, and becoming a respected industry leader. We all wish Heather much success as her career unfolds.

Elora Merri Schwartz

Merri Schwartz credits her childhood with awakening her interest in baking. Raised by back-to the land hippies, she didn’t buy her first bag of refined, granulated sugar until the age of 18, but learned, in a kitchen filled with carob, honey, and whole wheat flour, that everything could, and should, be homemade. She is still influenced by heirloom techniques and old-fashioned recipes.

Inspired by a trip to Paris at the age of 20, Merri completed a degree in Visual Art at the University of Toronto and traveled extensively in South America before returning to Vancouver to fulfill her dream of becoming a pastry chef.

Currently pastry chef at C Restaurant, Merri’s side-projects include a weekend apprenticeship at Cocoa West Chocolatier, on Bowen Island, and developing her sustainability-focused organization, Growing Chefs! : Chefs for Children’s Urban Agriculture.

With her Les Dames’ scholarship, Merri will travel to the Valrhona Institute, in France, to complete a professional development program in plated desserts and chocolate. The Valrhona program focuses on refining technique, while introducing innovative applications- a balance Merri hopes to instill in her future endeavors. We anticipate we will be hearing more about Merri Schwartz as her career unfolds.

Ricci-Leigh Smith

Ricci-Leigh has clearly indicated her passion for working with food. She attributes her love of culinary arts as coming directly from her home, as at an early age she would observe her mother’s ability to create wonders in the kitchen. Through these experiences, she was taught the fundamentals of cooking.

Ricci has gained experience in the culinary world by working for a catering company in Arizona, but has also found the business side of the industry intriguing. In 2005 she began her studies in the Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Community College. Currently, she sits at the top of her class and enjoys every unit of the course. Our Les Dames scholarship will help Ricci to continue her training at VCC this coming year.

While Ricci is working towards obtaining her Red Seal, she is extremely excited to see what the future may hold.

Alison Sutherland-Mann

Alison is a mature student from Fort Nelson, B.C., who is currently attending Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, at the Level II of her Culinary Training Program. She is also our first scholarship winner from Northern British Columbia.

Alison’s instructors commend her for dedication and enthusiasm during her program and for achieving excellent grades. Though she is participating a full-time culinary program, running from 7:00am-2:30, she also working to finance her studies until 10:00 pm. at night.- ”with the same level of excellence she brings to her studies”.

We were impressed as we read Alison’s application, with the contributions she as made to her community over a period of 20 years, ranging from Director of The Chamber of Commerce – Special Event for 8 years, to Coordinating the Williams Lake Children’s Festival for 12 years, to Directing the International Food Festival.

Alison is clearly an outstanding team player, as well as a skilled leader. We commend Alison for the effort and energy, she is putting forth to advance her career in new ways!

Katherine Van Der Gracht

Katherine attributes her love of the culinary arts to her year spent in France when she moved to Paris, after graduating with a BFA in acting from the University of Victoria. Her long term goals are to combine her passions for food, and for wine, by opening her own catering company.

On returning to Canada, Katherine has been eager to discover more about local produce, flavors and wines, so she has spent considerable time in the hospitality industry. Her enthusiasm for cooking, and her dedication to furthering her knowledge of wines, remains. And her experience as a fine-dining server, has led her to frequently test and develop new recipes of her own through her weekly Sunday Night Dinners. The pairing of wine with food, specifically of the French and Italian persuasion, has become one of her most favored pastimes.

However, Katherine also believes strongly in giving back to the community so currently she is a fundraiser and marketer for CHIMO Crisis Services in Richmond – a non-profit organization. Her marketing experience should serve her well, as she expands her interest in the fields of hospitality and fine beverages.

Les Dames is fortunate to be able to award a Mission Hill Family Estate Wine Scholarship, to Katherine. She will using her Scholarship to fund her introductory program with the International Sommelier Guild. We all wish her well and thank the Mission Hill Winery for their generosity.

Pamela Xuereb

Pamela was introduced to the kitchen as a child, when her mother baked and decorated specialty and wedding cakes. Working in her mothers restaurant gave her an all-round view of how a restaurant works, from server to cook.

She has now gained valuable experience at The Art Institute of Vancouver, Dubrulle Culinary Arts. She wishes to use her scholarship to continue her education in the fall at Vancouver Community College where she will extend her knowledge of the theory and practice of this craft. As a scholarship recipient, she will use the money to help fund her education this coming year. Following that, she would like to complete an apprenticeship and earn her Red Seal. She hopes to travel and continue her education in Europe, compete on the Canadian Pastry Team, and eventually open her own business.

Scholarship Recipients Past Years

Maria Alvarez

Maria’s career began with a BSc in Microbiology in Costa Rica. But pursuing her interest in cooking has been an ongoing drive. It’s her desire to have her own restaurant, where people can enjoy savoring the delicacies of French cuisine mingled with the Spanish and Latin American tastes. With that goal in mind, she has spent considerable time working in restaurants in Costa Rica and Vancouver, to gain experience and further her culinary skills. Maria’s scholarship will help fund her course in Culinary Arts at Dubrulle’s.

Michelle Bouffard

After moving to Vancouver from Quebec City to study classical trumpet, Michelle began a wine course and discovered a new passion. Several courses followed through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, and this spring she has written exams for her International Diploma. Meanwhile, she is employed as Sommelier at Marquis Wine Cellars. En route to her Masters of Wine, Michelle will be applying her scholarship to completing the Diploma Program for WSET.

Elizabeth Delesalle

Elizabeth has a BSc in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University. Her major was marketing… and then, the kitchen called. Thus, she has now completed the Baking and Pastry Arts Program at Vancouver Community College. Her goal is to become a famed Wedding Cake and Pastry specialist. Our Scholarship will help Elizabeth attend a five-day intensive Wedding Cake Course for Professionals, at the Culinary Institute of American, Greystone California Campus

Christine Derek

Christine’s diverse interests suggest she has many talents. l. Her careers range from a BSC in Psychology and neuropsychological research, to 13 years as an Assistant Director in Vancouver’s film and television industry, and then, to completing the Professional Culinary and Pastry programs at Dubrulle International Culinary Arts/ The Dubrulle Art Institute of Vancouver. Christine’s scholarship will further her continued training at The Art Institute of Vancouver. Her special interests in sustainable agriculture, organic foods and the slow food movement are portents of a new and fascinating career.

Susie Findlay

Susie’s career began with a BA from UBC. She also has received the Certificat de Patissierie Elementaire from the Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, a Baker’s Certificate from Algonquin College, and has completed a course in Plated Desserts at the French Pastry School in Chicago. She has worked as an instructor at VCC, and as a pastry chef at several well known locations in both Vancouver and Toronto. Susie will use her Les Dames Scholarship to help her enroll in the Venture Program at BCIT and plans on opening her own storefront.

Dawn Johnstone

Dawn has extensive experience in both the restaurant and catering industries. Her roles have ranged from hostess…to bartending…to production chef, and supervisor. She is currently employed at Culinary Capers where she approaches all her tasks with dedication and energy. Dawn’s goal is to become a Sommelier. Dawn’s scholarship that will fund her Level II program with the International Sommelier Guild.

Trena Kraft

Trena has a background in Business Management and is currently involved in Corporate Sales and Marketing for Major the Gourmet. She is described as someone who has a keen sense of hospitality, who always goes the extra mile to ensure that the events she manages are a success. Trena’s scholarship will be used to enhance her credentials by taking the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Level II program.

Michelle LeComte

Michelle’s knowledge of wine has been fostered by her work in specialty wine stores. She is now refining her expertise though courses offered by the International Sommelier Guild. Michelle’s scholarship will help with her sommelier courses at the Dubrulle Culinary Institute. Her ultimate goal is to open a small inn in the Okanagan, with a restaurant specializing in local, seasonal and organic foods, and showcasing an excellent cellar, featuring B.C. wines.

Jennifer Lewis

Jennifer recently completed the Asian Culinary Arts Program at VCC. When not in school, she works part-time at La Belle Auberge with Master Chef Bruno Marti. Jennifer’s passion for food, and eagerness to learn has also fired her enthusiasm for participating in culinary competitions. Her Les Dames Scholarship will assist in funding her continuing culinary studies in the Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Community College.

Yvonne Lee

Yvonne’s goal is to become a well-trained and successful chef. She is currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Community College, and her Les Dames Scholarship is helping fund her program. She has participated in two, Skills Canada Culinary Arts Competitions and has won both a Bronze and a Silver medal. This past year she has volunteered to mentor others who were competing. . Yvonne has a passion for the culinary arts, and a strong desire to do well in whatever she tackles.

Michaela Morris

After several years cycle touring and working in Europe, Michaela returned to Vancouver to earn her degree in Linguistics and French. Time in France also inspired her desire to pursue a career in the wine industry. She has recently been Marketing and Logistics Manager for Liquid Art Fine Wines, and has also created her own business called, house wine, conducting private wine-tasting parties and corporate wine seminars. Michaela scholarship goes toward The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)’s Diploma Program. This leads toward one of her long-term goals, a Master of Wine.

Samantha Schiefke

Samantha is a recent graduate from Terry Fox Secondary School in Port Coquitlam. While she has been very involved in leadership roles in high school, she’s also recognized that working with food has become a passion she is keen to follow. She has been awarded one of
the scholarships offered by Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, and an additional sum provided by Les Dames to help with her one-year Professional Culinary Program.

Jill Shumka

Jill would like to become one of Vancouver’s leaders in wedding cake design and production. With culinary training from The Art Institute of Vancouver - Dubrulle Culinary Arts, and a semester of wedding cake decorating at VCC, her creations are described as “awe inspiring”. Jill will direct her scholarship to an intensive wedding cake course at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, California Campus.

Taryn Wa

After recognizing her dreams and goals were related to the food industry, she has completed the Professional Culinary Program at Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver. In 2005 she has competed and won the gold medal at the BC Chef’s Association Hot! Competition live, showing exceptional skills and aptitude. Taryn’s scholarship has allowed her to complete the Advanced Pastry and Bread Program at NWCAV.

Melissa Webb

Melissa from Barriere, B.C., has just completed Level Two of the professional Chef Training Program at the University College of the Cariboo, in Kamloops. A recent high school graduate, her strong desire to succeed as a chef apparently shines already in both the quality of her work and the passion and imagination with which she approaches cooking. Melissa’s scholarship is being applied to tuition for Level Three of her chef’s program. Melissa has many plans for her future, all of them ambitious and alluring.

Courtenay Welter

Courtenay has grown up, knowing she has a passion for food. It obviously hasn’t diminished during her University training… in fact, it appears to have fueled her interest in the traditional methods and the styles of cooking in other countries. Her recent work experience has been gained in the areas of artisan breads and pastries. Courtenay’s scholarship will help fund her studies at Northwest Culinary Academy.

Rachel Welvaert

Rachel has been interested in food from an early age. Her recent success in being awarded a Les Dames scholarship shows that her passion for cooking continues, along with a strong interest in the business side of the food industry. She has worked in a number of restaurants and acts as a volunteer at food-related events. Rachael’s scholarship will help her attend the Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Community College. She dreams of opening her own restaurant.

Victoria Yen

Vicki has a B.A. in Communication from Simon Fraser University, and is seeking to combine her experience gained in business, with her love of cooking. Vicki’s optimism and zeal are qualities that will help her be successful as she continues her education in the Culinary Arts at Dubrulle’s. Her scholarship will help make this possible. She would like to someday open a business that combines catering and introducing new food products to the market.