Vancouver, British Columbia – July 6, 2023 – Membership applications for Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter are now being accepted until July 31, 2023.
The British Columbia chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier International is a non-profit organization of women leaders in BC’s hospitality, food and beverage industries committed to inspiring, advancing and supporting the women in our communities today and the next generation of female leaders.
The vibrant and growing BC Chapter is currently comprised of 67 members recognized as influential leaders with extensive experience, exceptional talents and a genuine commitment for supporting fellow women. Members reside throughout all regions of BC, find themselves at various points of their careers and work within a variety of fields. They are chefs, sommeliers, pastry artists, restaurant owners, farmers, teachers, dieticians, food producers, sales representatives, marketers, publicists, food writers, and philanthropists.
Membership benefits:
- Become an advocate for all women in BC’s hospitality, food and beverage industries
- Collaborate and partner with fellow members
- Generate new business
- Network and establish new connections
- Become a mentor
- Contribute to the advancement of our future female leaders
Membership is open to all females and those who identify as female and/or non-binary who meet the following criteria:
- Have at least five years of professional experience during which they have demonstrated leadership, achievement and stature in the hospitality, food and beverage industries.
- Support Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s (LDEI) mission, vision and basic values of education, advocacy, and philanthropy.
- Have the willingness to contribute time and talent as a member.
- Meet LDEl’s ethical standards and have no undisclosed conflict of interest associated with their membership.
- Live or work in British Columbia/and do not live or work closer to any other Chapter of LDEI.
- Receive at least one letter of recommendation from a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (BC Chapter or other).
The British Columbia chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier International was formed in 1992 by a group of women with incredible vision and initiative including: Karen Barnaby, Diana Becker (Emerita), Cinnamon Combs, Diane Clement (Emerita), Christine Coletta, Eileen Dwillies (Emerita), Moira Fitzpatrick (Emerita), Janet McGuire, Caren McSherry, Cindy Opsal, Barbara Watts (Emerita), Pam Williams and Kasey Wilson (?).
Caren McSherry initiated the formation of Canada’s first Chapter 30 years ago. McSherry is the Founder and owner of The Gourmet Warehouse, the largest gourmet emporium in western Canada; President and owner of Continental Importers; Founder of Cote d’Azur branded foods; cookbook author, and; regular guest on CKNW/98 radio and Global TV weekend news.
She explains how the BC Chapter was established. “Many years ago and for a long period of time, Pam Williams and I were very involved in the International Association of Cooking Professionals, but as an American based organization I believed it had no bearing on Canada. When I met Julia Child, a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) during a conference in Vancouver, she urged me to start a local chapter of LDEI. Pam Williams and I thought it was a great idea to establish the first Canadian chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier so we brainstormed with Barb Watts on inviting the required number of members and the BC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier was officially established in 1992.”
She adds, “The LDBC has accomplished so much such as providing important networking opportunities for BC’s women driven by their passion and goals. Most importantly, we continue to provide scholarships that help advance women in their careers. Everyone will have their own specific reason for becoming a member, but I believe that we must all be passionate about the industry we involve ourselves in. I encourage women to apply, and actively participate to support and further advance BC’s hospitality, food and beverage industries!”
The membership application is found at LesDames.ca [https://www.lesdames.ca/aboutus/members/membership-application/].
Once the membership application period is closed, the BC Chapter’s Membership Committee will review all complete applications and successful candidates will be notified by August 20, 2023.
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About Les Dames d’Escoffier International:
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 fields of food, beverage, and hospitality. The organization’s 2,400 members in 44 chapters in the US, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy. LDEI chapters raised and donated more than $525,000 to community non-profits and philanthropic organizations in 2021.
The organization is named after Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), a French chef known as “The Chef of Kings” and the “The King of Chefs”. He is recognized as the most innovative chef in history, one whose philosophy, accomplishment and philanthropic deeds serve as inspiration to culinary professions today.
To learn more about Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter, its scholarship application process, and how to support its scholarship program, visit: www.lesdames.ca.
Twitter: @LesDamesBC
Instagram: @LesDamesBC
Facebook: @LesDamesbc
LinkedIn: Les Dames d’Escoffier British Columbia
Press Contacts:
Cassandra Anderton, President: Cassandra@goodlifevancouver.com
Sandra Merk, Director of Communications: srmerk@shaw.ca, 604-839-9374
Katharine Mason, Communications Committee, Public Relations: katharine@kmcomms.com, 604-318-9690