APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR IMPACTFUL CHANGE
Les Dames d’Escoffier International Offers Tuition Funds for Women in Food, Beverage, and Hospitality
New York, NY – April 3, 2025 – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Scholarships for Impactful Change are now open. These scholarships, available to women aged 21 and older with a minimum of four years of culinary experience, aim to support individuals pursuing degrees within the industry. Applications for the 2025 Les Dames Scholarships open April 3, 2025, and close May 16, 2025.
The Dames’ Scholarships for Impactful Change are open to professional women who are pursuing a degree from an accredited educational institution in culinary or pastry arts education, food systems or agriculture/farming, hospitality management, dietetics and/or nutrition, or the beverage industries.
.png "2024 Winners Clockwise from L:
Lani Furbank, Annabella Gascoyne, Andrea Catania, and Frances Petersen")
Lani Furbank, Annabella Gascoyne, Andrea Catania, and Frances Petersen
Recognizing the vital impact of diverse leadership in driving impactful change within nonprofits and NGOs, these scholarships seek applicants who demonstrate leadership skills, a commitment to influencing systems and communities, civic engagement, and a passion for social justice and positive change. Four winning recipients will be awarded $5,000 each.
"The LDEI Scholarship Award recognized my impactful career and achievements across Latin America,” said Cecilia Picoaga, 2023 scholarship recipient. “Pursuing further education has reignited my academic purpose and passion, providing me with a world-class learning experience that will empower me to continue driving positive change in communities for years to come."
The scholarships are presented in collaboration with The Wine Group, one of the world's largest and most respected wine producers. Since its beginning over 40 years ago, The Wine Group has prioritized the stewardship of the environment, people, and communities. The collaboration between The Wine Group and Les Dames presents a meaningful and significant opportunity for students.
“For the third straight year, we’re delighted to once again collaborate with LDEI to offer the ‘Scholarships for Impactful Change’ program,” said Helen Kurtz, Chief Marketing Officer, The Wine Group. “It’s an honor for us to support the educational journeys of women in the industry who are pursuing their aspirations, while simultaneously helping to create a healthier future for communities worldwide.”
The scholarship regulations are as follows:
- The scholarship money will go directly to the school or institution in which the recipients are enrolled and can be used only for tuition (and not living expenses).
- The money must be used in the year that it is awarded. Any change in the enrollment status during the scholarship year is to be communicated to Les Dames by the recipient within seven (7) days of the change. Applicant monies are to be refunded by the institution in the event of withdrawal or a change in enrollment status.
- Should the awardee’s debt with the institution be paid in full by the time funds reach the institution, all funds shall be returned to Les Dames.
- Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent thereof.
- The application process opens on April 3, 2025. Applications will be accepted until May 16, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Recipients will be selected based on merit, need, and community service.
- All applicants will be notified of their award status in June 2025.
- Scholarship recipients will be required to be a part of a virtual webinar with Les Dames and The Wine Group, highlighting their goals, activities, and future plans.
The Scholarships for Impactful Change Committee co-chairs are Dames Kathy Gold of Philadelphia and Doralice Handal of Sonoma. The scholarships are supported by Les Dames D’Escoffier International and The Wine Group. For more information on the LDEI Scholarships for Impactful Change and to meet last year’s winners, click here.
2024 Scholarship for Impactful Change Recipients:
Andrea Catania
Lani Furbank
Annabelle Gascoyne
Frances Petersen
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About Les Dames d’Escoffier International
Les Dames 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 2,800 members in 40 chapters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Italy provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy. Since its founding in 1985, Les Dames chapters have raised and donated more than $10 million to educational, community non-profits, and philanthropic organizations. For more information, visit www.ldei.org and follow Les Dames on Instagram @lesdamesintl and Facebook @Les Dames d'Escoffier Int'l.
