Les Dames d’Escoffier International Appoints Marilyn Freundlich as President
Organization Announces 2026 International Board of Directors
New York, NY – [January 12, 2026] – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), the global organization dedicated to advancing and supporting women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality, proudly announces the appointment of Marilyn Freundlich as President of the International Board of Directors for 2026, alongside the newly elected slate of officers and chapter liaisons.
An entrepreneur and community builder at heart, Freundlich brings decades of leadership experience across hospitality, food, retail, and nonprofit service. Her presidency builds on a career defined by connection, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to celebrating people through food and shared experiences.
Freundlich’s professional journey began as the first hire at Build-A-Bear Workshop, where she helped shape the brand’s beloved culture centered on creativity, joy, and meaningful connection. In 2007, she co-founded POPtions! Popcorn, delighting customers across St. Louis and nationwide until 2019. That same year, she launched Inclusively Yours Ceremonies, where she serves as a professionally trained wedding officiant and ordained Universal Life Minister, creating inclusive, personalized ceremonies for couples of all cultures, orientations, and belief systems.
Her commitment to hospitality, community building, and women-led leadership is closely aligned with the mission of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Within the St. Louis Chapter, Freundlich served as Fundraising Chair for four years, served on the GCI Committee, and completed a two-year term as Chapter President from 2019 to 2021. She has remained actively engaged at the international level, with a particular focus on fundraising and food-centered educational programming.
“I’m honored to serve an organization that has profoundly shaped my own leadership journey,” said Freundlich. “Les Dames is built on generosity, mentorship, and the power of women lifting one another up. This year, I’m excited to continue expanding our impact, supporting women in our industry while strengthening the connections that make this organization so special.”
2026 International Board of Directors Appointments:
Marilyn Freundlich, President – St. Louis Chapter
Barb Pires, First Vice President – Atlanta Chapter
Beth D’Addono, Second Vice President – New Orleans Chapter
Kate Howell, Third Vice President – London Chapter
Leigh Sloss-Corra, Secretary – Birmingham Chapter
Anastasia Nickerson, Treasurer – Boston Chapter
Nancy Vienneau, Chapter Board Liaison – Nashville Chapter
Elise Russ, Chapter Board Liaison – San Antonio Chapter
Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Chapter Board Liaison – North Carolina Chapter
Stephanie Jaeger, Immediate Past President – British Columbia Chapter
Together, the 2026 Board reflects the depth, diversity, and global reach of Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Under Freundlich’s leadership, LDEI will continue to advance its mission through scholarships, grants, mentorship, and programming that uplift women and strengthen communities across the food, beverage, and hospitality landscape.
Founded 50 years ago with the establishment of the New York Chapter by Carol Brock, Les Dames d’Escoffier International has since grown into a global organization connecting nearly 3,000 women across 40 chapters worldwide. Built on generosity, mentorship, and shared purpose, LDEI members believe in lifting others as they rise, using their talents to open doors, share knowledge, and support one another. Through education, philanthropy, and storytelling, LDEI creates opportunities and builds confidence for women at every stage of their careers.
Looking ahead to April 2026, Les Dames d’Escoffier International will convene its Annual Conference in Las Vegas, bringing together members from around the world for education, collaboration, and connection. More information about the conference can be found here.
For more information, visit www.ldei.org or contact info@ldei.org.
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 incorporation in 1988, 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.
