Les Dames d’Escoffier International Celebrates 2024 Accomplishments and Announces Plans for 2025
New York, NY – December 19, 2024 – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a renowned global organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, proudly reflects on a year of remarkable achievements across its 40 chapters worldwide as 2024 comes to a close.
LDEI consists of 40 chapters with around 2,600 members across the globe. This year, they are proud to announce an impressive milestone: the organization's collective philanthropic contributions exceeded $10 million USD, showcasing their dedication to making a global impact through culinary, educational, and community initiatives.
“2024 has been an exceptional year for Les Dames d’Escoffier International, with our chapters accomplishing remarkable successes,” said Stephanie Jaeger, President of LDEI. “The collective power of our members, driven by a shared passion for philanthropy and mentorship, has elevated our mission. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we move into 2025.”
Spotlight on Awards and Scholarships:
Legacy Awards in Partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts
Since 2009, the Legacy Awards have provided hands-on mentorship experiences for professional women. In 2024, five chapters hosted immersive experiences for awardees, fostering invaluable professional growth. The continued support from The Julia Child Foundation ensures this program’s future success.
Grand Dame Award 2024
Carla Hall was the recipient of this prestigious 2024 Grande Dame Award, honoring her lifetime achievements in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Known for her warm personality and passion for cooking, Hall rose to fame on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and co-hosted the Emmy-winning “The Chew.” She currently appears on Food Network’s Baking Championship series and hosts “Chasing Flavor” on Max. Past honorees include culinary icons like Julia Child and Edna Lewis.
Woman of Purpose Growth Grants in Partnership with YETI
Recipients Karen Killough (Austin) and Joi Chevalier (Austin) were celebrated for their transformative contributions to sustainability, food justice, and public health.
- Karen Killough, co-founder of Vista Brewing, was honored for her innovative sustainable farming and community outreach initiatives. The grant will expand Vista Brewing’s poultry program, advancing agricultural education in Central Texas.
- Joi Chevalier, founder of The Cook’s Nook, was recognized for improving community health through nutrition-focused collaborations with healthcare organizations. The grant will enhance their USDA-aligned meal program.
Scholarships for Impactful Change in Partnership with The Wine Group
Acknowledging the next generation of leaders, LDEI and The Wine Group awarded $5,000 scholarships to four outstanding women pursuing careers dedicated to social justice and community betterment:
- Andrea Catania
- Lani Furbank
- Annabelle Gascoyne
- Frances Petersen
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on its success, LDEI aims to enhance its scholarship and grant programs, foster deeper connections among members, and drive change through its commitment to women’s leadership and community support in the culinary arts. In 2025, they are proud to announce several opportunities for members and non members of LDEI to participate in networking events, which include.
LDEI Live Online!
In 2025, LDEI will expand its virtual programming to connect members worldwide. The series begins in January with financial expert Christine Benz discussing "Secrets to a Healthy, Happy, and Wealthy Retirement." Members can look forward to monthly interactive events spotlighting industry leaders and dynamic topics.
The M.F.K. Fisher Symposium for Women in Food & Storytelling
Mark your calendars for April 4-5, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. This inaugural event will unite women from journalism, food writing, media, and more for interactive workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship opportunities. Interested in participating or sponsoring? Contact co-chairs Dame Erin Byers Murray (murray.erinb@gmail.com) and Dame Emily Haws (emily@eminthekitchen.com).
As LDEI celebrates its 2024 milestones and builds an exciting 2025 agenda, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting women in food, beverage, and hospitality through leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement.
For more information about Les Dames d'Escoffier International, please visit https://ldei.org/.
MEDIA KITAbout 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 2,600 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, LDEI 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 LDEI on Instagram @lesdamesintl and Facebook @LDEIdamesdescoffier.
