Here to Help: Supporting Women

Looking for culinary scholarships? Info about funding your food startup? Or maybe you’re searching for a women’s chef jackets that fits. These groups offer a range of resources for women in the culinary fields, globally and locally:

James Beard Foundation

When the James Beard Foundation announced its list of semifinalists for best chefs, restaurants and restaurateurs early in 2018, 40 percent of the nominees were women, a big jump from the previous year. The foundation devotes considerable resources to bringing more women into leadership roles in the industry. Their Women’s Leadership Programs were created provide women with the tools to advance and succeed in the culinary industry. Now made up of two mentorship programs – the Women in Culinary Leadership (WCL) and Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL), the programs directly invest in building the skill sets of women and are backed by a committed group of restaurateur/chef mentors and advisors from across the country. Locally, Cindy Hutson and Delius Shirley of Ortanique, Zest and Zest MRKT, Miami, have participated as mentors.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International

This invitation-only philanthropic organization of women leaders in the fields of food, beverages and hospitality, provides leadership through philanthropic and educational events.  There are two chapters in Miami. Les Dames Miami was founded in 2000, hosting an annual tropical brunch, a gourmet garage sale and other events to raise funds. Ratified as a new chapter in Mar. 2017, Les Dames South Florida has 35 members from Palm Beach to Key West. They host monthly fundraisers and educational events, have established a Cookbook Club, and raise money for scholarships.

Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR)

Founded 25 years ago by eight of the nation’s top women chefs and restaurateurs, WCR provides women in the industry with opportunities for connection, education and inspiration. “Right now, the industry is lacking good workers, and it’s going to get worse,” says executive director Kristen Lee-Charlon. “Mentorship is key. My hope for WCR is that people can be connected with resources. There’s a closed Facebook group where women can ask questions of each other on all issues,” she says. “That’s community – being able to be real and know there’s support.”

RestaurantHER

Only 33 percent of restaurant businesses are majority-owned by women, and barely one-fifth of chefs are women. This map helps you find them so you can support them. Supported by Grubhub, the food delivery service, this map shows restaurants owned or co-owned by women, and/or managed by a woman executive chef or woman head chef. Watch the videos and you’ll see locals Luisa Santos of Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream and Stephanie Vitorie of Cheeseburger Baby.

Women Chefs 305

Chef Karina Rivera, who works with superstar pastry chef Antonio Bachour opening the new Bachour bakery and restaurant in Coral Gables, started this Instagram group in August to empower women working here. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with talented women in our career,” she says. “This is the tool to give us more voice and presence in the industry. It’s our responsibility to know our colleagues. We are there, we are strong, we have abilities.” The group is open to women in the industry: chefs, bartenders, women in wine, breweries and spirits; catering; food artisans and others.