Les Dames d’ Escoffier International: Kentucky Chapter

We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.
Our membership is highly diversified and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality.
We support our communities through grants, scholarships and mentorship.

Upcoming Events

A Word Or Two From Our President:

Hello Dames!

It’s such an honor to follow in the massive footsteps of Kelley Miracle and the Les Dames Kentucky board, coming out of our area doing such and amazing job hosting the LDEI Annual Conference here in Louisville!  I’m thrilled to be your President this year and uplift, connect, support and grow the careers and lives of women in food, beverage and hospitality. 

Our board of directors has laid out several ambitious goals for this year…but we can’t get there without you!  Our biggest aim is to make this truly an organization that represents all of Kentucky, but our initial focus is on building connection and engagement throughout the ‘I-64 corridor’ from Louisville to Lexington.  We need you!

- One of the things that makes us unique is that we raise money and award it as grants to enable women to expand their businesses and educational programs.  We need YOUR help to continue this work - by both raising funds and managing our grant program.

-  Speaking of events – at our Annual Member meeting, we’ll talk about our busy Q4, but we want to know what types of educational, social, networking and other events and experiences would be interesting to YOU!  Both virtual and IRL are options, formal and casual!

-  And as members, we want to ensure we are getting to know and support one another better!  Would you be interested in being featured on our social channels?  Can we celebrate your business or personal news?  Contact our communications chair Andrea Meriwether! (and make sure you’re following us on Instagram at @lesdameskentucky)

Like any organization, it takes a village to create a vibrant and energizing group, and each of these ladies need YOUR help too!  Many hands make lighter work, and so please reach out to any of the board chairs by e-mail to offer ideas and support.

It takes work to build our community and we’d love to do the things that will enrich YOUR lives – so let me know personally how I can make this a more rewarding year for you by e-mailing me at admin@getathirdarm.com!

Yours in hospitality,

Melissa Richards-Person 


"A party without cake is just
a meeting."

- Julia Child

Who We Are