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!
- Last year we gave three grants to women to expand their businesses and educational programs. This year, we want to give four. Philanthropy Chair Gina Brown needs your help to spread the word about the grant program to get more applicants!
- We need grant dollars to make that happen! We intend to raise $15,000 to fund grants, and our events co-chairs Katie Payne and Tammy Kaufmann need help to plan and create events that will net us those funds!
- Speaking of events – Katie and Tammy 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, and they’ll be supplemented by Global Cuisine cooking and dining opportunities spearheaded by your VP Penryn Craig and local farm and nature support from Green Tables chair Andrea Wells
- 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 Lynnelle Morgan! (and make sure you’re following us on Instagram at @lesdamesky and a part of our Facebook Group LDKY Exchange)
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
