Women in Food, Fine Beverage and Hospitality
Joining the Minnesota Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) means becoming part of a global community of nearly 3,000 women across more than 40 Chapters — all leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality who are committed to excellence, philanthropy, and the advancement of women.
Benefits of Membership
Chapter Benefits:
● Monthly meetings are opportunities to network and socialize with like minded women invested in supporting our mission. They often feature an educational component in addition to innovative food and beverages.
● Members receive local and international member directories and newsletters and can participate in webinars from the international organization on subjects such as sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, social media and food trends.
● Each member has a mentor within the chapter, is invited to an active private Facebook group and has the option to attend the annual international conference. The conference is a great way to network with Dames from other chapters, learn how to manage our chapter more effectively, and experience the food-and-wine scene in the host city.
🌍 Global Connection - Wherever you go, you’ll find a network of Dames ready to welcome you. Check the Member Directory when visiting a city with a Chapter — Dames around the world are known for their warmth, generosity, and hospitality.
🤝 Professional and Social Networking - Connect with other professional women in food, drink, and hospitality through a vibrant calendar of local and international events, collaborations, and activities that build both business and personal relationships.
💡 Philanthropy and Community - Participate in LDEI’s philanthropic mission to support the education, empowerment, and advancement of women in our industries. Through fundraising, mentoring, and community initiatives, members create opportunities and lasting impact.
🎓 Educational and Professional Development - Access scholarships, grants, and leadership programs designed to help women grow their skills and confidence. Members also enjoy exclusive access to LDEI Live Online — professional learning sessions offering expert insights and practical knowledge from across the industry.
📢 Communication and Collaboration - Stay connected through Chapter newsletters, international publications, and shared social media channels. Members benefit from ready-to-use communications tools and templates, plus access to the Members Area on the LDEI website for professional resources and support.
🏆 Industry Recognition - Join a prestigious international organisation that celebrates and amplifies women’s leadership. LDEI honours excellence through its awards, events, and public recognition of members’ contributions to the culinary and hospitality worlds.
🎉 Annual Events and Gatherings - From Chapter celebrations to the Annual Conference, LDEI events offer unique opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. These occasions highlight the spirit of collaboration and generosity that defines the Dames community.
History
The Minnesota Chapter of Les Dames d’ Escoffier International (MN LDEI), formed in 1996, welcomes professional women throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our members include food and nutrition consultants, food writers, editors, cookbook authors, sommeliers, corporate food professionals, supermarket culinary specialists, food marketers, restaurateurs, registered dietitians, food and wine instructors, graphic designers, food branding plus design specialists and travel leaders. We celebrate the value of differences among people and cultures throughout the world, in our communities and in our chapter.
Philanthropy
Our chapter raises funds to support several initiatives, such as:
● The Scholarship program provides scholarships to local women attending culinary school and has expanded to include disciplines such as agriculture, the environment, food production and viticulture.
● Micro-Grants help women advance their careers by attending professional conferences, taking short-term classes or purchasing equipment.
● MN LDEI is a leader in teaching young people about food, nutrition, gardening and basic cooking skills. For years we have donated time and money to Urban Roots in St. Paul (http://urbanrootsmn.org/) and provided internships for Urban Roots youth