Les Dames d’Escoffier Washington DC Regional Chapter
We are a vibrant, diverse group of influential women leaders in food, beverage, hospitality, and related industries. As a nonprofit organization, we support our fellow Dames through networking events, educational programs, fundraising galas, and other efforts that seek to be both fun and informational. We also assist women in our region—both up-and-comers and established individuals—through grants, scholarships, instructional programs, and mentorship.
Industry Night Podcast: There’s Nothing Like a Dame
The Industry Night podcast by Nycci Nellis celebrated National Women's Month by spotlighting the remarkable women leaders in food, wine, and hospitality. The panel consisted of esteemed members from The Washington D.C. Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Together, they shared their experiences, discussed the challenges women face in the hospitality industry, and highlighted the importance of supporting one another. The discussion explored the impactful stories of women leading and shaping the future of food, wine, and hospitality in the DMV area.
Symposium
Bringing It to the Table 2025: A Day of Connection, Conversation, and Culinary Inspiration
On March 8, 2025, Les Dames d’Escoffier Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter proudly hosted its biennial symposium, Bringing It to the Table. The event brought together a vibrant community of food, beverage, and hospitality professionals for a day of learning, networking, and celebrating the impact women have had on the industry. Held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, the symposium drew an engaged crowd of chefs, restaurateurs, writers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and food lovers from across the region.
The day featured thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops—all led by the DMV’s most dynamic women in the industry. Topics ranged from the future of low- and no-alcohol beverages and bread making at home to navigating workforce challenges and advancing gut health. For the first time, the symposium included Table Talks over lunch—intimate, engaging conversations between attendees and speakers, paired with a menu crafted from original recipes by members of our chapter.
This year also marked the debut of the Goody Solomon Plenary, honoring one of our chapter’s founding members, and featuring a powerful discussion on how women are transforming media, sustainability, restaurants, and advocacy in the DMV’s food landscape.
From the carefully curated sessions and generous swag bags full of culinary goodies to the energy in the room, Bringing It to the Table 2025 reflected the strength, expertise, and passion of our chapter and its commitment to supporting women in food, beverage, and hospitality.
Your Donations Help
A key component of our organization is the giving of scholarships and grants. Our scholarship program has subsidized dozens of women through the years by helping fund their culinary education. Our grants provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in our community that promote health, sustainable food practices, and culinary training specifically geared to women and children.
Class of 2024: DC Regional Chapter
Welcome to our fabulous new members!