Committees
Communications
Chairs: Jennifer Farley and Peggy Cormary
Committee: Charissa Benjamin, Britney Brown-Chamberlain, Carolyn Crow, Alyssa Hackbarth, Carole Sugarman, Kisha Washington
This committee is charged with keeping members and the public informed of our mission and activities by developing and executing effective strategies combining website, public relations, emails, and social media. Current needs are primarily to help craft and post messages on social media about chapter members and activities as well as commemorate special months - i.e. Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
Contact: communications@lesdamesdc.org
Development
Chair: Lee Granados
Committee: Janet Cam, Lizette Corro
The Development Committee leads the chapter’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, ensuring sustainability, resilience, and long-term success. Through thoughtful stewardship and strategic cultivation of supporters, we build meaningful relationships that strengthen our mission.
Working closely with other LDE-DC committees—such as Communications, Programs, and Membership—we align fundraising with member engagement, events, and community outreach. This collaboration ensures our efforts not only raise critical funds but also elevate awareness, participation, and impact across the chapter.
Our diverse fundraising portfolio includes:
One Annual Signature Event that showcases our mission and engages the community
Quarterly Mini Fundraisers to keep momentum and engagement strong year-round
Peer-to-Peer Campaigns that empower members and supporters to fundraise within their networks
Sponsorships and In-Kind Partnerships that align with our values and expand our reach
Member Contributions and Online Giving to sustain ongoing programs and initiatives
Together, through partnership and collaboration, the Development Committee fosters a culture of giving and connection that keeps our mission thriving.
The goal this year is to raise $25,000 to support grants, scholarships, and operations.
Contact Lee Granados at development@lesdamesdc.org to talk more about opportunities to engage in ways that are meaningful and impactful to you.
Education
Chairs: Kristen Schott and Avery Meetre
Committee: Bonnie Buchanan, Vanessa Cominsky, Leslie Frelow, Michelle Licht, Christine Van Bloem
The Education Committee plans and executes approximately 4-6 in-person and virtual events each year, guided by member feedback on relevant topics, timing, and locations. The committee is dedicated to highlighting the diverse expertise of chapter members while providing valuable educational opportunities for all. Working in tandem with the communications and development teams, the education committee supports program promotion and revenue generation to ensure event costs are covered.
Global Culinary Initiative
Chairs: Bonnie Benwick and Susan Barocas
Committee: Nura Mendez
The Global Culinary Initiative is dedicated to celebrating diversity through the universal language of food. Programs embrace the rich tapestry of cultures within the local community, offering education and events that highlight and honor various culinary traditions. These events not only showcase the unique flavors and cooking techniques of different cultures, but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lifestyles and traditions that food represents.
Green Tables
Chairs: Lani Furbank and Danielle Cook
Committee: Leah Culley, Rachael Jackson, Lela Singh
Green Tables is an organization-wide initiative designed to connect the dots between sustainable farms and gardens and schools, community organizations, restaurants, and kitchen tables across Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) chapters. This committee is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of regenerative locally grown food and sustainable living within the community through educational and culinary events. Our chapter offers a wide range of engaging programs and events as part of our Green Tables initiative designed to highlight local farms, sustainability practices and innovations, foraging, and more.
Contact: greentables@lesdamesdc.org
Community Outreach
Chair: Danielle Turner
Committee: Marletha Booker, Maisie Lyman, Tiffany MacIsaac, Ana Meijia, Ana Reyes, Clare Zenczak-Murray
Contributing to our local community is at the heart of our mission. Our chapter awards grants every year to local grassroots organizations that support women and families. One way we further support these organizations is by volunteering in hands-on activities. We also serve the region by gathering together to serve food at food banks, work community farms, and mentor budding entrepreneurs and youth. We believe that giving back is the most fruitful way forward.
Contact: communityoutreach@lesdamesdc.org
Finance
Chairs: Michele Jacobs and Karen Vartan
Committee: Rebecca Cagle, Lori Gardner, Cary Kelly, Deb Moser, Linda Roth, Paulette Thompson (not accepting additional members at this time)
The Finance Committee supports the Treasurer(s) and ensures compliance with regulations to protect the Chapter’s 501(c)(3) status. The committee monitors all Chapter events to ensure that they are financially viable and establishes financial criteria and procedures in keeping with the Chapter’s policies. The committee drafts a budget for approval by the Board and Membership and reviews investments on a quarterly basis and advises the Board on the status of the Chapter’s investment portfolio.
Governance
Chairs: Marcia Friedman and Wendy Nevett Bazil
Committee: Sheila Crye, Lori Gardner, Paula Jacobson, Judy Rusignuolo, Allison WIlliams (not accepting additional members at this time)
The committee’s mandate is to provide guidance that helps the Chapter accomplish its mission while ensuring the organization complies with the statutory requirements for 501(c)(3) status. The Committee makes an ongoing analysis of changes and updates that should be considered to the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and/or Policies and makes recommendations to the Board as needed.
Membership (Member Engagement)
Chair: Cary Kelly
Committee: Patty Collette, Aviva Goldfarb, Gail Forman, Eileen Dykes, Christi Dorsey
Our charter is to increase the value of membership through engagement in the activities and operations of the chapter. The committee conducts outreach to members to match talents and interests with opportunities to contribute to the life of the chapter.
Special Interest Subcommittees include:
Dames Who Dine (chair Patty Collette). Organizes member-only dining events at area restaurants (preferably those owned or operated by a Dame or are clients or employers of Dames.)
Dames Who Drink (chair Aviva Goldfarb). Organizes member-only happy hour events at area bars or restaurants (preferably those owned or operated by a Dame or are clients or employers of Dames.)
Dames Who Read Book Group (chair Eileen Dykes). Organizes a monthly member-only book club. Individual members choose the books and host the meetings.
Reel Tasty Film Group (chair Gail Forman). Organizes monthly member-only film club. Individual members choose the films and host the meetings.
Member Engagement (chair Christi Dorsey). Develops engaging strategies and activities for incorporating members into the life of the chapter.
Contact: membership@lesdamesdc.org
Grants
Chair: Jody Tick
Committee: Ana Meijja, Laura Calderone, Mel Gold
Grants are awarded annually to tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations that are making a significant difference in the community through food and hospitality. These grants support initiatives that promote community health, sustainable food practices, and culinary education. By funding programs that align with our mission, we aim to foster a thriving and resilient food community throughout our chapter area. The Grants Committee works with the Communications Officers to publicize the grant opportunity, and conducts application tracking, and then works with a scoring rubric to determine grantees and funding amount within the budget allocation.
Contact: grants@lesdamesdc.org
Scholarships
Chairs: Sheryl Hoehner and Janis McLean
Committee: Rose Clifford, Jennie Kuperstein, Nancy Piho, Taueret Thomas
Our scholarships provide financial support to deserving students pursuing careers in the food and hospitality industries. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, achievements, experience, and potential for success in the culinary industry. These awards help cover culinary school tuition, specialized training programs, and professional development opportunities. The chapter’s scholarship funds are administered by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Awards are given after careful consideration by the scholarship committee to women of promise from the Baltimore-Washington area who have been accepted to programs at the CIA. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to a network of experienced mentors and industry professionals who provide guidance, advice, and valuable connections. The committee reviews applicants submitted from the institution and uses a scoring rubric to evaluate the applicants and determine the recipients and amount of funding for each, given the allocation in the year’s budget.
Contact: scholarships@lesdamesdc.org