Membership
Dynamic, respected, driven- our members are a vetted network of women who have achieved success in their area of specialization. We are chefs and restaurateurs, wine and spirits specialists, caterers, food policy leaders, historians, nutritionists, authors, bloggers, journalists, public relations specialists, culinary educators, food stylists, entrepreneurs, food and beverage producers and more. Our chapter encompasses the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware (excluding the greater Wilmington area), and West Virginia.
Candidates for membership in Les Dames d'Escoffier Washington, DC Regional Chapter must be women who reside or work within the region with at least five years of professional experience and who demonstrate achievement and accomplished stature in the food, beverage, hospitality and related industries. Candidates must be dedicated to furthering educational and professional opportunities for women in the industry.
We seek exceptional women to bring their talent, ideas, and energy to Les Dames DC. We rely on our members to help our chapter thrive and continue our educational mission - by identifying prospective members who will enrich our organization.
Applications for membership are accepted once per year. The timeline for 2024 was as follows and will be similar in 2025:
Jan 1- Feb 1 Call for Nominations to membership; Nominations due by Feb 1
Feb 26 and 29 Zoom Q&A with prospective members
March 7 Membership applications due
March 10 In-Person Meet & Greet with applicants
March 20 Prospective Member Committee meets
March 31 Recommendations for new members sent to board for review
April 8 Board votes on new members
April 10 New member notifications
If you are interested in membership, send an email to [email protected] to be added to our mailing list for public programs during the year and indicate that you want more information when our recruitment campaign opens in January 2025.
Candidates for membership in Les Dames d'Escoffier Washington, DC Regional Chapter must be women who reside or work within the region with at least five years of professional experience and who demonstrate achievement and accomplished stature in the food, beverage, hospitality and related industries. Candidates must be dedicated to furthering educational and professional opportunities for women in the industry.
We seek exceptional women to bring their talent, ideas, and energy to Les Dames DC. We rely on our members to help our chapter thrive and continue our educational mission - by identifying prospective members who will enrich our organization.
Applications for membership are accepted once per year. The timeline for 2024 was as follows and will be similar in 2025:
Jan 1- Feb 1 Call for Nominations to membership; Nominations due by Feb 1
Feb 26 and 29 Zoom Q&A with prospective members
March 7 Membership applications due
March 10 In-Person Meet & Greet with applicants
March 20 Prospective Member Committee meets
March 31 Recommendations for new members sent to board for review
April 8 Board votes on new members
April 10 New member notifications
If you are interested in membership, send an email to [email protected] to be added to our mailing list for public programs during the year and indicate that you want more information when our recruitment campaign opens in January 2025.
2023 DC Regional Chapter - New Dames Class
Winnette McIntosh Ambrose: Sweet Lobby and Souk, Founder and Owner
Bonnie Buchanan: Wine & Spirit Education America, Head of Global Accounts
Amber Croom: And 4 Dessert Confectionery Studio, Founder and Executive Chef
Meryl Feinstein: Pasta Social Club, Founder
Jennie Kuperstein: Jennie K PR, Owner/President
Jen Lin-Liu: Chang Chang, Director of Events, author and freelance journalist
Avery Meetre: LRA PR, Vice President
Sara Morgan: Eleven Eleven PR, Founder and CEO
Kelly Phillips: Destination Unknown Restaurants, Restaurant Operations Management & Director of Hospitality
Rina Rapuano: L’Ardente, Unconventional Diner & Love, Makoto, Director of Marketing/PR
Lisa Ruland: Unpeeled Journal, Owner and Editor
Lauren Selman: International Food & Beverage Technology Association, VP of Operations
Maisha Spann: Food is Love Personal Chef Services, Executive Chef/Owner
Kryss Speegle: O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Senior Director, Business to Business
Anna Spiegel: Axios, DC Reporter
Winnette McIntosh Ambrose: Sweet Lobby and Souk, Founder and Owner
Bonnie Buchanan: Wine & Spirit Education America, Head of Global Accounts
Amber Croom: And 4 Dessert Confectionery Studio, Founder and Executive Chef
Meryl Feinstein: Pasta Social Club, Founder
Jennie Kuperstein: Jennie K PR, Owner/President
Jen Lin-Liu: Chang Chang, Director of Events, author and freelance journalist
Avery Meetre: LRA PR, Vice President
Sara Morgan: Eleven Eleven PR, Founder and CEO
Kelly Phillips: Destination Unknown Restaurants, Restaurant Operations Management & Director of Hospitality
Rina Rapuano: L’Ardente, Unconventional Diner & Love, Makoto, Director of Marketing/PR
Lisa Ruland: Unpeeled Journal, Owner and Editor
Lauren Selman: International Food & Beverage Technology Association, VP of Operations
Maisha Spann: Food is Love Personal Chef Services, Executive Chef/Owner
Kryss Speegle: O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, Senior Director, Business to Business
Anna Spiegel: Axios, DC Reporter