The BC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier is cooking up something extraordinary this year with $30,000 in scholarships to support women pursuing careers in culinary, beverage, agriculture, aquaculture, and hospitality. Applications are open until February 12, offering a chance to start, advance, or expand careers in these dynamic industries.
We sat down with Karen Dar Woon, a passionate advocate for empowering women in these fields, to learn more about this incredible opportunity and how it’s shaping the future of B.C.’s culinary and hospitality landscape. —Noa Nichol
What inspired the founding of Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Chapter, and how has the organization evolved over the years?
Some of our founding members had worked with Julia Child who was a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, and others were introduced to the international association by US colleagues. In 1992, a local chapter was formed to raise money for women’s education, through home-based dinner parties. In the ensuing 30 years, gala dinner fundraisers and other events have raised 100s of thousands of dollars, and Les Dames d’Escoffier BC has given away over $200K of scholarships. We are supported by many sponsor businesses, culinary schools, family foundations and individual donors. LDBC is a volunteer-run, non-profit society, registered in the province of BC.
Can you tell us about the scholarship program’s impact on the careers of past recipients? Are there any success stories or standout recipients from past years that you’d like to highlight?
Scholarship Recipients have told us that their Les Dames d’Escoffier BC award launched them to a better or new career, helped them to gain important insights, further developed their skills and expertise, and increased their confidence at work. Many of our Scholars are team leads, managers and supervisors where they work. Several are now professional instructors.
Dame Mandy Newcomb was inducted into LDBC in 2023. She received a scholarship in 2019 to further her chocolate work skills, and in 2020 a unique residency experience in sustainable meat production. Mandy’s students at College of New Caledonia are lucky beneficiaries of her skills.
Shiva Reddy achieved her certification of Court of Master Sommeliers in the mid 2000s. Her 2019 award was the support she needed to complete WSET Diploma Level 4. She has remained in close contact with her Dame liaison, Leeann Froese. Shiva hosted the TV series Not Your Butter Chicken, is a regular contributor on the CBC Radio One program, On The Coast, and has held Executive Wine Director positions in top Vancouver restaurants.
Dame Cassandra Anderton is a Past President of Les Dames d’Escoffier BC. She received her first scholarship in 2007, towards WSET wine education. Cassandra’s online brand Good Life Vancouver includes food, travel and lifestyle writing and photography, product reviews, and “things to do” in food, beverage, hospitality, and sustainable food production.
Dalana Fleming is the owner of The Cake and The Giraffe, featured in the 2024 BizBASH Industry Innovators List. Dalana used her 2009 scholarship to attend school in Toronto, Ontario. Her work has been featured in several wedding and event planning publications.
Dame Lesley Stav received her scholarship in 2012, completing the BC Provincial Instructors Diploma Program. In the ensuing 12 years, Lesley has become a valued member of the Scholarship Committee of LDBC as well as a judge for Skills Canada and numerous other professional cooking competitions. She is the Chair, and a past president, of the CCFCC-North Vancouver Island Chefs Association.
This year, you’re offering up to $30,000 in scholarships. How is this funding distributed, and who are the sponsoring organizations?
The funding is distributed to a maximum of 30 recipients in any given year. The Committee decides the division of assets between culinary/production and beverage/hospitality divisions. In calendar 2025, we are fortunate to have partial tuition sponsorships from Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver, and Cacao Barry/Chocolate Academy. We are grateful for the support of the SnowCap Fund, Fineza Family and Karen A. Davidson.
One “priceless” award is a two-day residency experience in sustainable meat production: the Two Rivers Meats/Service Excellence Scholarship in honour of Chef Tina Fineza.
What qualities do the Scholarship Committee look for when selecting recipients?
Two teams of committee members assess the applications (up to 50 per year!). Each application is graded based on merit: We look at the education and experience of each candidate, evaluate for possibility of success in their chosen program, review references, and read an essay prepared by the candidate. The committee is looking for qualities of the candidate to share their education and experience in ways that improve the sustainability of BC’s hospitality, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
What makes this year’s scholarship program unique or particularly exciting?
I’m always excited when I look at the Scholarship Committee roster and see the names of so many previous Scholars who have become Dames.
How does the organization support scholarship recipients beyond funding, such as through mentorship or networking?
Each recipient of scholarship funds is paired with a current member of Les Dames d’Escoffier BC, who stays in contact for the remainder of the calendar year. Some of these pairings develop into life-long career friendships. LDBC invites current and previous Scholars to some of our events for business and personal networking, or to develop mentorship relationships. As their careers progress, many Scholars become members of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
How can women in BC apply for these scholarships, and what advice would you give to applicants?
START EARLY! Important components of the application are: Resume, professional references, and the required essay. Be sure to allow time for reference providers to thoughtfully consider the request. If an applicant knows a Dame (in any chapter) personally, reach out and ask for a reference. The essay portion of the application is where the Committee learns the story of the applicant. Tell your truth, but also be concise (members read up to 50 applications in the last week of February)! Spelling and grammar can be important indicators of attention to detail. Ask someone else to read your application before submitting. Applications are received online.
Details: https://lesdames.ca/scholarship-program/#Apply
What role does the BC Chapter play in fostering a supportive community within the food, beverage, and hospitality industries?
The 60+ members of the BC Chapter represent a vast range of industry contacts. From solopreneurs to winemakers, distributors and producers, to COOs of chain restaurants and everything in between! This small but mighty group can connect you to local and international folks, and technology makes meeting even easier. Dames are members of chef and producer networks outside of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Need help? Just ask a Dame.
Looking ahead, how does Les Dames d’Escoffier plan to expand or enhance its programs to further empower women in these industries?
Les Dames d’Escoffier knows that sustainability of an industry depends on the industry remaining relevant to its customers, and fulfilling to its personnel. By investing in education and sustaining relationships, Dames are living the concept “see one, be one” to elevate, educate and celebrate women in food, beverage and hospitality.
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