Escoffier Partners to Expand Culinary Training

- Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries with over 2,800 members in 40 chapters across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The organization was founded in 1976 in New York City by Carol Brock, a food editor for the New York Daily News, to address the exclusion of women from professional culinary organizations. - The Italian chapter of LDEI, established in 2022 and based in Florence, is a key partner in this initiative and is focused on creating a national network to support women in the culinary and hospitality sectors through scholarships, mentorship, and educational programs. - Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions, a partner in this initiative, was established in 2021 as an extension of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts to address workforce challenges in the culinary and hospitality industries. The school itself is named after the famed French chef Auguste Escoffier, who is credited with modernizing French cuisine and creating the kitchen brigade system. - Tracy Lorenz is the President and CEO of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and its parent company, Triumph Higher Education Group. Her focus includes expanding the school's online programs to make culinary education more accessible. - LDEI has a history of philanthropic initiatives, including the "Green Tables Initiative," which connects farms to restaurants and schools, and the "Global Culinary Initiative," which promotes diversity through educational excursions and cultural exchange. - The organization also offers "Legacy Awards," supported by The Julia Child Foundation, which provide mentorship opportunities for women to work with experienced LDEI members. - Historically, women were excluded from culinary professional groups like the Disciples Escoffier International, which was founded in 1954. This led to the creation of Les Dames d'Escoffier as a professional organization for women in the industry. - The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide enhanced training and resources, addressing industry needs for skilled professionals. This aligns with Escoffier's previous partnerships, such as with Omni Hotels & Resorts, to tackle chef shortages through online culinary programs.