March 1, 2023
Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the New York chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDNY), an organization which was founded in 1976. Our members include some of the most accomplished, forward-thinking women in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries, including professionals in the disciplines of culinary, wine and spirits, publishing, nutrition, media, marketing and PR, agriculture, and food activism. Today there are over 2,400 women in 44 chapters worldwide. To quote member Julia Child, “Les Dames is a leadership culinary organization of women who have not only achieved success in their professions but who also contribute in significant ways to their communities.” Since its founding, chapter members have accomplished their mission through advocacy, education, and philanthropy in their local communities and by awarding scholarships to enable talented young women to fulfill their goals in their chosen fields.
Information for Applicants
Our mission is to advance and support aspiring professional women in food and beverage, as well as to champion critical industry issues.
LDNY’s vision is guided by three objectives: Education, Advocacy and Philanthropy.
Criteria for Membership in Les Dames d’Escoffier New York
● Minimum of five (5) years professional experience, demonstrated achievement, and accomplished stature in the areas of food, wine, beverages, nutrition, hospitality, the arts of the table, or other fields as they relate to these disciplines.
● Live or work within a 100-mile radius of Times Square and/or not live or work closer to any other Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
● Commit to support our mission of education, advocacy, and philanthropy.
● The willingness to actively contribute their time and talent as soon as they become a member. ● For information about the organization, go to the LDNY website.
Annual Membership Requirements
● Attend a minimum of two meetings/events annually.
● Timely payment of annual dues.
● Participation in at least one of the following areas:
● An active member of a committee.
● Chair, co-chair, or sponsor an event or program.
● Serve on the Board of Directors.
● Provide other assistance or perform a function that furthers the purposes of LDNY and is Board approved.
New Member Requirements
New Members must serve on a committee during their first year of membership. Recommending Dames will work with committee chairs and new members to select the right committee for the individual.
How to apply for Membership
● The application requires an accessible link to your résumé or CV. A PDF from Dropbox or google links are preferred, a link to a complete résumé or CV on LinkedIn is also acceptable.
● Applicants will answer four questions, they are:
o Why do you want to become a member of the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier? (300 word maximum)
o What is your understanding of the mission of the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier? (200 word maximum)
o In what ways do you intend to contribute to the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier? (200 word maximum)
o Tell us something about your professional strengths that may not be reflected on your resume. (200 word maximum)
● Applicants will be asked to include a short Bio with the application, format it as listed here:
o Name of applicant, job title, name of business, bio content and the name of the Dame making the recommendation. (150 word maximum)
● Applicants will be asked to secure a letter of recommendation from a current Dame of the New York Chapter. The Dame will upload the recommendation letter directly to the LDNY website, instructions below.
● To be considered for membership this year, the application must be received by Monday, May 1, 2023. Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
● If applicants meet Les Dames d’Escoffier New York criteria for membership, the Membership Committee will arrange for a meeting with the applicant in June. Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision in late July. If accepted, applicants are required to attend new member events in September. Annual dues are to be paid prior to this event. ● The new member application can be found here.
Click HERE for our online application.
YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT.
Please create a new member account by clicking on the member icon on the top right corner. Create a user name and password.
Applications Due MAY 1,2023
Information for Recommending Dames
We ask that members of the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’ Escoffier support applicants through the application process and during their first year, should they join the organization. Following are instructions for the recommending Dame.
● The applicant requires a letter of recommendation from a current member of LDNY. The recommendation should address the following:
○ Name of the applicant
○ The length of time you have known the applicant.
○ Your professional experience with the applicant.
○ Identify the qualities the applicant possesses that you believe will benefit the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier and its mission.
○Should the applicant be inducted, it is expected that over the year you will guide her to become an actively engaged member. What do you plan to do to ensure the applicant becomes an actively engaged member of the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier?
● To submit the letter of recommendation, 1) log into the LDNY website; 2) use the dropdown menu on the right side of the screen, choose “recommendation letter”; 3) complete all required fields.
Thank you again for your interest in Les Dames d’Escoffier New York. We greatly look forward to meeting you in June!
Sincerely,
Karen Goodlad and Adrienne Cheatham
Co-Chairs, 2023 Membership Committee
Thank you again for your interest in Les Dames d’Escoffier New York. We greatly look forward to meeting you in June!
