Les Dames d'Escoffier-Kentucky Chapter

LES DAMES KENTUCKY (LDKY) IS THE KY CHAPTER OF LES DAMES d’ESCOFFIER INTERNATIONAL (LDEI), a global professional organization that envisions a world where all people appreciate and value the work and contribution of women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

As a state chapter, our goal is to inspire, advance, and support women in our industry to achieve excellence in leadership roles throughout Kentucky. From restaurants & hotels to journalism, wine & spirits to marketing, tourism & event planning to education, farming & education to sales, all women’s voices are invited to the LDKY table guided by the LDEI principles of Philanthropy, Diversity, Leadership, Professional Development & Excellence, and Innovation. OUR CHAPTER MEMBERS HAIL from across the state of Kentucky and contribute to our local communities as Chefs, Restaurateurs, Distillers,  Sommeliers, Food and hospitality Writers, Cookbook Authors, Farmers, Educators, Public Relations Experts, Corporate & Nonprofit Executives, and Small Business Entrepreneurs, consequently providing a wealth of knowledge, skill & support to Kentucky women in food, beverage, and hospitality. 

This past Spring, we were able to grant three local women entrepreneurs each $2,000. 

The 2023 Spring Grantees were:

Dame Tammy Kaufman, Owner of Kaufman Creek Farms

Carlie Cornett, Owner of True North Catering

Christine Gnamba, Owner of Eden & Kissi

The LDKY Board looks forward to building on this philanthropic momentum & supporting more entrepreneurial women in 2024. All proceeds from our Give For Good Louisville 2023 will go towards our 2024 Spring Grant Cycle.