Food Policy & Advocacy Legacy Award

Food Policy & Advocacy Legacy Award

Funder: Les Dames d'Escoffier International with support from The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts

Program Established: 2009

Geographic Scope: National program for professional women in food, beverage, and hospitality industries

Mission: Provide targeted mentorship opportunities for professional women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, with specific focus on food policy, advocacy, and culinary equality/justice.

Award Components

• Stipend from the Julia Child Foundation (amount not specified in content)
• Week-long immersive program in Washington, D.C. exploring:
- Culinary equality and justice - Food policy and advocacy environments - Hands-on learning experiences with industry leaders - Networking with professionals and mentors

Award Focus Areas

• Food policy and advocacy
• Culinary justice and equity
• Leadership in food systems
• Professional development for mid-to-senior level food industry professionals

Recent Award Recipient (2026)

Adeola Sokunbi

Atlanta native with 15+ years of experience

Event experience: London 2012 Olympics, Super Bowl LIII

Master's degree in the Study of Law from University of Georgia

Expertise in labor laws and regulatory frameworks affecting food industry

Nonprofit leader at Navigate Foundation (youth culinary training and internships with Compass Group USA)

Co-owner of C.H.E.F. Academy® training kitchen and incubator

Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University teaching Hospitality Law

Mentorship & Program Activities

Program includes:

Hosted meals and presentations from industry leaders

Museum and cultural experiences

Roundtable discussions on advocacy and hospitality

Dinners and networking events with experienced professionals

Presentation opportunity at LDEI Conference

Community Partners and Contributors:

Emma's Torch (lunch and presentation)

Smithsonian Museum

Culinary Diplomacy practitioners

Restaurant and hospitality industry leaders

Food justice organizations

Eligibility Notes

• Award does not require funding from the chapter itself
• Julia Child Foundation provides the stipend
• Community members and sponsors contribute time and resources

Contact

Cary Kelly (Committee Chair) or Christi (contact via lesdamesdc.org)

Les Dames d'Escoffier Washington, D.C. Regional Chapter
Website: lesdamesdc.org