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)