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Spring 2023 | Edible Cleveland, "Legacy of Les Dames"

Feb. 2020 | Currents, "Les Dames d'Escoffier women thrive in the culinary industry"

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Pitch Competition | Saturday, August 24, 2024 (4:00pm)

Join LDEI Cleveland at the Cleveland Garlic Festival in Shaker Square on Saturday, August 24 (4:00pm) for its second annual PITCH COMPETITION!

Female entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, or hospitality industries operating in Northeast Ohio (both women-owned start-up businesses and established businesses) were invited to apply, and the finalists have been chosen!

Congratulations to our three finalists, Amy Mucha of Daisy Pops, Devon Climer of Mugsy Bakes, and Caroline Leibert of The Pink Shoppe Bakery, who will make in-person, 15-minute pitches to our judges at The Garlic Festival. Our esteemed panel of judges include Grande Dame Bev Shaffer, Donita Anderson, and Jen Picciano.

Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st ($3,000) 2nd ($2,000) and 3rd ($1,000) place winners and all finalists will also receive an opportunity to promote their products and services at a North Union Farmer’s Market booth on either 8/3, 8/10 or 8/17, sponsored by the USDA.

Come cheer on our finalists!

About LDEI: We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Our membership is highly diversified (with 2,400 members in 44 chapters across the USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, France, and Italy) and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. We support our communities through grants, scholarships, and mentorship. Prospective members must have at least five years of relevant industry experience to apply to become a Dame.

We welcome donations in any amount to support these efforts! THANK YOU!