Periodically F&D checks with The LEE Initiative to see what’s happening, but first, for those just tuning in, here’s the back story.
The LEE Initiative is an acronym for Let’s Empower Employment. When we see a need for more diversity, equity, sustainability and compassion in the restaurant industry, we find innovative and impactful solutions. We create programs that make a real difference in the lives of the next generation of restaurant industry professionals. We help our community and inspire others to get involved.
The following update was received via e-mail and is reproduced here verbatim.
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We have updates!
It’s been an eventful year here at The LEE Initiative. We’ve continued many of our programs, received support from new partners, and have had the pleasure of staying in touch with past program participants. With so much going on, we want to share a quick update on what we’ve accomplished and little of peak at what’s to come. We have a lot to be proud of this year!
Follow along with this year’s Women Culinary and Spirits Program mentees
As the fifth year of our Women Culinary and Spirits Program comes to a close, we are amazed by our mentees’ continued growth and the program’s expansion thanks to support from our audience and sponsors. This year we had the pleasure of working with eight mentees who were able to dive into every aspect of the restaurant business: staffing, leadership practices, spirits, financing a business, media training, and so much more.
The program kicked off with the Kentucky Experience where the mentees came together and spent time with our partners to learn about investing in the future of the industry. With the support of Monogram Appliances, mentees went through intensive training on how to cultivate a social media presence and collaborate with press and also crafted barrels of Private Select with Makers Mark®. Our two spirit mentees also made custom aprons with Clayton and Crume, learned about sustainability practices from local bartenders and went through the Executive Bourbon Steward training at Moonshine University.
All mentees participated in externships to get hands-on exposure under a notable Chef or Beverage Director of a female-led restaurant or restaurant group. They also attended FAB, a Charleston-based workshop made by women, for women. Through FAB, our mentees networked with influential women in the industry and shared the many highs and lows of working in the industry.
In addition to this year’s program, Chef Edward Lee and Lindsey Ofcacek traveled to check in on past mentees to see how they have grown since completing WCSP. We’re so grateful to Audi for helping us develop the program and see how our mentees have become leaders on their own teams.
Our second year supporting Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice
We are immensely appreciative of our partners at Heinz and the Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice for enabling continued support of Black-owned food businesses. Through this initiative we are able to provide grants to restaurant owners across the country, whether they’re just starting out or are an existing community favorite. This past year we awarded a total of $1,136,000 to 72 businesses, and that’s only the beginning.
Beyond financial support, grant recipients also receive access to continued education from seasoned professionals in the food industry. Winners have access to webinars on the Square platform which touch on a variety of topics including commercial leases, small business accounting and employee training and retention. Square is also offering a special deal for 2021 and 2022 grant recipients to implement its point-of-sales system in their restaurants. While financial assistance ensures businesses can stay afloat, continued education equips recipients with the resources and confidence to succeed in the long haul.
We are thrilled to award grants to 65 wonderful recipients this year. Stay tuned to see who was selected – they will be announced on December 17th!
Learn more about our work with SRRJ
From Classroom to Kitchen: sending aspiring chefs to Sullivan University!
We know how valuable culinary education is, especially for chefs to set themselves up for success in their careers. So, we partnered with Sullivan University to offer culinary scholarships to make this crucial foundation more accessible.
The full tuition scholarships, provided through our Culinary Education Program, enable two local Lousville students to earn a degree in Culinary Arts or Bakery/Pastry at Sullivan’s College of Hospitality Studies. This initiative addresses gaps in job training and preparedness for young people in Louisville and prevents the perpetuation of inequity within the industry. Without the burden of college tuition, our scholarship recipients can focus on honing their culinary expertise and investing in their futures.
“I have been exposed to so many new things, from techniques to product identification to equipment. This experience has opened my mind and showed me that there are a plethora of cuisines and cooking styles that each have unique flavors. I am inspired to keep learning more,” said Zyrann Hibbitt, one of our scholarship recipients.
We are so moved by the positive impact of our Culinary Education Program since launching it this past Summer and are grateful to watch students like Zyrann grow along the way!
Learn more about the Culinary Education Program
And finally, thank YOU! Without our wonderful community, we would not be able to continue each and every one of our initiatives. We are always appreciative of your support!
