The James Beard Foundation’s Women in Culinary Leadership Grant Recipients Announced

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) has announced the recipients of the 2015 Women in Culinary Leadership Grant. Over sixty women with a background in hospitality and the culinary arts applied to participate in a six- or twelve-month mentor/grantee program with top industry leaders. The eight women selected are: Kimberly Fenoy, Laurel, NY; Venessa Goldberg, Seattle, WA; Alexandra Hare, Snyder, NY; Delilah Amanda Lynn, Brooklyn, NY; Shay Pacetti, Brooklyn, NY; Courtney Segal, Providence, RI; Titik Suprati, Lake Forest, CA; Katrin Sydnor, Cary, NC.

Launched in 2012, the Women in Culinary Leadership (WICL) Program was spearheaded by Rohini Dey, JBF trustee and restaurateur, and Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. The mentoring program for aspiring chefs and restaurateurs aims to build in-depth skills in the kitchen and in restaurant management.  

The 2015 Women in Culinary Leadership Grant Program paired the following grantees with these restaurant industry leaders:

1. Kimberly Fenoy – Will complete a six-month, front-of-house program overseen by Kevin Boehm, Boka Restaurant Group, Chicago. 
2. Venessa Goldberg – Will complete a twelve-month, back- and front-of-house program overseen by Tom Douglas, Multiple Restaurants, Seattle. 
3. Alexandra Hare – Will complete a six-month, back- and front-of-house program overseen by Donnie Madia, Nico Osteria, Chicago.
4. Delilah Amanda Lynn – Will complete a six-month, back- and front-of-house program overseen by Kevin Brown, Lettuce Entertain You® Enterprises, Chicago.   
5. Shay Pacetti – Will complete a twelve-month, back-and front-of-house program overseen by Christina Tosi, Milk Bar, New York City.  
6. Courtney Segal – Will complete a twelve-month, back- and front-of-house program overseen by Matt and Kate Jennings, Townsman, Boston.
7. Titik Suprati –  Will complete a twelve-month, back- and front-of-house program overseen by Rohini Dey, Vermilion, Chicago. 
8. Katrin Sydnor – Will complete a six-month, back-of house program overseen by Anthony Lamas, Seviche, Louisville, KY. 

“This mentorship program is a part of the Foundation’s overall mission to help launch the careers of the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs. As of 2015, we have awarded over $5.6 million in financial aid to 1,750 culinary students and mid-life career changers,” said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. “Our Foundation is grateful to our eight mentors, who, in addition to training our WICL grantees, are financially supporting this women’s leadership program. We are excited to see how these women’s careers will blossom under the inspiration of such talented industry veterans.”

Read the full press release here.