MEMBERSHIP

Les Dames d'Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization, is responsible for the formation of new chapters. Currently, LDEI is composed of 39 chapters in the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and United Kingdom totaling over 2500 women leaders in the culinary, fine beverage and hospitality industries.

Our vision

We are an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in our communities to achieve excellence in the food, fine beverage and hospitality fields.
To make this vision a reality, we:
- Share knowledge
- Support members
- Provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropic events for the community at large

Testimonials

As a new Sonoma County transplant, this has been a wonderfully welcoming group for business, friendship and community. I love this network of women whose first response to connect, support, work together is - yes! Dames near and far - our chapter or in chapters across the nation- are connected so much that we have professional friends in every corner. -Sonoma Dame

I love being a Dame because I am surrounded by amazing and inspiring women. I love the opportunities to collaborate and the mentorship opportunities. -Sonoma Dame

The opportunities to grow and the support to thrive outside of my comfort zone. Being a Dame gives me a chance to trace back to my roots & honor the people who have inspired me to join this organization. -Sonoma Dame

I get inspiration from amazingly accomplished women in the culinary industry. I love the opportunity to connect and help young women. This is the most generous group of women I have met. -Sonoma Dame

I love the new friends I have made as a Dame. I enjoy the expertise of our members and how openly we all share. I really like the national and international Dames I have met. -Sonoma Dame

Les Dames pushes me to do what I can beyond my comfort zone, not so easy! I love meeting different Dames and discovering what they do. I love sharing my business with everyone. -Sonoma Dame

I love meeting new people, knowing what is happening in other committees and seeing women I like that I don’t see that often. -Sonoma Dame

I love being a Dame and for being a part of Les Dames Sonoma because I get to take part in the opportunities to help our community. I love the ability to network with women leaders in hospitality and fine beverages on the local and national levels. I love our educational get-togethers to learn about wines, various cuisines and spirits. -Sonoma Dame

I love being a Sonoma Dame because of our grant program for young businesses, the diversity of our membership, the MFK prize and the new symposium. -Sonoma Dame

Being part of a rich diverse organization of leaders is inspiring. The ability to contribute to the legacy of hospitality in our region through volunteerism is so important. -Sonoma Dame

Being a Dame means Community-women supporting women; Networking-women helping women; Mentorship-women organizing programs to mentor women. -Sonoma Dame

The inspiration and the support of being part of Les Dames Sonoma is phenomenal. The encouragement from fellow members is terrific. I have made many new friends and have enjoyed nice experiences outside of our events and meetings. The Sonoma Chapter is young and we show how amazing women in wine country work on collaborating to support women in the hospitality industry. -Sonoma Dame

I am a Dame because of the sense of community I feel. I love being able to amplify the importance of our cause. -Sonoma Dame

How to become a member

Les Dames Sonoma is a chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Les Dames Sonoma (LDESC) is based in Sonoma County but our membership is composed of Dames who live and work in Marin, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties. We welcome new applicants who are leaders in the culinary, fine beverage and hospitality industries.

Membership Criteria:

Women with 5 years professional experience in culinary, fine beverage or hospitality
Women who demonstrate leadership and excellence in their field
Women who commit to serving our community and volunteering for philanthropic work
Women who support the LDEI Mission, Vision, and Basic Values

Dual Members and Transfers:

We are excited to welcome Dames transferring from or interested in dual membership with another chapter.

As a new chapter (established in 2020), we are eager to have Dames who will actively contribute to our evolution and growth. Please review the LDESC member criteria as outlined above.

For Transferring Dames, annual dues of $232 are to be paid by August 1st. We ask for full payment of dues when joining the chapter any time of the year other than June or July; dues will not be prorated.
For Dual Dames, annual dues of $132 are to be paid by August 1. This amount is paid to LDESC separate from your primary chapter dues. As with transferring Dames, we ask for full payment of dues when joining the chapter any time of the year other than June or July; dues will not be prorated.
We ask that all new chapter members attend a Zoom onboarding session the evening of June 21, 2027.

The first step in this transfer/dual Dame process is for you to complete this Dual-Transfer Member Form to help us get to know you and to ensure you are familiar with the requirements for membership in the Sonoma Chapter.

Please email the form along with a letter of reference from your current chapter, a short bio, and a ‘head shot’ photo for use in our chapter directory to membership@lesdamessoco.org.

The LDESC membership process is our way of getting to know you and your intentions as a chapter member.

To Be Considered For Membership:

● Complete and sign the LDESC Membership Application

● Provide a current résumé

● Provide a letter of reference from a member of Les Dames (current or retired from any chapter)

Please email all items to membership@lesdamessoco.org by 5pm on April 30, 2027.

We will contact you once your application is received and again in May to schedule an informal interview with a member of our chapter’s Membership Committee. Final approval will happen at the Chapter Board Meeting in early June and you will be notified soon thereafter.

Please note that new members are asked to attend a Zoom onboarding meeting on Monday evening June 21, 2027. New members are also strongly encouraged to attend an induction ceremony at the chapter’s quarterly all-member meeting on Tuesday July 20, 2027 at 5:30pm.

Membership Requirements:

● Pay annual dues of $232 by August 1

● Be an active member of the chapter:

Sign up for and participate in at least one committee
Attend and support the annual fundraisers
Attend the 2 chapter meetings
Provide a minimum of 10 hours per year toward committee activities, fundraising and projects

● Be an advocate for Les Dames d’Escoffier International

● Abide by the LDEI Mission and Guiding Principles and the member requirements

● For new members only: attend the Onboarding Session on June 21, 2027