Les Dames d’Escoffier New York (LDNY) is the founding and largest chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, which began in 1976 as the first organization devoted to professional women in food, fine beverage, and hospitality at a time when women were not recognized as leaders in those industries. It is an invitational volunteer organization whose mission is education, advocacy, and philanthropy. Among its goals is to inspire and empower talented women through mentoring and scholarships. For more information, go to www.ldny.org