2024-2025 Les Dames d’Escoffier Nashville Membership Application
Membership applications are accepted annually during the month of April, new members will be accepted in May, and there will be a new member orientation in June. The Nashville Chapter’s fiscal year begins August 1, kicked off by our annual meeting, which is held typically at the end of August. A new members orientation event will be held ahead of the annual meeting. The application will appear below March 18-April 15.
Membership is open to women who:
Have at least 5 years of professional experience who demonstrate achievement and show stature in the food, beverage, farming or hospitality industry.
Support the Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s Mission, Vision and Basic Values.
Meet LDEI’s ethical standards and have no undisclosed conflict of interest associated with their membership.
Applicants can be nominated by existing dames, or you can apply independently. If you are nominating yourself for membership, please note that you will still need a letter of recommendation from a current Dame. Click here for a list of our local members. If you are seeking a recommendation, review the list for someone you may already be connected with, or reach out to the Membership Committee Chair to connect you with someone within the organization. You do not need to know someone personally to apply, we are happy to connect you with someone for your letter of recommendation.
For any other inquiries or questions/concerns about nominating yourself, you may email our Membership Chair, Natasha Powell at natashanpowell926@gmail.com.
Steps to apply:
Gather the following documents for membership application:
Up-to-date resume
Review & Sign Conflict of Interest Policy (you will upload signed policy via the online form)
Review & Sign Code of Ethics form (you will upload signed policy via the online form)
Statement detailing how you plan to contribute to the Chapter (500 words of less)
Brief bio (3-5 sentences to be used for member introductions)
A current headshot
Fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM below, you will submit all necessary materials through the online form
Ask a current Dame to send a professional letter of recommendation on your behalf to info@lesdamesnashville.org with your name in the subject line
If you are seeking a recommendation, review the list for someone you may already be connected with, or reach out to the Membership Committee Chair to connect you with someone within the organization. You do not need to know someone personally to apply, we are happy to connect you with someone for your letter of recommendation.
FAQs
If I apply and am accepted, what are the expectations of my involvement level?
We expect all members to attend our annual meeting held in late August, attend at least one members-only gathering, contribute to the organization in at least one of the following ways:
As a Doer: Contribute time and energy to one of our committees and/or signature events
As a Door Opener: connect our organization with your vast network, making introductions to potential sponsors and partners
As a Donor: Contribute financially to our fundraising events and/or establish an annual scholarship or grant in your name or company’s name.
In order to make the most out of my membership, what should I do?
Make sure that you are receiving email communication, sign up for text notifications, and attend our events! We also strongly recommend attending the annual Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) conference whenever possible. You will find that the connections you make through our organization within our field of hospitality will enrich your personal and professional life.
What is the typical calendar of events?
Our fiscal year starts in August, which is when the new members are inducted and the new board of directors begins its term. Our annual meeting is held at the end of August, typically on a Monday.
The typical calendar of events following the annual meeting is as follows:
October or early November: Green Tables Committee Signature fundraising event.
This is a public event with the intention of promoting our connection with Tennessee agriculture, as well as raising awareness and money for the organization
December: Lunch with Les Dames
This is typically a mid-sized event traditionally held at Margot’s Cafe featuring a cookbook author and a menu inspired by the featured book. This is a public event but heavily attended by members.
January: Holiday Hangover
A casual members-only gathering to connect after the busy holiday season and get updated on the new year’s slate of events
February: Scholarship and Grant Applications Open
Promotion of our scholarship and grant program, funds available based on the previous year’s fundraising efforts
March: Virtual TableTalks with LDEI + All Members Gathering
We have the option as a chapter to host a virtual event or seminar, promoted by LDEI
Members gathering to receive updates from the board, rally for signature events and gather member referrals ahead of membership drive in May
April: Membership Drive
Membership Mixer for potential new members
Marketing & PR Committee promote membership drive, Membership Committee reviews applications
May: Global Culinary Signature Fundraising Event
This is a public event with the intention of promoting the diversity of our field, as well as raising awareness and money for the organizatio
June or July: DEI Event
New Member Orientation
DEI Subcommittee hosts a seminar or panel with conversation in the traditional of our past years’ sessions at Yay Yay’s to further the conversation around DEI in the hospitality industry
Throughout the Year: Dames Micro Gatherings
You will be invited to small “micro” gatherings of Dames with common interests or careers. These invitations are simply a way to connect with fellow Dames and are entirely voluntary. They are typically hosted by a veteran Dame and costs vary with the activity (i.e. Dames who Drink would be a cash bar, Dames who hike might be free, etc.)
Please note that this is our typical pattern of events and they are subject to change. Specific dates will be communicated through our members newsletter as they are solidified by the board.
What is the time commitment?
We ask that all members attend the annual meeting in August, at least one other members-only gathering, and participate in at least one public event and/or committee. The alternative to time and energy commitment is financial contribution to our public events.
How much will membership really cost me?
Our current membership dues are $175 per year, which includes membership to LDEI. Our members-only gatherings are typically free. Our public-facing events or micro gatherings have varying costs associated with them, depending on the event or activity. Members who volunteer to organize or work an event do not typically pay entry, unless otherwise communicated.
Attendance at the annual conference is at your own expense, though we do have first-come first-serve funds available for the price of conference admission.
Please note that we have a set amount of “angel’s share” funds available for those that need support any given year to pay membership dues. Please contact the current president or treasurer for information if and when needed.
What are the committees that I can join?
Committee involvement is one of the most important and best ways to be involved in this organization. Below are the options for new members to join:
Programming
Generates and organizes networking opportunities for members and supports the organization of our signature fundraising events, working closely with Green Tables, Global Culinary, DEI as well as Marketing/PR Committees.
Who is a good fit? Anyone that likes to organize events, as well as “Doers” that are willing to be boots on the ground for our main events.
This committee meets in person or virtually a few times a year.
Internal Communications
Keeps members informed and engaged with what is happening within the organization. This includes writing and sending newsletters, text reminders, and assisting programming with invitations to events.
Who is a good fit? Anyone that is a good communicator and is organized.
This committee meets in person or virtually a few times a year.
Marketing/PR
Responsible for our social media efforts as well as external communications such as press releases and website updates.
Who is a good fit? Anyone with experience in social media communications and/or Squarespace and/or writing press releases. Also members that already have press connections to send out information.
This committee meets in person or virtually a few times a year.
Strategic Partnerships
Develops strategic partnerships with other organizations and corporate entities to generate revenue and relationships to benefit our grant and scholarship program
Who is a good fit? Members who are either Donors or Door Openers, and/or has a solid roster of contacts, and/or don’t mind reaching out to ask for money.
This committee meets in person or virtually a few times a year.
Green Tables
connect innovative sustainable agriculture including urban and rural farms/gardens with restaurant, school and kitchen tables across Nashville’s communities. Work with outreach programs for food accessibility and hunger. Work with Programming for marquee fundraising event.
Who is a good fit? Anyone that is interested in sustainability, agriculture, or food accessibility, as well as those that are great at organizing large events.
This committee’s signature event is typically in the October or early November so it will meet a few times ahead of the main event, and will have a heavy hand in the actual event.
Global Culinary
Organize and execute our signature spring event in promotion of the Global Culinary mission to embrace our global communities through culinary connections that provide educational programming, training programs and cultural exchange
Who is a good fit? Members interested in Nashville’s diverse culinary offerings, lifting up these committees, as well as those that are great at organizing large events.
This committee’s signature event is typically in late March/early April so it will meet a few times ahead of the main event, and will have a heavy hand in the actual event.
Scholarship
promote scholarship and grant opportunities, field applications, and advise the board on selections.
Who is a good fit? Members who love giving away money to deserving applicants.
This committee’s busiest time is February - March when applications are accepted and reviewed.
Membership/Recruiting
Oversee the annual membership recruiting and selection process
Who is a good fit? Members who are Door Openers, as well as those that are organized and responsive.
Do I need to know someone in order to get in?
No! Les Dames d’Escoffier was originally an invite-only organization when it was established. Those rules have been changed in order to welcome more variety and diversity to the organization. The application does require a letter of recommendation, but our Membership Committee is happy to help facilitate this if you do not personally know any members.
What happens if I need to take time off?
According to our by-laws, all members are entitled to up to two years of leave of absence either taken consecutively or non-consecutively. You can contact the chapter’s president to request an LOA, and it will be submitted to the board for approval and the following board meeting.