BENEFICIARIES

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION/WEL

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) program is an advanced educational and networking program for women restaurant owners looking to expand and grow. Envisioned and launched by EDENS’ CEO Jodie W. McLean and programmed by James Beard Foundation (JBF) in conjunction with Cornell University, 10-week sessions are open to 20 participants twice per year, who complete a curriculum of training and advanced leadership development that also includes sessions on negotiating, strategy, business and financial models, funding and measuring success.

WEL currently has 206 alumnae who own more than 360 businesses across 40 states and employ 3,600 full-time and 2,900 part-time staff. Twenty women are members of the most recent Fall 2024 cohort, which graduated in December 2024. Combined, they own 44 business units, employ 951 staff and generate $66 million in revenue.

THE LEE INITIATIVE

The LEE Initiative, co-founded by Chef Edward Lee and Lindsay Ofcacek, addresses and advocates for a more diverse, compassionate, sustainable and equitable restaurant industry by providing innovative and impactful solutions. Programs include the Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative, the Bluegrass Bartenders Fund and Women Culinary and Spirits. SHIA, The LEE Initiative’s first brick-and-mortar restaurant, opened in Union Market District last year. The nonprofit fine-dining venture combines culinary excellence with community impact, providing aspiring culinary professionals with hands-on experience and the tools they need to succeed in a competitive industry.

RE:Her

Regarding Her (RE:Her) accelerates growth for women business leaders in the food and beverage industry. The mission of the national nonprofit is to create a more equitable and inclusive industry where women have a strong voice and equal decision-making power by addressing access to capital, opportunities and resources. The wildfires in Southern California are the primary focus of the Los Angeles chapter of RE:Her, of which many members have been directly affected by this disaster.