Journal photo by Jordan Wald.
By Ally Morrison
Girlspring invited chefs, caterers and other industry professionals from the Birmingham Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International to share information about culinary and hospitality careers with girls in fourth grade to high school.
Guests of the April 30 event learned about the many ways to be involved in the culinary world, hearing from restaurant owners, dieticians and catering CEO’s at the Homewood Library.
“Before COVID, we used to have these events called Wonder Women every month,” Executive Director Kristen Greenwood said. “We’re trying to get back into these career-focused events to give girls an idea of the many different careers available to them.”
Greenwood knew members of the Birmingham Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier and thought it would make for a fun event.
Charbett Cauthen, vice president of programs for LDEI, chose a panel of speakers who reflected all aspects of the hospitality industry.
Kristal Bryant, Crystal Peterson, Andrea Kirkland and Stefanie Maloney all brought interesting backgrounds to the event, ranging from food writers to restaurant owners.
“I tried to show a different variation of all the different things we do and the diversity that we have,” Cauthen said. “I did this so that we might touch a few girls and spark an interest in them for the industry.”
Participants had the chance to sample dishes and try exclusive recipes to take home and make for themselves or with their moms.
