Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI) Nashville is proud to announce the second Diversity, Equity Inclusion Symposium Series: Desegregating Nashville’s Food Scene. This three-part series aims to provide tools for making the hospitality industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
The Symposium will take place on February 13th, March 6th, and March 27th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Yay Yay’s, located at 1821 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208. The cost to attend is $50 per session, which includes food and beverages. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.Eventbrite.com/e/507538379957 or https://www.lesdamesnashville.org.
The first session on February 13th, “Becoming Comfortable with Discomfort,” will feature Brigette Janea Jones, the Director of Equitable Partnerships at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery. This session will examine the historical roots of racism and discrimination in the hospitality industry, provide a shared language of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and help attendees replace fear with curiosity.
The second session on March 6th, “Inclusivity Matters,” will be led by Kellie Martin, a Certified DEI Thought Leader and Executive Performance Coach. This session will explore access versus barriers, what makes an environment inclusive, and the behaviors of inclusive leaders.
The third session on March 27th, “Building a New Culture,” will be presented by Nina Singto and Jeran Williams, the Chef and Owner of Thai Esane/Bar East and Operations Manager of Thai Esane/Bar East, respectively. This session will focus on setting the standard from the top down, defining an ethical code, and finding the voice to change the dialogue and speak up for others.
Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international organization of women leaders committed to creating a supportive culture in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality. The Nashville chapter, Les Dames Nashville, is dedicated to supporting women in these industries through education, mentorship, networking, and philanthropic events. The Symposium is sponsored by many prominent organizations, including Bluewater Music/VEVA Sound, Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar, Brad and Kim Paisley, Finn Partners, and many others.
 Nashville is proud to announce the second Diversity, Equity Inclusion Symposium Series: Desegregating Nashville’s Food Scene. This three-part series aims to provide tools for making the hospitality industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.){kind=link}