Les Dames d’Escoffier International Sacramento

INSPIRING WOMEN THROUGH FOOD AND COMMUNITY

Mission

We give our time, money, professional expertise, and other resources to inspire, support, and advance our members as well as women in our communities working in agriculture, food, beverage, hospitality, and related fields.

 

Vision

To focus on excellence in leadership and philanthropy to advance the lives and professional careers of women in agriculture, food, beverage, hospitality, and related fields across the communities represented by our membership.

Executive Officers

Co-President

Jennifer Kaye
Jennifer Kaye, co-owner of The Allspicery in East Sacramento with her sister, previously worked 20+ years in food packaging and founded About a Bite Bakery, specializing in bite-sized desserts.

Co-President

Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer founded SimplyRecipes.com in 2003 to preserve her family’s recipes. It grew into one of the world’s most popular cooking websites, reaching millions of readers monthly.

Vice President

Amanda Frey

Treasurer

Heather Fortes
Heather Fortes is founder of SacTown Bites, connecting guests with Sacramento Valley’s diverse food scene through curated tours, tastings and farm experiences.

Secretary

Sara Arbabian
Sara Arabian is a community-focused restaurateur, certified cheese professional and sommelier passionate about sustainable sourcing, local food and mentorship.

Past Presidents

| Shelly Kessen 2025-2026 | Amy Myrdal Miller 2024–2025 | Rachael Levine 2022–2024 | Joni Stewart 2020–2022 | Amina Harris 2018–2020 | Ann M. Evans 2016–2018 | Shannin Stein 2015–2016 |