LDEI is a unique organization of women leaders in food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality. The organization was founded in 1976 to address gender bias in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. The goal was to increase the presence of professional women through education and networking and to support talented women through scholarships and philanthropy to achieve their professional goals. One of our guiding principles continues to be valuing the differences among people and cultures throughout the world, in our communities and in our Chapters. We believe that diversity is one of the fundamental strengths of our organization, and our mission is best fulfilled when we embrace diversity as a value and a practice.

At LDEI we are constantly working to build a community of women leaders and business partners of various cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, because we believe this to crucial to achieving excellence. We welcome women of all races, languages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, disabilities, sexual orientations and religions.

Our members represent women in every aspect of the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Since the sustainability of LDEI depends on the character, commitment and dedication of our membership, the honor and privilege of becoming a Dame comes with the responsibility of actively participating in our vision, mission and guiding principles.