Six women are this year's LDEI Legacy Award recipients. Each has earned a mentorship opportunity with LDEI.

LDEI's Legacy Awards competition is open to women in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and United Kingdom who have a minimum of four years of industry experience. Established in 2009, the awards are supported by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, juliachildfoundation.org.

The Legacy Awards Programs and Winners:

Dame Araceli Ramos, Director of PR, Mundo Cuervo/Jose Cuervo in Guadalajara, Mexico, welcomes Kellie Thorn, winner of the Fine Beverage and Hospitality Category, to the world of Tequila crafting. Thorn, a beverage director for Hugh Acheson, will learn all the facets of agave farming, distillation, and aging.

Dame Susan Ungaro, President of The James Beard Foundation, welcomes Culinary Category winner Paige Bloskey to the James Beard House to work alongside guest chefs during dinners. Chef Bloskey is the first female Head Chef of Farestart, a nonprofit culinary training/catering program in the Pacific Northwest.

Dames Carolyn Wente and Amy Hoopes of Wente Family Estates will immerse Wine Category winner Jenny Dorsey in winemaking at America's oldest family-owned winery. Chef Dorsey, an award-winning chef consultant, will expand her wine appreciation and knowledge.

Dame Kari Leitch, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, WA, welcomes Wine Category winner Ann Bradley to the oldest winery in Washington State. A wine scholar and educator, Bradley manages Cascadia, a wine/liquor store that focuses on the Pacific Northwest. She will learn about the winery's two locations and wine tourism industry.

Dame Barbara Hanley and Shy Brothers Farm, a New England artisanal farmstead cheese company, will host Farm to Table Category winner Shelley Robinson, executive chef and Chopped Canada winner, who will learn about making award-winning cheese. Her experience will enhance her passion for mentoring young chefs.

Dame Christine Burns Rudalevige and the New England chapter welcome Vanessa Driscoll Bialobreski, founder of Farm to Table Events in Columbia, SC. Winner of the Farm to Sea to Table Journalism Category, Ms. Bialobreski will tour the New England Food System via fishing vessel, food hubs, and farms.

LDEI is an international organization of women leaders in the food, fine beverage and hospitality industries with 2,200 members in 38 chapters. Visit LDEI.org.

Source: PRNewswire