Yes, Chef! Wonder Women of Hospitality
Girls in 6th through 9th grade are invited to this free event to learn about culinary and hospitality careers! The world of food and hospitality is huge, and it’s looking for girls just like you. Discover how your creativity and “get-it-done” attitude can turn into an amazing career.
GirlSpring and the Birmingham Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International have teamed up to show you the many ways you can be involved in the culinary world! You’ll hear from chefs, restaurant owners, catering company CEO’s, dieticians, corporate facility managers and more!
February 7, from 10 AM to 12 PM CST at Clubhouse on Highland.
Featured panelists:
Ashley McMackin. Ashley Mac’s
Andrea Kirkland, Registered Dietician
Chae Richards. Event Rentals
Takeeka Goshay. Adored Sweets
Joy Smith. Sorrelle Restaurant
Maureen Holt. Southern Graze Catering
Start with a panel to learn about all the different careers in this field, then rotate through “speed dating” style to meet with each woman individually. Moms, aunts, caregivers, are invited to join us too!
*For girls in 6th grade to 9th grade
Refreshments will be served.
Thanks to Coca-Cola Bottling Company United for supporting the Wonder Woman series!
MEET THE PANEL
Chae Richards is a hospitality professional with a passion for exceptional service. Chae has excelled as the Director of Sales at EventWorks, where she specializes in making her clients’ visions come to life. She has an eye for design and expertise in tenting, rentals, lounge furniture, drapery, and more.
Ashley McMakin is the founder and CEO of Ashley Mac’s Cafe/Catering/Market in Birmingham, Alabama. Always loving the kitchen and all things food, Ashley decided to turn her hobby into a catering business in 2005. Just two years later, Ashley and her husband Andy opened their first location in Bluff Park, Alabama. They now have five locations in the Birmingham area. Ashley Mac’s has been voted in “Birmingham’s Best” awards for many years and has also been featured in countless newspaper and magazine articles, including Southern Living. Ashley also received the Small Business and Entrepreneur of The Year Award in 2012. Ashley Mac’s was awarded “Retailer of the Year” for the state of Alabama in 2022. In 2023, Ashley wrote and launched her first cookbook, Ashley Mac’s Kitchen.
Emily Roy is the Chef Culinary Director for Pelham High School for the Hospitality & Tourism program. She also is passionate about her monthly Supper Club with carefully curated food and wine pairings, creating interactive dinners where people want to cook, eat and learn together. And she organizes events, cooking classes and catering locally. Emily worked for 12 years at Publix Aprons Cooking School teaching classes to the public. She worked her way from Sous Chef to head of operations as Senior Managing Chef. She trained in Boston, Denver and Orlando and gives credit to all the talented chefs who taught her over the years. Emily says one of the things she’s most proud of is becoming a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International in 2023.
Hi! I’m Takeeka Goshay, the owner, pastry chef, and cake designer of Adored Sweets, LLC. I’ve been baking for over 30 years and specializing in custom cakes for the past 12, working closely with engaged couples and event planners to bring their cake vision to life through personalized designs, beautiful presentation, and incredible flavor. With formal training in Baking and Pastry and years of professional bakery experience, I pride myself on honesty, quality, and exceptional customer service. Creating desserts that look amazing and taste even better is my passion, and I’d love to help sweeten your next event.
Chef Maureen Groark, Owner of Southern Graze, a catering company focused on soulful, Southern-inspired cuisine. Prior to Southern Graze, Groark was the chef and co-owner of Little Savannah in Forest Park. In addition to her career as a chef, she is deeply involved in culinary education and mentorship through her work with local nonprofits and Les Dames d’Escoffier.
Sign up for this FREE event here!
