A winemaker, cook and wine-focused consultant from the Okanagan Valley are among 30 from British Columbia to receive scholarships to help them advance in their careers.
The scholarships, from Les Dames d鈥橢scoffier, British Columbia Chapter, total $24,000.
Each year, the organization presents scholarships to to support women in the province鈥檚 culinary, beverage and hospitality domains.
This year, 63 applications were received from women in various stages of their careers.
鈥淲e are thrilled that our Scholarship Program continues to expand and provide benefits to the regional hospitality community,鈥� said Karen Dar Woon, owner and chef of Your Secret Chef and co-chair of the Les Dames d鈥橢scoffier British Columbia scholarship committee.
鈥淢ore women are recognizing the invaluable opportunities we offer for impactful career advancement, and highly reputable industry organizations and individuals are also recognizing the value of partnering with LDBC to provide their support through our Scholarship Program.鈥�
The three Okanagan recipients are Soel Christensen, Jessica Maria Madinabeitia Valenzuela and Arnica Rowan.
Christensen, who works at Terra Vista Vineyards and Roche Wines in Naramata, will use the scholarship toward the Distance Enology Certificate Program at Washington State University.
She has worked at vineyards and wineries in the Okanagan Valley and has a goal of becoming a winemaker and establishing her own brand.
Valenzuela is an events cook at Cocktails and Canapes Catering and Events Inc. in Penticton. She is a Red Seal apprentice who is pursuing a diploma in nutrition and food service management.
She said she is working to bridge the gap between food service and health care, working with hospitals, long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centres to improve nutrition and well-being.
She is using her scholarship towards the Nutrition and Food Service Management program at Langara College in Vancouver.
Rowan, co-owner of the 91大黄鸭-based Terroir Consulting, is using her scholarship toward a Master of Wine, Institute of Masters of Wine in London.
As a partner in Terroir Consulting, an agency supporting wine producers and regions around the world, she has also written for numerous publications, including the fifth edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine.
Rowan has also co-founded Vinica Education Society, a non-profit that works on diversifying the wine industry.
The B.C. chapter of Les Dames d鈥橢scoffier was formed in 1992 to support women in culinary, beverage and hospitality fields, as well promoting industry excellence through educational and charitable events.
