Since its founding, the Atlanta Chapter has been a powerful force for mentorship and education; shaping careers, fostering innovation, and strengthening the local culinary and hospitality landscape by:

• Awarding over one million dollars of scholarships and grants to support emerging women professionals.
• Providing mentorship and leadership development to cultivate the next generation of LDEI.
• Building a strong network of over 148 members and women leaders across culinary, beverage, agriculture, nutrition, hospitality, and food media fields.
• Engaging in meaningful philanthropy and community outreach reflects the chapter’s commitment to equity and opportunity.

Founding Members of the LDEI Atlanta Chapter include: Marla Adams, the late Nathalie Dupree, Carolyn O’Neil, Gloria Smiley, the late Diane Wilkinson, Kathleen Perry, Shelley Sawyer, Shirley Corriher, Mary Moore, Vicky Murphy, Marla Adams, Susan Mack, Elieen DuBose, Sara Levy, Kay Goldstein, Anita Kidd, Ann Stratte, and Susan Nicholson.