Photo courtesy Restaurant Beatrice.
When it comes to leadership positions in the restaurant industry, men outnumber women 2-1. Despite this, women make up the bulk of the entry- and mid-level roles in restaurants.
In the hopes of promoting more women in restaurant leadership, Restaurant Beatrice owner and chef Michelle Carpenter, and co-executive chef Terrance Jenkins, have partnered with Dallas College to launch the Women in Restaurant Leadership Program.
The tuition-free program will last eight weeks in the spring of 2024, and will offer seminars, training and stagiaire opportunities to anyone looking to advance in the restaurant industry.
Every other week students will meet at the Dallas College Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center to learn hard skills like resume writing and financial literacy. On the opposite weeks, students will shadow at acclaimed restaurants such as Restaurant Beatrice, Zen Sushi, Lucia and Rye.
“This program, developed by the industry, for the industry, helps students make those connections with some of the finest restaurant groups in town, leaving them feeling supported, empowered and confident,” said Steve DeShazo, senior director in the Office of Workforce Initiatives at Dallas College.
Anyone interested in the program can attend an information session on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. at Restaurant Beatrice.
Carpenter and Jenkins said the program will retain and advance women in the restaurant industry, ultimately creating a more positive restaurant culture.
“Not only is this program impactful for students trying to improve their lives but it can also advance the industry in Dallas by producing better qualified professionals,” Carpenter said. “Connecting these students with good mentors and role models will support them as they build their careers.”
