Serving Up Success: Building Financial Security for Women in LA Food & Hospitality

Income inequality

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The Simple Facts
28%... Women in head chef positions make 28% less on average than their male counterparts IN THE SAME POSITION. This is just one example in many pay inequalities found throughout the food and hospitality industry.
33%...
Only 33% of food service businesses are majority women owned. (remember this for later!)
The Persistent Challenge of Income Inequality
The gender pay gap is a well-documented issue plaguing countless industries. In the food and beverage sector, it's particularly stark. Despite comprising over half of culinary school graduates, women hold only 19% of leadership positions in kitchens. This disparity is significantly more pronounced for women of color.
Beyond Awareness: A New Approach to Empowerment
While acknowledging this reality is crucial, Regarding Her seeks to go beyond mere awareness. We propose a unique, solution-oriented approach that empowers women to achieve financial independence and redefine success on their own terms.

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: A New Path to Financial Equality
Traditional efforts to close the gender pay gap in the food & beverage industry haven't yielded results quickly enough. Regarding Her proposes a different approach: empowering women to take control of their financial destinies by becoming entrepreneurs. Remember that number? 33% ~ The number of food service businesses that are majority women owned. Our goal is to make that number MUCH higher!
We offer members high-quality education that equips them with the knowledge & tools needed to invest in themselves, their dreams, & their communities. By fostering a generation of female business owners, we empower them to rewrite the rules of success on their own terms.
A Few Ways We'll Use The LA2050 Funds Alongside Other Sponsorships
Summits: Kicking off with the highly-requested "Access to Capital" session, these in-person summits connect women with industry leaders. Attendees gain actionable tools for launching or growing their businesses. Crucially, breaks foster vital networking & industry connections.
Table Talks: Quarterly Zoom sessions feature expert speakers tackling key topics like "Bonus Structures that Benefit Business and Employee," promoting a win-win approach to success.
Academy & Grant Program: This transformative 10-week program pairs 20 women entrepreneurs with industry leaders, maximizing their potential. It culminates in a $5,000 business grant to empower further growth. Did We Mention It's All Free?

THIS THE HEADLINE WE COULD CREATE TOGETHER:
Los Angeles County Transformed Thanks to Empowered Women in Food & Bev Regarding Her's success will fuel a wave of female entrepreneurship in Los Angeles County's food and beverage industry. This will create a ripple effect lasting generations:
Thriving Businesses & Financial Freedom: Graduates launch businesses, fostering economic growth and achieving financial independence for themselves and their families.
Community Catalyst & Innovation: Empowered women become role models, inspiring future entrepreneurs and fostering industry innovation and resilience.
Equity for All: Increased female ownership challenges the pay gap, leading to fairer wages for all food & beverage workers.
This financial empowerment fuels further growth, strengthens the local food system, and inspires future generations of entrepreneurs. By investing in women, we together we can invest in a more vibrant and equitable Los Angeles.

Regarding Her is currently predominantly volunteer-driven. While we are scrappy, & proud of what we offer members, this grant would allow us to improve significantly in a number of areas.
Expert Guidance: Funding will unlock access to top speakers, offering in-depth education & ongoing support to members.
Foster Community & Growth: Securing larger meeting spaces will facilitate crucial in-person connections & social support networks – a key ingredient for women entrepreneurs' success.
Amplify Impact: Increased resources will enable us to expand our Academy & Grant program, building on our track record of distributing over $300,000 to support women-owned businesses.
Track Tangible Outcomes: We'll measure success through surveys and 1:1 conversations, tracking metrics like business launches, increased revenue, & job creation.
By measuring these concrete outcomes, we'll demonstrate the transformative power of our program in breaking financial barriers & empowering women in LA County.