This award spotlights women making a positive change in our community while providing them with financial resources to improve or grow their impact. It may also help awardees secure executive sponsorship, increased budgets, and wider awareness for their community initiatives.
how to nominate a candidate
You can nominate someone or self-nominate for a Leading From the Heart Award by submitting an online NOMINATION FORM. Nomination is free of charge and open to the public.
forms must be submitted by january 31, 2026. Only complete forms will be considered.
Eligibility Requirements
· Nominee identifies as a woman in the hospitality industry
· Currently works/resides within the Greater New Orleans region: Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa, Washington, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. CharleS
The nominee is someone who has set herself apart by making a positive impact in the Greater New Orleans community, lifting others up in the important and complex realms of hospitality, sustainability, food justice and/or public health. She is a creative and inclusive thought leader, a mentor or collaborator who has a track record of credibility, trust and personal integrity. This award is not open to current members of LDEI New Orleans or previous awardees.
What: THREE $2,500.00 grants will be awarded by Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans.
When: Nominations must be submitted by january 31, 2026. The committee will select awardees and notify winning applicants by february 20, 2026. Awardees must be able to attend the awards event IN MARCH 2026 (DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED).
