Les Dames Sonoma is a chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Les Dames Sonoma (LDESC) is based in Sonoma County but our membership is composed of Dames who live and work in Marin, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties. We welcome new applicants who are leaders in the culinary, fine beverage and hospitality industries.

Membership Criteria:

• Women with 5 years professional experience in culinary, fine beverage or hospitality

• Women who demonstrate leadership and excellence in their field

• Women who commit to serving our community and volunteering for philanthropic work

• Women who support the LDEI Mission, Vision, and Basic Values

• Women who meet the ethical standards in the LDEI Code of Ethics and have no undisclosed conflict of interest

Dual Members and Transfers:

We are excited to welcome Dames transferring from or interested in dual membership with another chapter.

As a new chapter (established in 2020), we are eager to have Dames who will actively contribute to our evolution and growth. Please review the LDESC member criteria as outlined above.

• For Transferring Dames, annual dues of $225 are to be paid by August 1st. We ask for full payment of dues when joining the chapter any time of the year other than June or July; dues will not be prorated.

• For Dual Dames, annual dues of $125 are to be paid by August 1. This amount is paid to LDESC separate from your primary chapter dues. As with transferring Dames, we ask for full payment of dues when joining the chapter any time of the year other than June or July; dues will not be prorated.

• We ask that all new chapter members attend a Zoom onboarding session the evening of June 23, 2025.

The first step in this transfer/dual Dame process is for you to complete this Transfer and Dual Membership Information form to help us get to know you and to ensure you are familiar with the requirements for membership in the Sonoma Chapter.

Please email the form along with a letter of reference from your current chapter, a short bio, and a ‘head shot’ photo for use in our chapter directory to membership@lesdamessoco.org.