Last month we discussed Gratitude and what it meant to many of us. Quite fitting that this theme carries over to this month’s newsletter topic - the Annual LDEI Conference Recap. I was one of the lucky eight Sonoma Dames who attended this year’s Conference in Phoenix October 17-20. Sonoma showed up and SHINED! Dames Kelly Comstock Ferris, Donna del Rey (our Chapter delegates), Doralice Handal, Ziggy Eschliman, Whitney Reuling, and Sallie Miller held court on several interesting panels. Dame Emily Haws beautifully introduced the The Art of Eating M.F.K. Fisher’s documentary session AND presented the new M.F.K. Fisher Symposium for Women in Food & Storytelling scheduled for April 2025 to all Conference attendees. Finally, our local AnaMaria Morales was there to accept her 2024 LDEI Legacy Award and gave an emotional speech which was filled with….GRATITUDE.

This was only my second conference but same as last time I walked away from the experience with so much renewed energy for this amazing organization - the work we do, the caliber of women dedicated to our cause, and our future. I am SO grateful to be a part of it. I could go on and on but let’s hear from some of my fellow Dames who attended!

Dame Kelly Comstock Ferris

“I want to start by saying, WOW! While I’ve often heard from Dames returning from the Annual LDEI Conference about how inspiring, life-changing, and galvanizing the experience is, I now realize that words alone can't truly capture it. Yes, it was all those things, but it was also so much more. It was educational, full of camaraderie, and deeply connective. Most importantly, it was a place of belonging

From the moment I stepped into the First-Time Attendees Reception, which flowed into the Opening Reception on Thursday night, I was welcomed with openness and a genuine eagerness to connect from women all across the country (and the world). If you’ve ever wondered if a place of "no judgment" truly exists, I can confidently say that it does. That evening, I had the pleasure of meeting Dames from New York, Chicago, Florida, Dallas, Arizona, and beyond—many of whom became fast friends and key touch-points throughout the conference. These women shared their stories, supported me by attending the "Tuning in on the West" panel, and introduced me to others I might never have met on my own.

Beyond the remarkable connections I made, the agenda—while admittedly a bit intimidating at first—was incredibly well-planned and executed. Shared meal times were opportunities to learn from Legacy Award Winners (including our own Anamaria Morales!), Women of Purpose Growth Grants recipients, and representatives from C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program). We also heard from the Brock Circle Endowment and listened to a keynote by Native American chef Crystal Wahpepah (seriously, Google her!). And, of course, the highlight was the Grand Dame Dinner, where we honored this year’s 18th Grande Dame, Dame Carla Hall. I could go on and on—and I will! Stay tuned for my full Delegate’s report.”

Dame Donna del Rey

“It was exciting to be a part of the Sonoma Chapter crew at the LDEI Annual Conference. It felt like Sonoma Dames were everywhere—announcing new events (Emily), accepting awards (AnnaMaria), participating in or leading breakout sessions (literally everyone) and, of course, I enjoyed our time together in between all the action.

I was asked to lead a panel discussion with two woman-owned Phoenix-based breweries and it was lovely to get to know both of them and their unique journeys in the beer industry—Sue Rigler of One Hundred Mile Brewery and Megan Greenwood of Greenwood Brewing. Another highlight was listening to Dame Carla Hall’s funny, heartfelt and inspiring speech upon accepting the Grande Dame Award. With all of her fame, it was lovely to see how much this award and being part of Les Dames for 25 years meant to her.

Thank you to the chapter for sponsoring my attendance. I learned best practices and creative ideas related to chapter leadership that I hope to put into practice here back home.”

Dame Sallie Miller

“As one of our chapter's newer Dames I really didn't know what to expect. I had an opportunity to speak on a panel titled Catalysts for Change (along with fellow Dame Whitney Reuling) so in an effort to come out of my shell a bit more, I said what the heck, and booked myself for the whole weekend rather than just popping in on Friday for my panel. What I think I completely underestimated was the amount of camaraderie, kindness and connections at every turn throughout the entire weekend. The learning moments were great and networking opportunities abounded. Having a chance to be in a room full of women who are passionate about food, wine, hospitality, collaboration and service never gets old. The social media panel was super helpful and as a result I'll be restructuring my approach.

Thank you to all of you for including me in this growing chapter and to Dame Dina Altieri of the Phoenix Chapter for offering me a chance to share what I do in my worklife. Although I was grateful to land back home in my own bed (special thanks to the hotel room next door and their penchant for falling asleep to a game show channel), I'm already planning on attending a future conference and extremely honored to grow with our chapter.”

Dame Doralice Handal

“Find me another way to connect with as many dynamic and interesting women in one location and I’ll take it. This year I made sure to make time to take time. From floating in the pool with Dames Julie Chernoff, Beth Pav, Teresa Adams-Tomka and Lauren Voigt and catching up on their lives. To sitting for hours after dinner with Dame Sheila Crye and discussing governance in our chapters and ways to support each other. It’s such a pleasure to make new connections, learn new ways of doing things and feeling included.

Our opening speaker was fantastic to listen to as were each of this year’s Legacy winners and our Grande Dame. There was an energy that flowed through each day and continues as I follow up with my new old connections.

Lastly, I’m so proud our chapter had as many representatives as we did. That was definitely felt in the rooms where we were and how we contributed.”

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I know I speak for all of us attendees when I say Conference is an incredible experience and every Dame should try to attend at least one during their membership. The next Conference will be held in Las Vegas in March of 2026. Next year, as referenced above, the inaugural M.F.K. Symposium for Women in Food & Storytelling will be held in Nashville on April 4 and 5. Our own Dame Emily is co-chair of this event and will be sending out more information and how to register very soon.

—Written by Dame Lisa Stavropoulos

Member Spotlight: Dame Cindy Lasar

Born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA, with roots in Malta from her mother’s side, our featured Dame, Cindy Lasar, has had an impressive journey in the food and wine industry. Her passion ignited in the early 90s when she attended Epicurean Culinary School in Los Angeles. At the same time, she was working on menu recipe development for the opening of Diva Restaurant in Costa Mesa. Her culinary education has since expanded to include studies at UCLA and the Greystone Culinary Institute of America, alongside numerous cooking classes, most recently at Mimo Bite the Experience in northern Spain.

Inspired by pioneering women chefs like Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, Nancy Silverton the “Goddess of Delicious”, Suzanne Tracht, and Sherry Yard, Cindy’s passion for the culinary arts continues to grow. The late Julia Child and author/editor Dame Kathleen Thompson Hill remain sources of ongoing inspiration for her. A chef’s philosophy that deeply resonates with Cindy comes from Chef Iñaki Arrieta of Restaurante Rekondo in San Sebastián (pictured above): “We all have a taste bud memory that we feed throughout our lives, and thanks to the respect that we give to the raw materials, we are able to recall memories that go beyond the kitchen itself.”

One of Cindy’s most memorable food experiences is seared foie gras, a dish she recently revisited at El Quim de la Boqueria Market in Barcelona with their Fried Egg and Caramelized Foie Gras.

With a rich career history, Cindy feels fortunate to have worked in restaurants like Morton’s Steakhouses and wineries such as Justin Vineyards. She’s contributed to high-profile events like the KAABOO Music Festival in Del Mar and collaborated with celebrity chefs including Dakota Weiss, Brian Malarkey, Jeremiah Tower, and Michael Chiarello. Her work promoting culinary programs with organizations like NapaStyle, ThinkCulinary, and Chefs Roll is a source of great pride.

Currently, Cindy runs her own company, Wine Country Inspired, where she provides marketing, business development, and social media services for several clients, including Lumina Farms and artist Gordon Huether.

An avid reader, Cindy has a deep love for books, recently enjoying Delicious by Ruth Reichl. After just moving to Sonoma, she is excited to unpack over 30 boxes of books. Some of her favorite authors include Margaret Atwood (Edible Woman), W. Somerset Maugham (Razor’s Edge), John Fowles (The Collector), Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged), and D.H. Lawrence.

When not reading or working, Cindy loves to travel, play bocce, and indulge in food and wine experiences with friends and family. She is passionate about supporting local Sonoma County establishments like Glen Ellen Star, Girl and the Fig, Spread Kitchen, The Matheson/Valette, and The Barlow Restaurants.

She enjoys being part of Les Dames because of the relationships she’s built with other inspiring women in the industry. Excited about the growth and development of the Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames, Cindy is looking forward to contributing more to the community and mentoring the next generation of women in the industry. We are fortunate to have Cindy Laser with us as a distinguished Dame here in Sonoma/Napa. Thank you, Cindy, for all the amazing work you do!

—Written by Dame Lori Pike

Upcoming Events and Reminders

November 9: Sonoma Family Meal’s Annual Knife’s Edge “Taste the World” Global Cuisine Showdown & Tasting, 5:30pm-9pm, Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Come support Dame Whitney Reuling and her amazing Sonoma Family Meal family! Get tickets here!

November 14: Julia’s Table, The Matheson Rooftop, Healdsburg

December 3: #givingtuesday Donate to us! https://buy.stripe.com/6oEaHUci46D4bjG8wz

November 1st- Stephanie Jordan

November 23rd- Ziggy Eschliman

The Sonoma Table

Member Spotlight: Dame Cindy Lasar

Upcoming Events and Reminders

ANNUAL LDEI CONFERENCE RECAP