April 9, 2026 (Sonoma, CA) — The Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Micro-Grant Program, an initiative designed to support women advancing their careers in the food, fine beverage, hospitality, and agriculture industries. After a highly competitive selection process, three outstanding women have been awarded $1,500 grants to invest in their professional growth, business expansion, and industry education.
2026 Micro-Grant Award Recipients:
- Carlee Austin has been building her culinary path from an early age, beginning with cooking classes as a child and continuing through her graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program. Carlee is focused on creating meaningful food experiences through cooking classes, private dinners, and other catered events, while working toward launching her own business through a micro-enterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) license. Her story reflects energy and curiosity, supported by a lifelong love of food as connection.
- Hien Pham began as a cottage baker, working from her home kitchen to serve her Santa Rosa community. Today, she is the founder of Corner Bakehouse, a neighborhood microbakery grounded in whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and slow fermentation. Her work reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and for the farmers who grow the ingredients she uses, many sourced here in Sonoma County and from her own garden. In addition to her bakery, Hien shares her knowledge through teaching and continues to refine her craft alongside some of the region’s most respected bakeries. At the heart of her work is a clear belief that the best food begins with care and intention.
- Jenny Trotter is the co-owner of Kibo Farm, a small family farm on Sonoma Mountain growing mixed vegetables and tree fruit since 2016. Her work extends beyond the farm itself. Jenny was instrumental in the formation of the FEED Cooperative, a farmer and worker owned food hub that connects local farms to restaurants, schools, and homes across the Bay Area. As the Co-op’s first Board President, she helped shape a model that strengthens regional food systems and expands access to locally grown food. With a background in nonprofit work focused on international health, human rights, and agriculture, Jenny brings a systems-level perspective grounded in both purpose and practicality.
“LDESC is committed to supporting women in food, fine beverage, hospitality, and agriculture— not just through encouragement, but through action. Through the micro-grants program we invest in women advancing their educations or building their businesses, and we provide further mentorship and support women who are in the early phases of their careers by sharing the expertise and skills of our members.” — Dame Nicole Rogers, Grants Committee Chair, Owner of GriffJack & True Origin Foods
LDESC is committed to annual fundraising with a goal of increasing both the size and number of grants over time. The chapter strives to be a resource to local women as they navigate their professional journeys. For more information on the Les Dames d’Escoffier Sonoma Micro-Grant Program, visit: https://www.lesdamessoco.org/micro-grant-program
About Les Dames d’Escoffier
Les Dames d’Escoffier is the only organization of its kind: a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Comprising of 45 individual chapters across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, England, France and Italy, LDEI is highly diversified and reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. Upon being granted the original charter by Les Amis d’Escoffier, the first chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier was founded in New York in 1976. The Sonoma Chapter was formed in 2020. There are over 2500 members worldwide including chefs, culinary school proprietors, teachers, culinary historians, food editors, writers, hoteliers, vintners, wine merchants, distillers, restaurateurs, caterers, professors, chocolatiers, bakers, butchers, manufacturers, importers, and purveyors. www.lesdamessoco.org
