Applications
Since our scholarship and grant program began eight years ago, we have awarded more than $200,000 to women across the state pursuing a wide variety of food- and culinary-related careers.
Scholarships
We offer annual scholarships for education and continuing education awards to female applicants pursuing culinary or pastry arts, farming, beverage management, hospitality, nutrition and dietetics, or agriculture coursework at four-year universities and community colleges.
Application Details 2025
Scholarship Award Applicant Eligibility
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Any female student accepted to or attending a college/university/junior college/graduate school or trade school (not in your last semester) majoring in a food related field (ie: Nutrition/Dietetics, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Agricultural Sciences, etc.)
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Agree to collaborate with LDEI by allowing the use of your likeness and testimonials, and participating in LDEI activities as requested.
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Has a completed application form below.
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Has a completed essay.
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Has 2 letters of recommendation.
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Submits a video (no longer than 90 seconds) introducing yourself and your goals in a unique and personal way.
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Includes a headshot.
Individual Educational Scholarships:
Each scholarship is a minimum of $1,000, and the recipient(s) must submit a complete application by the deadline. Money is to be used only for tuition.
Deadline: March 21, 2025
Click below to complete the Individual Scholarship Application
Monique Williams, Owner of the Cheesecake
Empori-Yum, 2021 Entrepreneur Grant Winner
Entrepreneur Grants
The mission of LDEI Birmingham is to mentor and support women working in the food, culinary and hospitality industry. Our chapter assists female-owned businesses in the industry with cash awards up to $5,000 to help them expand and enhance their business.
Application Details 2025
Entrepreneur Award Applicant Eligibility
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Female business owner in the food, agriculture, culinary, or hospitality industry.
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Willing to support and participate in Les Dames d’Escoffier events.
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Has a completed application.
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Has a completed essay.
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Has a completed business plan.
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Has 2 letters of recommendation.
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Submitted a video (no longer than 90 seconds) introducing yourself and your goals in a unique and personal way.
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Includes a headshot.
Entrepreneur Grant: Up to $5,000
The candidate must define and validate how her business plans to meet its mission and goals. Only complete applications with all required information and forms will be considered for this award.
Deadline: March 21, 2025
Click below to complete the Entrepreneur Award Application
Women helping women, we are all about that.
Past Entrepreneur
Grant Recipients
Dr. Titania Adams is a long-time entrepreneur and product-management maven. Her latest venture, HoneyPop Poppin Gourmet Popcorn located in Montgomery, is a gourmet popcorn and sweet treat experience that you didn’t know you were pursuing. HoneyPop Poppin's ever-expanding flavor recipes and products mean that whether you are looking for gourmet popcorn, sweet treats, party favors, snacks, or popcorn-related products, HoneyPop Poppin Gourmet Popcorn is the answer.
Chef Ama ‘Ifabagmila’ Shambulia is a native Angelean (Los Angeles, California) where her love of cooking and gardening was nurtured in her “Granny’s’ kitchen” and beautiful backyard flower gardens. She has lived in Birmingham for more than 30 years, Is owner and operator of A Beautiful Life Enterprises LLC. and has a passion for sharing whole-food plant-based nutrition. Committed to holistic life principles over an expansive career as a natural foods chef, wellBEing coach, biodynamic garden
Dr. Rylie M. Hightower opened The Lumbar, one of downtown Birmingham’s most popular and unusual bars, at the end of 2018 while studying for her doctorate in biomedical neuroscience at UAB. Her dream: to open a space where creative thought takes place over good food and drinks. Rylie’s business hosts and celebrates events like Apollo Week and Women’s History Month and has hosted over 40 scientific presentations and science-themed happy hours. She used the grant to expand her outdoor seating.
Dr. Titania Adams is a long-time entrepreneur and product-management maven. Her latest venture, HoneyPop Poppin Gourmet Popcorn located in Montgomery, is a gourmet popcorn and sweet treat experience that you didn’t know you were pursuing. HoneyPop Poppin's ever-expanding flavor recipes and products mean that whether you are looking for gourmet popcorn, sweet treats, party favors, snacks, or popcorn-related products, HoneyPop Poppin Gourmet Popcorn is the answer.