British Columbia – April 7, 2025: Les Dames d'Escoffier International BC Chapter (LDBC) is springing into 2025 with the induction of thirteen new members bringing the BC Chapter active membership to sixty-nine women.
The inductees reside throughout the province and come from a variety of professions including education, viticulture, nutrition, spirits, wine, the culinary arts and communication. They bring vast experience, fresh insight, and heightened enthusiasm to LDBC’s mission and programs.
Linda Seiffert, President of Snow Cap Enterprises, and Chair of the LDBC Membership Committee has been an LDBC member since 2013 and says, “I am so impressed by the skills, insight and passion that our new members bring to our organization. We welcome their talent and fresh perspectives and greatly appreciate how many are already making an impact. For example, some of our newest members are leading our calendar of fundraising events with new initiatives in their communities.”
She explains, “Whisky curator Stacy Kyle is leading a whisky tasting event on April 22nd at the Flamingo Room in Vancouver. Culinary arts program instructor Christine Godlonton is also hosting a Mother’s Day High Tea on May 10th at Vancouver Island University. Details and tickets for both events are available at LesDames.ca.”
Candidates interested in becoming a member of LDBC must meet membership criteria including:
1. Live or work in British Columbia and do not live or work closer to any other Canadian Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI).
2. Have at least five years of professional experience during which they have demonstrated leadership, achievement and stature in the hospitality, food, beverage, agriculture or aquaculture industries.
3. Support LDEI’s mission, vision and basic values of education, advocacy, and philanthropy.
4. Receive at least one letter of recommendation from a member of LDEI (BC Chapter or other).
5. Commit to contributing time and talent as a member.
New Members of Les Dames d'Escoffier International BC Chapter
Judith Arcand (Burnaby, BC): Founder, kape services; Board and Planning Committee Member, Vancouver International Wine Festival
Ceri Barlow (Victoria, BC): Facilities Manager, Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council; Co-owner, Niche Grocerant
Renée Y. Chan (Vancouver, BC): Registered Dietician; Owner, The Skript Kitchen and Food Production Company; Founder, True Nosh Enterprise
Barbara Coates (Delta, BC): Executive Director, Dan’s Legacy Foundation
Donita Dyer (Richmond, BC): Founder, Donita Dyer Communications; Retail Wine Specialist, The Sutton Place Wine Merchant; Blogger, The Wine & Travel Concierge Blog
Christine Godlonton (Nanaimo, BC): Culinary Arts Program Instructor, Vancouver Island University
Caroline Griffiths (Coquitlam, BC): Pastry Chef; Account Executive, Snow Cap Enterprises
Linda Horn (Langley, BC): Founder, Dinner at Lulu’s
Stacy Kyle (Vancouver, BC): Whisky Curator, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge; Owner, Lionheart Spirits
Jo-Anne Lauzer (Vancouver, BC): Chair, Taste Canada’s Cookbook Awards Committee; Independent Writer
Katherine McEachnie (Penticton, BC): Owner, Winston Estate Vineyard; Founder, Grape Nuts Wine Club; Wine Program Instructor, University of British Columbia; Champagne Master
Sandrine Ramoisy (Vancouver, BC): Founder, TIPS Academy; Former Manager, Le Crocodile Restaurant
Joanne Sasvari (Victoria, BC): Editor of YAM, Vitis Magazine and The Alchemist Magazine; Book Author; Independent Writer