At Conference, we will see the return of touchstones that have defined past Conferences, such as the Legacy Awards, meeting the awe-inspiring winner of the 2025 Women of Purpose Award in Partnership with Yeti, dynamic educational sessions, and the guidance of leaders including LDEI attorney Jackie Henson. At the same time, new opportunities await you: interactive roundtable discussions, the chance to recognize and honor remarkable chapters, and keynote speaker Elizabeth Blau. A trailblazer in hospitality and a visionary entrepreneur, Elizabeth has built a global restaurant empire while championing diversity, innovation, and collaboration. This year’s program is designed to inspire personal growth—giving you fresh tools, ideas, and connections to take back to your chapters, your careers, and your communities.

In a grand celebration of leadership, education, and community impact, we are proud to announce Dame Hayley Matson-Mathes (Hawaii) as the recipient of its distinguished Woman of Purpose Award in partnership with YETI®. This honor recognizes exceptional Dames who are driving meaningful change in their communities through initiatives centered on global sustainability, food justice, education, and public health.

“Hayley embodies the very spirit of the Woman of Purpose award,” says Stephanie Jaeger, LDEI President. “Her commitment to culinary education, her ability to create opportunity where there was once limitation, and her tireless advocacy for students, teachers, and working professionals have left a lasting mark not just in Hawaii, but across the broader culinary landscape. We are thrilled to honor her contributions.”