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Higginson\u2019s experience underscores how societal norms subtly shape decision-making, often favouring men for leadership roles despite objective qualifications. It\u2019s a reminder that overcoming bias requires active self-awareness, reflection, and deliberate action to challenge ingrained assumptions and create real opportunities. \u201cWomen are proven innovators\u2014we bring fresh perspectives and play a critical role in driving results and initiatives. Yet, we remain underrepresented in leadership in most industries, including our own,\u201d she points out. \u201cThat\u2019s why we created dish.<\/em>\u2014to provide a platform for real change and a space where women in foodservice can connect, collaborate, and lead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n dish.<\/em> by Restaurants Canada is more than an initiative\u2014it\u2019s a movement designed to level the playing field. The platform launched with a sold-out morning gathering of powerhouse women in downtown Toronto, which was enthusiastically sponsored by DoorDash, Sysco and American Express with product support from PepsiCo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The setting was also symbolic\u2014Mildred\u2019s Temple Kitchen, owned by Donna Dooher, a trailblazing chef, restaurateur, and former President & CEO of Restaurants Canada, provided the perfect backdrop. \u201cDonna helped pave the way for women like me who watched as she cut her own path in this industry,\u201d says Higginson. \u201cTo launch dish. in her space, surrounded by incredible women, was deeply meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over an incredible brunch, 75 attendees engaged in a high-energy networking session, where ideas flowed, partnerships formed, and future collaborations began taking shape in real time. This wasn\u2019t just networking\u2014it was women showing up for each other, sparking connections, and laying the groundwork for collective success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event also featured insights from Jocelyn Pepe, an expert in workplace well-being, who led a grounding session to set the tone for keynote speaker Karlyn Percil, a renowned equity and emotional intelligence strategist. Together, they challenged attendees to redefine leadership on their own terms and break free from outdated structures that limit potential. The demand for dish.<\/em> was clear\u2014the room was filled with energy, intention, and a shared commitment to rewriting the rules of leadership in foodservice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The launch of dish.<\/em> is just the beginning. The momentum continues with an exclusive MENU Magazine<\/em> content series spotlighting women leaders from all corners of the foodservice and hospitality industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese aren\u2019t your standard corporate profiles,\u201d says Higginson. \u201cWe\u2019re going beyond polished r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and curated success stories. dish. is about giving women an authentic platform to share their journeys\u2014the challenges, the hard choices, and the wins, big and small, that have shaped their leadership paths. When we amplify real stories, we expose the systemic challenges holding women back while showcasing the full spectrum of female leadership\u2014from emerging talents to established pioneers. Our goal is to help others see not just where women leaders are today, but where they could be if we break down barriers and truly fix that broken first rung on the ladder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And dish.<\/em> isn\u2019t stopping there. Plans are already in motion to expand the initiative\u2019s reach with virtual meet-ups, ensuring women across Canada\u2014whether in a bustling city or a small town\u2014have access to meaningful connections and industry support. These candid online gatherings will create a dynamic space for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and open conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities for women in foodservice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot everyone can step away from their business or travel for events, but that shouldn\u2019t mean they miss out on critical conversations and networking,\u201d says Higginson. \u201cThese virtual meet-ups will help bridge the gap, ensuring that every woman in foodservice with the ambition to lead has access to a strong, supportive community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As dish.<\/em> expands, Restaurants Canada is calling on industry leaders to step up\u2014not just to support women, but to actively dismantle the barriers holding them back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need to move past performative allyship,\u201d says Higginson. \u201cSuccess isn\u2019t about checking a diversity box\u2014it\u2019s about ensuring women are given the same opportunities to lead and thrive as their male counterparts. It is about changing the system, not changing women. Our hope is that women join the dish.<\/em> community to share their experiences and perspectives. By fostering real connections, we\u2019re not just closing the gap; we\u2019re building a stronger, more inclusive industry where talent\u2014not gender\u2014determines success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foodservice is at a turning point, and women are ready to lead the charge. dish.<\/em> is here to ensure they have the tools, resources, and community to do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFuelling Women Leaders in Food\u2014And Those Who Aspire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s next for dish.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreating a more inclusive industry.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jazzlyn Chia (Amex), Silvana Bria (Amex), Louise Zhou (Amex),
Rhonda Murphy (PepsiCo), Emma Sweet Kretz (PepsiCo), Karlyn Percil
(Speaker, KDPM Equity Institute)
Middle Row:
Amanda Roberts (Sysco), Val Sy-Quia (Sysco)
Bottom Row:
Emma Kristensen (DoorDash), Kelly Higginson (Restaurants Canada),
Jocelyn Pepe (Speaker, TrU), Shilpa Arora (DoorDash)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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