Meet Our Members
Dynamic, deep-rooted, driven— We are a network of women who have achieved success in all aspects of the food, beverage, and hospitality fields.
If you would like to become a Dame please click the membership application below and see how you can join us in our mission.
Each vetted member of the Colorado chapter of LDEI is a respected professional in her area of specialization, from longstanding thought leaders to rising stars and change-makers. As our membership, collective expertise, and inclusivity continue to grow, our organization embodies the many professions and skills of today’s culinary industry as a whole:
Chefs
Restaurateurs
Sommeliers
Spirits Specialists
Caterers
Farmers
Food Tour Operators
Nutritionists
Food Bloggers
Certified Cheese Professionals
Culinary Instructors
Journalists
Public Relations Pros
Social Media Strategists
Publishers
Ranchers
Cookbook Authors
Food Writers
Food Photographers
Food & Beverage
Producers
Entrepreneurs
Alex Jump
Alex Jump originally hails from Chattanooga, TN, where she grew up breathing Southern hospitality. A BAR-5 Day graduate, Alex honed her skills by working behind and running bar programs at multiple James Beard nominated restaurants. Currently Alex spends her time consulting on a variety of food & beverage programs and initiatives through her company, Dim Lights Hospitality, and is the Director of Operations of Focus on Health, a company working towards creating better lives for those who work in the food & beverage industry through community outreach, trainings, and more.
April Stamm
Dining Services Director
Chef April Stamm trained at New York City’s International Culinary Center (formerly known as the French Culinary Institute); after which she went on to run some of the busiest kitchens in the country for Whole Foods Market in New York City or five years. Moving on to teaching, she taught in the Professional Culinary Arts program at the International Culinary Center for seven years, then taught and crafted the curriculum for the Professional Vegan Culinary Arts program at the upstart Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy in Boulder, Colorado. She now heads the restaurant, dining and culinary events for Brookdale North Boulder as Dining Services Director.
Bonnie Johnson
Director of Nutrition + Industry Relations
Bonnie Johnson is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in the food industry. She calls herself a “Nutrition Translator” working to translate and deliver credible, science-based information to business partners, health care professionals and consumers to build trust, respect and reliability with consumers.
Brooke Medosch
I am from Colorado originally – raised in Fort Collins. I was the 4th generation in my family to graduate from my high school (my great grandmother graduated CSU in 1905). The wine industry fell onto my lap. I was planning to be a professor of English Literature, when I decided to move to the ocean for a spell to explore my options. I was quickly introduced to the wine industry in California and began my career of working for predominantly family-owned, boutique brands. I am so fortunate to have found a career in a field that I truly love.
Carlin Karr
Wine Director, Frasca Hospitality Group
https://www.frascafoodandwine.com
Carlin Karr has been a sommelier for 15 years, starting in San Francisco, where she was opening wine director and general manager of Sons & Daughters, earning a Michelin Star in the first year open. After four years with Sons & Daughters, Carlin moved to Colorado in 2012 to work under Bobby Stuckey at Frasca Food and Wine. She is wine director for the Frasca Hospitality Group, overseeing all wine programs for their four restaurants and all new projects.
Carol Fenster
Gluten-free cookbook author
Carol Fenster, a pioneer in gluten-free cooking, is the author of 14 gluten-free cookbooks, including her latest, Gluten-Free Cooking for Two. She has developed gluten-free products for industry leader Bob’s Red Mill and appeared on PBS for 10 years. She has been a guest speaker at the American Dietetic Association, International Association of Culinary Professionals, Whole Grains Council, Disney, National Product Expo, FoodEX in Tokyo, the Institute for Biophysics & Genetics in Italy, and the famed Rancho La Puerta Spa & Resort in Mexico. She is a member of the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame.
Carol Maybach
Author, Food Writer
Author, food writer, food stylist, recipe tester, photographer, food critic, winner of Book of the Year Gold Award, IACP Book Award Judge, Academy Member of the National Taste Awards.
Denise Mickelsen
Communication Director
Denise Mickelsen oversees the Colorado Restaurant Association’s communication, marketing, and public relations efforts in support of the state’s dynamic restaurant industry. Before joining the CRA, Denise served as food editor at 5280 Magazine. She holds a culinary arts degree and cooked professionally in renowned Manhattan restaurants before entering food media. She has worked in the test kitchens at Saveur and Martha Stewart Living, on the editorial staff at Fine Cooking, and as culinary acquisitions editor at Craftsy, a Denver-based digital media company.
Elizabeth Yarnell
Traditional Naturopath
Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, Elizabeth Yarnell has been busy learning how to redefine MS and autoimmunity naturally as a traditional naturopath and Certified LEAP Therapist. She’s worked with hundreds of MS and other autoimmune sufferers in her nationwide clinic using unique, personalized natural therapies to empower them to reclaim their health. She’s a TEDx speaker, award-winning author whose cookbook has sold more than 70,000 copies, a patented inventor, and has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS as well as in Good Housekeeping, Health, Martha Stewart Living Radio, and many other outlets.
Ellen Daehnick
Owner
I own Helliemae’s Caramels: we make nostalgic, artisan caramels and sauces for gifts and treats. Before Helliemae’s, I worked in consulting (McKinsey & Company) and tech (Sun/Oracle). I have a BA from Rice University, an MBA from Columbia University, and I live in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood with my husband, Chris, and our giant schnauzer, Whiskey.
Erin Fletter
Erin Fletter is a serial entrepreneur & cookbook author with a 30-year food & wine industry history. She founded Sticky Fingers Cooking & its franchise brand & co-owns the renowned Barolo Grill in Denver with her husband. A dedicated mom, Erin ensures her children & others appreciate diverse foods. Sticky Fingers Cooking teaches thousands of kids weekly in various cities, serving over 110,000 students. The classes combine fresh ingredients, global flavors, education, and fun. Known for her terrible food jokes, Erin’s passion for food brings people together, one groan-inducing pun at a time.
Fathima Dickerson
I am Fathima Dickerson, a Denver native, born and raised. I started in the restaurant industry at six years old working in my family restaurant. My family has owned and operated restaurants in Denver’s Historic Five Points for nearly 40 years. Growing up I learned every area of the restaurant but I took favor in working front of the house. Today, I am the chief operating office of my family restaurant, Welton Street Cafe.
Gretchen TeBockhorst
President
Gretchen TeBockhorst is an award-winning public relations and marketing communications expert with a focus on hospitality and lifestyle brands.
Since launching Prim + Co, Gretchen has catapulted it into an award-winning PR firm with renowned clients such as SoulCycle, Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, Kimpton Hotels, Richard Sandoval Hospitality, Visit Anaheim, Shake Shack and Sweetgreen.
Her media relations efforts have secured national attention from a variety of outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Food and Wine Magazine, Foodnetwork.com, TODAY, CBS This Morning and Travel + Leisure, among others.
Jen Hord
JEN HORD | CO-FOUNDER. A+J PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC
Jen’s background is in beverage media and marketing. Her specialties are branding, commerce and strategic communications across US and global markets. She launched A+J PARTNERS with her business partner Allison Langhoff after a long tenure at Wine Enthusiast magazine working side by side. The business’ north star is to help modernize the beverage media. Prior to that, Jen worked agency side in Ireland, working at BBDO (Guinness, etc) as well in creative production and client service. LDEI Carmel, CA chapter and now Colorado.
Jordan Blakesley
Owner and Principal, B Public Relations
Jordan has more than 15 years of experience in public relations – the majority within the industries about which she is most passionate – hospitality, food and beverage and tourism. Over the course of her career, she has led local, national, regional and social media campaigns for a variety of clients, ranging from luxury guest ranches and boutique hotels, to internationally-known and celebrity chef-driven restaurants and for acclaimed brands like Shake Shack, Hilton, Marriott and many more. Jordan is a Certified Level II Sommelier by the International Wine Guild and was and a previous Public Relations Society of Colorado PR Person of the Year.
Joyce Hendley
Food & Health Writer
Joyce Hendley is a Denver-based food and health writer and editor, recipe developer, and equal opportunity eater. A longtime contributor (and former nutrition editor) at EatingWell, her work has also appeared in publications ranging from WW and Consumer Reports to Gastronomica and RealFood. She has contributed to dozens of cookbooks and authored a few of her own—including the James Beard award-winning EatingWell Diet (with Jean Harvey-Berino). But her favorite gig (so far) was being an assistant coach for her kids’ high school Junior Iron Chef teams.
Karen Tucker, CPCE
Owner/Business Development
https://www.relishcateringco.com
Karen Tucker, CPCE along with her husband, Brett, are the owners of Relish Catering & Events. As a full-service caterer, Karen and her talented team provide exceptional food, service, and hospitality to the Denver area. In addition to owning Relish, Karen has been involved in the events community as a member of Les Dames, ILEA (International Live Events Association), and NACE (National Association for Catering & Events) serving on both local and National Boards. In her free time, Karen enjoys cheering on her son at his football games, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with friends enjoying a glass of wine, cheese, and great company.
Kimberly Stewart
Editor, Author, Content Strategist
https://www.eatingbetweenthelines.net/
Kimberly Lord Stewart is an investigative food journalist, food-labeling expert and culinary nutrition writer. She is author of Eating Between the Lines (St Martins Press 2007), contributor to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (Oxford 2013), and founder of Today’s Practitioner. She has served as an editor-in-chief of numerous publications related to food, health and luxury living.
Kristy Greenwood Bortz
I’ve been in the food industry since my college days (1980’s) and have worked in restaurants, cooking schools, bakeries, always in the kitchen, never the front of the house. I started my own cookie business 2008 and have been serving the community ever since. I see the food industry as both my creative outlet as well as my means of connecting to my community through food and flavor.
Kuvy Ax
Owner
Kuvy Ax founded ROOT Marketing & PR more than 20 years ago. ROOT is a seasoned and award-winning marketing, PR and branding firm defined by their downright devotion to good food – to those who grow it, make it, sell it and bring it to life – and by a shared passion for helping better brands thrive.
Kuvy has been a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier since 2005.
Lee Clayton Roper
https://www.seasonedkitchen.com
Lee is a cookbook author, food blogger, cooking instructor, public speaker and TV personality. She has authored two award-winning cookbooks, “A Well-Seasoned Kitchen®” and “Fresh Tastes.” She’s passionate making cooking and entertaining at home easy, elegant and fun!
Linnea Covington
Writer/Journalist
https://www.linneacovington.com
Linnea has been writing about food and drink for over 10 years. She started her career in NYC and moved home to Denver in 2015. Now she freelances for local publications including Denver Post, Westword and 5280 Magazine, as well as a slew of national websites and magazines.
Loren Matthews
Owner
Loren Matthews is the owner and head distiller of Elevation 5003 Distillery, founded in 2015. Loren has over 22 years of experience in the alcohol industry. She holds a bachelors in Biology, with an emphasis in Genetic Engineering, and an MBA.
Lori Tieszen
Founder, Concrete Marketing Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-tieszen-3b07494/
Lori J. Tieszen is the Founder of Concrete Marketing Solutions, a Colorado based marketing consultancy specializing in business strategy, brand expansion and new product development. Lori brings more than 30 years’ experience – with both U.S. and international companies – in the marketing and sales of premium and luxury brands. Lori is considered an industry expert in the wines and spirits arena, where she worked in both senior sales and marketing roles with Stoli Group USA, Moët Hennessy USA, Wines of Chile USA, and Kobrand Corporation, among others.
Marcia Kramer
Teacher
https://northglennh.adams12.org
Marcia is a dynamic education professional who strives to engage with the community as a leader in pastry arts. Her background in front of the house service and management is essential to her success within the industry, excelling in the food industry for over 30 years while maintaining an independent cake decorating and consulting business. Her passions include all things edible, the great outdoors, volunteerism, and working with youth, as reflected by her current teaching position at Northglenn High School.
Megan Bucholz
Chief Tasting Officer
https://www.localtabletours.com
Megan is the founder of Local Table Tours, a boutique food tour company that explores the unique food scenes of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. She’s currently the President of the Colorado chapter of Les Dames and co-chair of their signature event, The Big Stir Festival. Megan likes to say it’s her job to have her finger on the pulse of food and beverage across the Front Range of Colorado.
Megan Gray Stromberg
Head of Food & Beverage Strategy
Born and raised in Colorado, Megan’s career has taken her around the country in various leadership roles. From Director of Food & Beverage in NYC to opening The St. Regis Buckhead, Megan has owned her own restaurants, consulted and served on many BODs including the Colorado Restaurant Association, the Cornell club of CO and currently serves on the CCF BOD for Clayton. Other roles she has held have been General Manager for The Battery in SF and Corporate Director of Hospitality for Vail Resorts.
Michele Morris
Food Writer and Culinary Tour Guide
https://www.cookingwithmichele.com
Michele Morris is a professional recipe developer and food photographer who leads food and wine tours in Italy. Her food writing has appeared in numerous regional publications, including The Denver Post, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Edible Front Range, and Nourish Food Magazine. She is the award-winning author of two cookbooks, Tasting Colorado and A Taste of Washington, and the author of two popular blogs, one devoted to food and wine, and one covering her worldwide travels.
Mona Esposito
The Grain Lady
Mona Esposito, aka The Grain Lady, is an activist and advocate of restoring heritage grains to Colorado and supporting and recreating the network of farmers, millers and makers needed to make a regional grain economy thrive. Mona co-founded Noble Grain Alliance in 2016 and served as President and founding board member of The Colorado Grain Chain in 2019. She received the Slow Food USA Snailblazers Award in 2021 for Biodiversity.
Shellie Kark
Chef and Culinary Educator
Local acclaimed chef and culinary educator, Chef Shellie Kark is passionately dedicated to inspiring and educating around food and cooking bringing renewed joy and communion back to the kitchen and the table. Shellie has worked in a number of renowned restaurants San Francisco and Seattle and was an Assistant Professor at Johnson and Wales University, Denver Campus. She is the co-founder of KitchenCUE™, a series of technique- based videos that teach the fundamentals of food preparation and presentation through a simple, step-based approach. She consults on school food reform across Colorado and participates in product development for the food and beverage industry. She is currently at Metropolitan State University of Denver, School of Hospitality.
Colorado Chapter