MAPP Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill with our DC Advocacy Summit 2025

On September 16, 2025, MAPP brought its mission to Washington, D.C. with our Day of Advocacy and DC Advocacy Summit 2025, uniting chefs, restaurateurs, educators, activists, and lawmakers to spotlight urgent issues shaping the future of the hospitality and culinary industries.

MAPP Round Table Discussion hosted by the Future Forum Caucus, with Co-Chair, Congresswoman Brittany Petterson (CO)

Our Roundtable brought together industry leaders, chefs, restaurateurs, educators and activists to share their experiences with lawmakers urging for much needed governmental policies to support small businesses and the people who power them.

Discussions centered on immigration reform, affordable childcare for all, paid family leave, and workforce development—all critical to sustaining small and mid-sized businesses

Speakers Included:

  • Joanna James, MAPP Founder & Filmmaker

  • Chef JJ Johnson, Fieldtrip

  • Chef Isabel Coss, Pascual (The Popal Group)

  • Chef Paola Vélez, Providencia

  • Chef Johanna Hellrigl, Ama

  • Hollis Wells Silverman, Eastern Point Collective

  • Radelle Reese, Virginia State University

  • Members of Congress Sarah McBride of Delaware, Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island, and Brittany Pettersen of Colorado.

From Hollis Wells Silverman’s call for accessible childcare to Radelle Reese’s passion for preparing the next generation, every voice reminded lawmakers why investment in small business and workforce support is essential.

Event Photo Credits: Kris Connor

MAPP DC Advocacy Summit 2025: Workforce of the Future and How to Create a Sustainable Culinary & Hospitality Industry

That evening, conversations continued at the DC Advocacy Summit Reception, hosted by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill. Over food, wine, and community, attendees from across the country reflected on the day’s outcomes and charted next steps for the industry.

The night highlighted why advocacy matters: small businesses fuel our economy, but their survival depends on affordable childcare, national paid leave, and skills training to raise industry standards to empower talent to stay, grow, and lead.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Washington, D.C. for this powerful day, and to our sponsors:  PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines, Marriott Washington Capitol Hill and Distinguished Vineyards with Women Led Wineries: Markham Vineyards, Textbook Wines and Dough Wines for helping us champion women’s leadership and creating a sustainable culinary and hospitality industry.