A Seat at the Table: From Kitchen to Congress
The roadMAPP 10-City LIVE Tour goes to Capitol Hill

Washington D.C. – On September 27, 2023. MAPP held a powerful gathering of legislators, industry leaders, chefs and women-owned small businesses for a momentous stop on the roadMAPP 10-City LIVE Tour on Capitol Hill. Advocacy took center stage as representatives of the MAPP community came together to champion key issues empowering women and families while supporting small businesses, including: access to affordable childcare, paid family & medical leave and a dignified wage. The event drew a full house with Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Rep. Titus emphasizing how critical these policies are in the workplace and the role of government to help provide them to make independent restaurants become more sustainable. It was wonderful to have Rep. DeLauro recount her presence at MAPP's Capitol Hill event three years prior in partnership with the National Partnership for Women and Families, highlighting how long we have all been advocating for these essential issues and the progress we’re making together.

Following Rep. Rosa DeLauro we heard from Chef Cheetie Kumar who is the chef & owner of Ajja in Raleigh, North Carolina and a board member for the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC). She shared the IRC's support of these advocacy goals and the work they are continuously doing to support our small businesses in the hospitality and food and beverage industry.  

Following Cheetie we heard from four chefs & restaurateurs who are not just culinary visionaries but also community builders:

Chef Lena Le of Lena's Asian Kitchen, a James Beard Foundation-recognized chef, seized the opportunity to speak about advocating for survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking through her foundation, Lena's Foundation. 

Daniella Senior of Colada Shop and Culinary Ambassador of the State Department shared her inspiring journey of primarily staffing her business with single mothers and immigrants. 

Jilan Hall-Johnson of Sassy Biscuit Co, a military spouse, spoke about providing job training for individuals recovering from substance abuse. 

Hollis Silverman of La Collina, who transitioned from a leadership role at Chef Jose Andres' hospitality group to start her own venture, advocated for Paid Family Leave and Dignified Wages, highlighting the pressing need for change in the industry.

The event also featured a multigenerational salute to women through the ages, with powerful remarks from each of the families present:

Valerie James & Joanna James. Val of Val’s Restaurant in Massachusetts, spoke towards being born and raised in the restaurant industry and even as the daughter of Greek immigrants who built their lives through the restaurant industry, it is even harder today for entrepreneurs to make a go at it. Therefore the need for greater educational and funding resources including vocational training programs and equal opportunities for small businesses just like large corporations are privy to.   

Mary Aregoni & Mama Suu of Saigon Sisters flew in from Chicago to share their deeply touching story as refugees from Vietnam in the 70s and how today they employ refugees and immigrants to help create more opportunity for people in our industry. Mary spoke about how her businesses were a tribute to her mother, a place of comfort and connection, reflecting her mother's sacrifices and legacy.

Fatima & Shamim Popal of The Popal Group, Afghan refugees, recounted their remarkable journey from arriving in the United States with little knowledge on how to cook to building a thriving restaurant group in D.C. and providing more resources and support for those escaping persecution in Afghanistan to build a better life for themselves here.

Virginia & Kamal Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl, a D.C. institution with over 60 years of history, reflected on the challenges and triumphs of being a black-owned business that has been witness to decades of history and progress.

The evening concluded calls to action from our partners: Black Women in Food with Nina Oduro, WANDA with Tambra Stevenson, Immigrant Food with Tea Ivanovic. Thank you to our event partners. Without their support this wouldn't have been possible: 

The National Partnership for Women & Families is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that advance gender equity and support women and families in the workplace and beyond. They are champions for paid family and medical leave, affordable childcare, and other critical issues that impact the well-being of women and families across the United States. Through their research, advocacy, and public education efforts, they work tirelessly to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

The Independent Restaurant Coalition is a collective of independent restaurant owners, chefs, and industry professionals dedicated to advocating for the survival and recovery of the nation's independent restaurants and bars. They work to secure financial support, favorable policies, and industry-specific relief to ensure the vitality and resilience of this vital sector. Their efforts aim to protect local businesses and preserve the vibrant culinary landscape that defines communities across the United States.

Our non-profit is committed to ensuring women’s voices are prioritized in our policy making and partnered with the National Partnership for Women and Families and the Independent Restaurant Coalition to do that on Capitol Hill. MAPP is grateful for the continuous support and remarks from longtime partners & sponsors Dough Vineyards and Markham Vineyards, and PepsiCo. Stay tuned to learn more about our advocacy events and how you can get active in your own community.

If you're eager to get involved, whether it's hosting a mentorship meal at your restaurant, becoming a mentor, or sponsoring an event to further the cause of women in food and hospitality leadership, please reach out to us at hello@mappimpact.org.
To receive invitations to events like these, become a MAPP CHANGEMAKER member.

Together, we're cultivating a brighter future for women chefs and professionals in the industry.

Follow @mappimpact on instagram and watch the event recap video here.