MAPP Impact Takes Philadelphia by Storm: roadMAPP Tour Stop at the Free Library
Philadelphia, PA on October 22, 2023 - On the 7th stop of the roadMAPP tour, MAPP Impact joined forces with Sisterly Love Collective to create a vibrant and empowering afternoon at the iconic Philadelphia Free Library. The event was a testament to community building and professional networking, bringing together industry leaders, inspired minds, and culinary enthusiasts from near and far.
The heart of the gathering was a compelling panel discussion featuring luminaries such as multi-award-winning Chef Adrienne Cheatham, Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2022 Chef Emily Riddell, Sisterly Love Collective co-founders Chef Jen Carroll from Bravo TV's Top Chef, and Ellen Yin, the James Beard Foundation's most recently crowned Best Restaurateur. Their insights and experiences resonated deeply, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women in the culinary and hospitality world.
The gathering provided a platform for vulnerability and shared experiences. Sisterly Love co-founder Chef Jen Carroll opened up about her courageous decision to part ways from her former business partner. Her choice to nurture a restaurant culture she could be proud of led to her separation, while the former restaurant group faced permanent closure and allegations of sexual harassment just one year later. Events like these enable women to express their truths, learn from one another, and foster positive change in their personal and professional lives.
In addition to the panel, attendees were treated to a private screening of "A Fine Line Movie," a documentary directed and produced by MAPP founder and filmmaker Joanna James. The film, winning Vanity Fair's Best Documentary by a first-time filmmaker, continues to be an inspiration for gender equity in the culinary world.
A cookbook fair and mini marketplace showcased local goods from female entrepreneurs in Philadelphia, creating a platform for talented women to shine. Delicious brunch bites and bubbles, courtesy of Sisterly Love members and event sponsors, added culinary magic to the day.
The brunch was a culinary extravaganza, featuring renowned chefs and restaurateurs, including:
Georgeann Leaming, a Food Network CHOPPED contestant and coordinator of MAPP mentorship programs.
Rhonda Saltzman and Mercedes Brooks of Second Daughter Baking.
Alex Cohen of Kismet Bagels.
Justine Macniel of Fiore Fine Foods.
Cindy Shaw of Paines Hollow Kitchen.
Tova de Plessis of Essen Bakery.
Cassandra Burnett of Lizzie’s Love Cakes.
Miranda Watson of Sundry Mornings.
Amy Wilson of Milk Jawn and 2023 MAPP seed-funding recipient.
Event sponsors who contributed to the brunch spread included PepsiCo, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Dough Wine, Markham Vineyards, Titos Vodka, and many more, adding their support to this empowering event.
Delta Air Lines further strengthened its support as a MAPP ally by granting another $500 travel certificate to one lucky event attendee. This gesture ensures that more women have the opportunity to join the conversation and have a seat at the table at MAPP's upcoming roadMAPP events and annual conferences.
Joanna James expressed deep gratitude for Sisterly Love's incredible and steadfast partnership. MAPP Impact looks forward to continuing this partnership and the roadMAPP tour in 2024. For information on upcoming events and mentorship opportunities, consider becoming a MAPP Changemaker member.
The next stop on the roadMAPP tour stop is set for November 6, 2023, in Houston with I’ll Have What She’s Having. For more information, click here.
To host a private screening of A Fine Line, please contact hello@mappimpact.org.
Follow @mappimpact on instagram and watch the event recap video here.
