Largest-ever Women's History Month Festival Features Collaborations, Classes, and More!
Washington D.C., Fairfax, VA – Over 40 women-owned bars and restaurants across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are uniting for the 3rd annual Women's History Month Festival, the biggest celebration yet. Organized by the non-profit Regarding Her, the festival aims to empower women in the food industry through collaboration, education, and community building.
Highlighting Women's Leadership and Mentorship
"This is a challenging time for restaurants, especially in our area," acknowledges Jamie Leeds, owner of Hank's Oyster Bar and Regarding Her board member. "Through this festival, we support each other and promote each other's businesses, ensuring the dream of restaurant ownership thrives for women."
Regarding Her fosters the next generation of female culinary leaders. Leeds, a seasoned restaurateur, reflects on her own career path: "Starting almost 40 years ago, I wasn't sure if I could enter this male-dominated industry. While things have improved, there's still a significant gap in female leadership." The organization addresses this gap by facilitating mentorship opportunities.
Festival Offers Diverse Events and Experiences
The festival boasts an impressive lineup, featuring collaborations with prominent DMV figures like Amy Brandwein, Katherine Thompson, and Virginia Ali.
Unique Collaborations:
- March 10th: A collaborative pop-up featuring top DMV bakers at Liberty Baking Company in Fairfax.
- Preservation Biscuit: Month-long collaborations featuring various women-owned businesses on unique biscuit creations.
- Pizzeria Paradiso: A special "Ben's Chili Bowl" pizza collaboration featuring half-smoke, chili, and yellow cheddar.
Beyond Collaborations:
- Participating restaurants offer special dinners, ticketed events, and educational experiences.
- Hank's Old Town: Educational components like chef demonstrations and kitchen tours alongside wine pairing insights from a sommelier.
- Interactive Classes: Learn to make dumplings, pupusas, and other delicious dishes.
Experience, Learn, and Connect:
"The festival is more than just food," says Leeds. "It's about creating memories, connecting with others, and learning something new together."
Explore the full event calendar online and join the celebration!