As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, research shows that women hold only 24 per cent of senior culinary roles, and post-pandemic data points to a widening gender gap across the food and beverage industry, with a notable decline in women’s participation. Yes Shef, presented by WORTH Association, exists to change that.
Yes Shef comes to Toronto for the first time on March 9 as part of RC Show’s Women in Hospitality Day, with the International Centre serving as venue partner. The one-night culinary event spotlights women chefs, restaurateurs, and emerging culinary leaders, creating space for mentorship, visibility, and industry connection in a sector where women continue to be underrepresented at the top.
“There’s a real lack of data and dialogue around what women are facing in professional kitchens, especially at the leadership level,” says Joanna Jagger, Founder & Executive Director of WORTH Association. “Yes Shef is about bringing those realities to light and creating pathways for women to be seen, supported and empowered in this industry.”
Yes Shef brings together a room of 500+ guests with 20 women-led food and beverage stations for a one-of-a-kind tasting that puts chefs front and centre, offering attendees direct access to their stories, perspectives, and the dishes shaping Canada’s food and beverage industry.
Event highlights include:
- Mentor–mentee pairings connecting established women chefs, such as Alida Solomon, Tutti Matti, and Eva Chin, Yan Dining Room with up-and-coming culinary students to help shape the next generation of talent
- Tangible support for emerging culinary talent, with each mentee receiving a $1,000 scholarship to support their culinary careers
- In-person connection across the culinary community, bringing chefs together with one another, mentees with mentors, and the wider industry together with the public to celebrate and support women in food & beverage
Yes Shef has supported 56 mentees through the program, with 270 mentorship matches to date through WORTH’s broader mentorship program.
The event takes place on March 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Conference Centre, located in The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8. For tickets, please visit this link.
