College hosts local culinary leaders for panel discussion on women in industry

Last month, Seattle Central Women’s Programs partnered with the Culinary Academy to host a panel of local female leaders in the culinary field. Many of the more than 50 people in attendance were current female culinary students looking for advice from leaders in their field.

Panelists included Lisa Dupar, a catering company owner; Karen Jurgensen, a chef instructor at the academy; Alison Leber who works as a recruiting manager at local food company, Sugar Mountain; Lisa Nakamura, owner of local restaurant Gnocchi Bar; and Jamie Peha, who owns a food and wine creative marking firm.

The panel, which was moderated by instructor Madeline Barch, discussed issues faced by female leaders both in and out of the culinary industry such as managing perceptions of leadership styles, networking and balancing family life.