MAPP Conference Advances Dialogue on Women' s Leadership in the Hospitality Sector

• MAPP celebrated its five years of impact with Global Women Leadership Initiative with a series of high-profile events
• The event featured dynamic programming, including mentorship-focused speed networking and targeted breakout discussions
• Top chefs and hospitality executives convened to champion female empowerment and industry equity

Celebrating five years of impact Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose, and the Power of Community (MAPP) kicked off its Global Women Leadership Initiative with a series of high-profile events across Paris, London, Miami, and Washington D.C. The initiative was spotlighted by the annual Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference, hosted for the first time at WYNN Las Vegas on March 30-31, where distinguished chefs and hospitality leaders gathered to drive forward the mission of mentorship, advocacy, and female empowerment in the industry.

Under the leadership of Joanna James, Founder and CEO of Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose, and the Power of Community (MAPP) the women in Hospitality Leadership Conference brought together elite restaurateurs and Michelin-star-chefs in Las Vegas. The event featured dynamic programming, including mentorship-focused speed networking and targeted breakout discussions.

The dual events -the Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference at the WYNN and the Legacy Gala at UNLV’s Harrah College of Hospitality-served as a powerful convergence point for culinary and corporate hospitality professionals. Drawing participants from Las Vegas and across the U.S., the programs emphasized learning, connection, and representation, directly aligning with MAPP’s broader policy advocacy initiatives taking shape in Washington. D.C.

Featured speakers included Dominique Crenn, the sole female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars; Cat Cora, trailblazing as the first Female Iron Chef; Lorena Garcia, honored on Las Vegas’ Culinary Wall of Titans; and renowned chefs Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, and Antonia Lofaso.

“It’s remarkable to reflect on MAPP’s past five years that half a million women and men have accessed our programming from educational resources, mentorship, custom road MAPP virtual courses, all-paid externships and discussion guides on how to transform the landscape of the hospitality and culinary industries into a more inclusive and thriving community,” said James.