Female Entrepreneurs Win 6,000 Dollar at Cleveland Pitch Competition

• Cleveland chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International awarded $6,000 in grants at its third annual pitch competition
• Competition was focused on empowering women in food, beverage, and hospitality enterprises

The Cleveland chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International granted $6,000 in cash awards to women entrepreneurs at its third annual pitch competition, conducted during the Cleveland Garlic Festival.

The competition, designed to encourage women in the food, beverage, and hospitality markets, included finalists chosen from 13 regional entrants who presented their businesses to a group of professional judges.

First prize and $3,000 was awarded to Jewels Rossi, owner of Mangia Dolce, a caterer that provides experience-driven barista and bartending services from European marketplace vehicles; she will use the award to invest in a European-themed food truck.

Jennifer Taggart, proprietor of Lake Erie Scoops, received second place and $2,000 to buy a high-voltage freezer and generator to grow her home-based ice cream and frozen treats business.

Third place and $1,000 were awarded to Markisha Parker, who owns Parker Family Urban Farms in Warren, which grows fresh vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes on small plots.

The panel of judges consisted of Emma Visnic from North Union Farmers Market, Tina Chamoun of Terranean Spices, and attorney Michele Smolin.

Some past recipients of the competition have been women-owned businesses like Silvanas Kitchen, Daisy Pops, Mugsy Bakes, and Deep Roots by Carmella Marie.

Les Dames d'Escoffier International, an invitation-only organization of women food, beverage, and hospitality leaders, has 45 chapters around the globe.

The Cleveland chapter invests proceeds from events such as the pitch competition to support women's scholarships and grants, Chapter President Britt-Marie Horrocks stating that the event serves not only as a source of crucial funding but also as a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit fueling the community.