top of page

Our Story

Recognizing the gender disparity at every level of the hospitality community, leading entrepreneurs and executives from Las Vegas’ food and beverage industry established the Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI) in late 2019. Situated in a global dining and hospitality hotspot, WHI is dedicated to forging a pathway for women's leadership through training, advocacy, and essential business and management skills.

​

On February 18, 2020, WHI debuted with a screening of “A Fine Line”, a renowned documentary by director Joanna James at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The event was highlighted by an interactive panel and a culinary celebration.

​

WHI's momentum following its launch was met with unforeseen challenges as the pandemic necessitated a temporary pause in operations. Despite the hiatus, the organization persevered, launching its bachelor’s-level course, "From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Leadership for Women in Hospitality" at institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Florida International University; San Diego State University; and the Culinary Institute of America by 2021's end. Further expanding its educational reach, WHI rolled out the ProStart course in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2022.

 

WHI is inclusive of men and women who want a better culture for all, dedicated to the research, education, and support of women in hospitality. We are committed to developing and implementing programs that help empower women to reach their full leadership potential.

​

The Facts:

apprentice chef photo

Women make up over 50% of culinary school graduates in the U.S., yet only 21.6% of chefs and head cooks are women.

(Culinary Institute of America | US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024)

Las Vegas is a premier entertainment and hospitality destination that sees nearly 42 million visitors annually

(Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 2024) 

Nevada’s tourism, gaming, and entertainment sectors employ nearly 447,836 people statewide

(Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, 2024)

​

The restaurant and foodservice industry in Nevada directly contributed an estimated $18.87 billion to the state's economy

in 2024.

(National Restaurant Association 2024)​​​

Ingredients For Our Success:
​

  • Conduct research through partnership and collaboration

  • Provide fact-based educational curriculum to emerging women leaders in hospitality from the high school level, all the way into the workforce

  • Provide networking, mentorship, advocacy and community support 

bottom of page