DEI & Social Issues Programming

Fostering workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through workplace education and development is more important now than ever. What better way to celebrate Asian-American culture and explore social justice than through Dumplings & Discussions?

During dumpling class or speaking session, 2022 James Beard Leadership Award Winner Chef Irene Li will demonstrate how to make dumplings while discussing your choice of topics including but not limited to:

• Her experience as a female Chinese-American business owner

• Restaurant industry finances and ethical standards

• Restaurant ownership during the pandemic

• Farm-to-table and local food movement

• Food insecurity and advocacy

• Young adult mental health and grief

Chef Irene’s experiences range from organic farming to prison education and many things in between, and now, she’s leading Mei Mei through the pandemic while using her platform to improve food access for the greater community. She’s passionate about carefully sourced ingredients and high-quality jobs.

Irene is involved with a number of community organizations and serves on the boards of The Food Project, the Independent Restaurant Coalition and Project Bread. She has also previously worked with Haley House, Spoonfuls, and Commonwealth Kitchen. Read more about her here or at ireneshiangli.com.