Yes Shef Fundraising Event Celebrating BC’s Women Chefs
Presented by WORTH Association, Yes Shef is an engaging evening of delicious food and drink from some of BC’s top women chefs, women-led distilleries, breweries, and wineries.
Yes Shef Fundraising Event Celebrating BC’s Women Chefs
- Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 5:30pm
- Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver)
- Tickets: Available online now
Along with delicious bites and craft beverages, guests will enjoy live music and the opportunity to participate in an online auction and raffle. All proceeds will go to funding scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities for women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality.
“Yes Shef is our flagship event, and we look forward to it every year,” says founder and executive director of WORTH Association, Joanna Jagger. “It brings together top women chefs, sommeliers, brewers and mixologists with emerging culinary talent for a vibrant walk-around tasting experience. As well as 15 curated culinary stations, premium drinks and live entertainment, it’s a showcase for women shaping the future of hospitality. Plus every ticket sold supports mentorship and creates opportunities for the next generation of culinary leaders.”
Participating Chefs:
- Chefs of Fairmont Hotels
- Berenice Balbuena, Tacofino
- Calia Pacle, Selene Aegean Bistro
- Dawn Doucette, Douce Diner
- Eleanor Waterfall, Cadeaux Bakery
- Malindi Taylor, Fanny Bay Oysters
- Marissa Gonzales, Hawksworth
- Shira Blustein, Lila Restaurant
- Minette Lotz, The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
- Olya Karpova, Atlas Steak + Fish
- Tamam Qanembou-Zobaid, Tamam: Fine Palestinian Cuisine
- Vanessa Lin, Wild Blue Restaurant
- Yuki Aida, Sushi MAHANA
- Roop Toor, Moxies
- Cheryl Chang, Nourish Kitchen
Beverage Makers:
- Sheereen Price & Gabrielle Mustapich, 1983 Espresso Martinis
- Valli Manickam, Plenty Real Brews
- Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association
A launchpad for professional growth, Yes Shef supports training and mentorship for 15 women studying culinary arts from Vancouver Community College (VCC). Through the WORTH Association mentorship program, these emerging chefs receive a range of opportunities, including hands-on coaching, weekly meetings, or on-site experience at leading restaurants.
About WORTH Association
WORTH Association is a non-profit society working to advance equity across the visitor economy. They champion self-identifying women and gender diverse people working in recreation, tourism, and hospitality through mentorship, leadership development, advocacy, and community connection. While women represent a significant share of the industry’s workforce, they remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. WORTH exists to change that, equipping women with the tools and networks they need to thrive, and partnering with industry to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
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