My name is Caroline, and I am part of the leadership team of a progressive Colorado hospitality group called id est. I am raising funds to send the women leaders of our company to Charleston, SC, for the FAB Hospitality Conference , a "for women, by women" high-impact leadership event. It focuses on sustainability, food systems, new technology, cultural authenticity, anti-racism, demystifying real estate and capital funding, and more in collaboration with some of the most thoughtful industry minds.

 

The restaurant industry has suffered dramatically due to the pandemic. As we rebuild, we are dedicated to making lasting changes to be a more equitable, inclusive place to build a genuine career. What we learn will have ripples that change the industry, and we are inviting you to support the revolution.

 

About the program, the conference organizers say:

 

“The simple act of bringing all women together to inspire, support, educate, empower, and activate one another in an industry designed around serving others is in and of itself a triumph, a nurturing and revolutionary act, which, in turn, inspires others.”

 

The funds will be used to cover the ticket fee ($600 per person) as well airfare from Colorado, lodging and travel expenses.

 

Here is more about the team I want to bring!

 

Erika Martinez Whitaker  is the co-founding partner at id est. She has 17 years of hospitality experience and works as a visual artist and designer. Not only does she focus on restaurant aesthetics, her attention has also been to promote sustainable sourcing in food and wine throughout all four restaurant concepts (and commercial flour mill), as well as equitable pay structures for back of house employees. She prides herself in staff retention and life enriching growth opportunities for employees.

 

Mara King , our Director of Fermentation and Mill Manager, came to us with an impressive and extensive resume of research, fermentation development, and teaching across the world. She is currently writing a book on Chinese Fermentation and you can check out her videos on the subject at The People’s Republic of Fermentation.

 

Nokkie Lipsey , our Director of Operations, has dedicated 20 years to hospitality industry training, developing future leaders, and building structure and positive culture for various Colorado restaurant groups. Outside of work, she is dedicated to mentoring & empowering women within the industry to be impactful leaders, especially her daughter.

 

Natalie Frazier started her career with Id Est in 2019 as a FOH team member at The Wolf's Tailor. She played a crucial role in executing pivots throughout the pandemic and soon became a valued member of the home office team. She currently serves as id est's Human Resources Administrator.

 

I am the Beverage and Hospitality Director. I began my journey at id est as a diner at BASTA in its early days and worked my way up the ranks of the Front of House, quickly realizing I wanted to dedicate my time to wine study and the craft of hospitality. I now oversee the wine programming at all concepts. In addition, I work closely with the id est partners on issues around work culture, service experience, and our group’s role in progressing fair and honest practices in the food & beverage industry.


Thank you to our co-sponsors who have put up contributions so far! Id Est, Noble Grain Alliance (501c3) ,and The Wolf's Tailor!


Curious about our restaurants and mill? Check them out here: 

BASTA , Boulder
The Wolf's Tailor , Denver
Dry Storage Bakehouse  + Mill, Boulder
BRUTØ , Denver