What About The Women?
Presented by Society Insurance
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By Amanda Gaspelin
I’m ready for my first day of work: I have my chef coat, non-slip shoes, my knife bag, and a smile on my face ready to go. But the thought always lingers, will I fit in? I have a portfolio, a vast array of experience, and the attitude for a willingness to learn. But I did not go to culinary school, and I am a woman in this male-dominated industry.
It always begins slowly ... an inappropriate remark here, an uncomfortable comment there, an allusion to the idea that I don’t belong. But why? Where did this idea of a chef come from, and why do these prejudices still exist in 2021?
Traditionally, women have been responsible for nurturing families and communities across the world. Yet, when they try to take on creative and prestigious roles in modern kitchens, they are met with rejection. It doesn’t make sense that women are still mainly in charge of preparing food and feeding populations from our homes, but cannot apply that esteemed role in a professional setting. Instead, we glorify “bad boy” white-male chefs and marginalize the perspectives of many women, such as those who have had the culinary arts passed down and instilled within them for generations.
There are countless stories of inequality in the industry, from being the second largest career pay gap between women and men (Glassdoor, 2019 [women still earn 82 cents/1 dollar to men overall in 2021, PayScale]), to straight up workplace harassment. However becoming aware of systemic issues is only the beginning in finding a remedy. It is easy to push these problems aside blaming something larger and more abstract, however the real changes only happen by addressing things on a smaller scale in our own communities.
Every individual has the ability and responsibility to help change the atmosphere within food service establishments. Guests can choose to seek out and support female-owned businesses. Male-dominated institutions can choose to diversify their staff and empower those who have not yet been given the opportunity to shine. Often times, opportunities don’t arise for women in the industry simply because of a lack of exposure, not because of a lack of skill level.
Ladies, if you don’t feel heard, I encourage you to move on. There will be other opportunities and I urge you to find a place where your abilities and talents are recognized. Fellas, despite what you may think about your state of mind towards women, all I ask of you is to reevaluate your surroundings. Take a hard look at how your fellow chefs are behaving and check in with your female counterparts.
Food unites every single person in this world and is essential to each culture and community. An outstanding culinary experience requires a team of people with multiple outlooks to come together and make something truly unique. With courage, mindfulness, passion, and dedication from everyone involved, we can change the story behind food service and create a climate of nurture and true creativity.
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Society Insurance has been a leading niche insurance carrier since 1915. As a mutual insurance company, Society focuses on the small details that make a big difference to its policyholders while offering top-notch insurance coverage, service and competitive pricing to businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia and soon Texas.
Amanda grew up in Orlando, Florida immersed in the tourism industry. She developed a deep appreciation for hospitality through her love for Disney and the “magic” of guest service. Her first kitchen job was in a small Mediterranean restaurant in Orlando during graduate school. After spending 10 years studying biomedical sciences, she decided to combine her passions for science and service, and pursue her culinary dream. After moving to Denver, Amanda quickly moved up through the culinary ranks, hosting many high-end dinners as a private executive chef and eventually started her own business. She loves being able to focus on her clients’ needs and is always committed to excellence.
Find more of Amanda’s work on Facebook @dreamamandine, and on Instagram @cuisineamandine.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Best Served. To achieve our mission of bringing more voices to the table, we are committed to sharing a variety of viewpoints across the industry.
