The restaurant industry is one of the most culturally diverse and economically significant sectors in the U.S. - employing over 10% of the workforce and generating 4% of the national economy. It’s also characterized by uneven access and structural instability. The LEE Initiative was established in 2017 to address these issues - particularly in underserved regions such as the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Our mission is to promote diversity, equity, and sustainability in the restaurant industry by empowering culinary employment, supporting inclusive mentorship and training, and conducting research to address critical industry challenges.

Our Leadership

Chef Edward Lee

Chef Edward Lee
Co-founder, Chief Impact Officer
The LEE Initiative

Edward Lee is the author of Bourbonland, Smoke & Pickles, and Buttermilk Graffiti; Chef/Owner of 610 Magnolia and Nami in Louisville, KY; Culinary Director of Succotash in National Harbor, Maryland, and Penn Quarter, DC; and Chief Culinary Officer of SHIA in Washington, DC’s Union Market District.

In 2017, Chef Lee and co-founder Lindsey Ofcacek launched The LEE Initiative, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and sustainability in the restaurant industry. In recognition of this work, Chef Lee received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2021, and in 2024, he and Ofcacek were honored with the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian Award for The LEE Initiative’s ongoing impact.

For more on Chef and his projects visit ChefEdwardLee.com

Our Staff

Featured
Ashley Shadburne
Ashley Shadburne

Communications and Partnership Development

Email Ashley

Jen Watkins
Jen Watkins

Programs and Research

Email Jen

Janey McClain
Janey McClain

Operations

Email Janey

Our Board

Featured
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson

President

Ben Johnson is a lifelong youth development professional and community advocate.

Karen Keith
Karen Keith

Vice President

Attorney Karen Keith’s life-long love of food, travel and fine dining has led to her never-ending support of independent restaurants and farms.

Stacy Molander
Stacy Molander

Treasurer

Stacy Molander is “Trust for America’s Health” Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she works in partnership with TFAH’s President and CEO to shape and implement the organization’s strategic direction and organizational priorities and helps build and execute strategic partnerships to promote public health and equity.

Don Wenzel
Don Wenzel

Secretary

Don recently retired from a career as a finance executive allowing him time to pursue his passion for the visual, performing and culinary arts;  and the rehabilitation of the various homes, building structures and gardens at home - Historic Rockdale, ca. 1780s.

Melissa Rowe
Melissa Rowe

Board Member

A native of eastern Kentucky, Melissa Rowe’s roots run deep in the food and family traditions of Appalachia. She is passionate about bringing economic and health equity to all people regardless of their geographic location, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Katy Schmid
Katy Schmid

Board Member

Katy Schmid is the Senior Director of National Programs at The Arc of the United States, which is one the oldest national organizations focused on supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.