Aspen U Speaker Series - August 3

Fueling the Future: Sustainable Living in Practice
August 3, 2023 | Limelight Aspen | 6PM - Doors Open at 5:30PM for Drinks | Free Entry

Aspen U is proud to welcome Co-founders of The LEE Initiative Lindsey Ofcacek and Chef Edward Lee. From environmental sustainability issues like food sourcing and food waste to humanity-focused topics around diversity, inclusion, equity and more, our speakers explore these connections through their own experiences.

The LEE Initiative (Let’s Empower Employment) develops innovative and impactful solutions around complex social issues like equity and sustainability, creating a more compassionate future for the hospitality industry.

Chef Edward Lee (Co-founder of The LEE Initiative) is the Chef/Owner of 610 Magnolia and Nami in Louisville, KY; the Culinary Director for Succotash in National Harbor, Maryland and Succotash Prime in Penn Quarter, DC. He is a 2019 James Beard Award for Writing recipient for his book Buttermilk Graffiti and a six-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southeast.

Lindsey Ofcacek (Co-founder and Executive Director of The LEE Initiative) has worked in nearly every facet of the restaurant business, from farming and distribution to cooking and management. Under The LEE Initiative umbrella, Ofcacek has developed several equity and inclusion programs, including Women Culinary and Spirits Program; Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice, Restaurant Workers Relief Program; Restaurant Reboot Relief Program; and Culinary Education Program. In 2021, Lindsey and Chef Lee both won the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for their work with The LEE Initiative.