George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Three outstanding chefs from George Brown Polytechnic’s Chef School—Chef Wendy Mah, Chef Georgia Zimbel, and Chef Miriam Streiman—will join an all-female team of 10 talented chefs from around the city to create a collaborative menu celebrating women’s creativity, leadership, and impact in the culinary arts.
All proceeds from the event will support two local women’s shelters, The Redwood and Nellie’s, helping provide safety, resources, and empowerment for women in need.
Spotlight on the Chefs
Chef Wendy Mah
Chef Mah brings a deeply personal sense of purpose, drawing on her cultural roots and her belief that food can drive inclusion and social change. As she joins fellow women chefs in support of local women’s shelters, she reflects on the importance of challenging norms and using her voice — something she teaches her students and practices herself. “Never stop challenging the status quo… and continue speaking up,” she says, a reminder that honesty and courage are acts of leadership, especially on International Women’s Day.
Chef Georgia Zimbel
Chef Zimbel brings her creativity and sense of purpose to the event to celebrate and uplift women in the culinary world — something she wished she had access to early in her career, when female chefs received far less recognition than their male counterparts. “I was so hungry to learn from and connect with fellow female chefs,” she reflects, a motivation that continues to drive her involvement in community-focused events supporting women and creating space for emerging talent.
Chef Miriam Streiman
Chef Streiman’s contribution reflects her belief in the power of women supporting women. Guided by a teaching philosophy rooted in sustainability and community connection, she brings that same spirit to this fundraiser, emphasizing chefs' responsibility to uplift others. “As chefs, we have a responsibility to support community, and these meaningful dinners provide a platform to contribute and work collaboratively with other chefs,” she says, underscoring the purpose that drives her work.
Honouring progress and recognizing the work ahead
International Women’s Day offers a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still must go in the journey toward gender equity in Canada and around the world. Achieving true equity means acknowledging and dismantling systemic barriers—particularly those affecting women with intersecting identities.
At George Brown, this includes championing anti‑racism, speaking out against hate, and creating an environment where belonging is not an aspiration but an everyday reality.
Building a more inclusive future together
By supporting one another and amplifying diverse voices, we can continue shaping a community where everyone is valued, respected, and heard. Events like The Dinner Party remind us of the power of collaboration—and of the impact women make across every sector.
Together, we can help build a future defined by representation, opportunity, and equity for all.