This week, Coho Collective announced the launch of a new pilot program that will see the Vancouver culinary organization join forces with social enterprise Flavours of Hope to empower newcomer refugee women cultivate and actualize their culinary dreams.
The inaugural Dream Cuisines event is a virtual seminar of sorts featuring cooking demos from three women entrepreneurs hailing from Mexico and Egypt, along with presentations from Beaucoup Bakery founder and multi-disciplinary creator Jackie Kai Ellis and Kekuli Cafe Indigenous Cuisine owner and chef Sharon Bond-Hogg.
“We wanted to create a digital forum for anyone passionate about culture, food, language, and migration. And also for those who believe in the strength, resilience, and creativity of refugee women,” explains Trixie Ling, founder of Flavours of Hope. “Through this event, we will show the community how food can bring a sense of home and belonging to their lives.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and experience live cooking demos from baker Angelica Davalos Ramirez, Egyptian cook Huda Abd Elhamid, and Mexican chef Angeles Canedo, who together comprise the Dream Cuisines inaugural pilot program cohort.
“When Trixie first approached us with the idea, we knew Coho had to be part of these women’s journeys in Canada,” says Jennifer Chan, spokesperson for Coho Collective. “Food can play a pivotal role in creating a sense of belonging in a new country. We are happy to offer a space for them to work and be part of our tight-knit collaborative and entrepreneurial community, as well as provide mentorship while they grow their businesses.”
Dream Cuisines: A Newcomer Women’s Food Business Pilot Program is set to take place on May 19. Tickets for the virtual event are priced at $20 (basic) and $60 (interactive) per person, with proceeds going toward growing and sustaining the program.
