SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Across San Diego, there were several events Thursday aimed at inspiring and empowering women.
Women were being celebrated and recognized for International Women's Day - and also helping other women around the world.
As part of International Women's Day 2018, Specialty Produce held its first "Grit and Grace" event, filling a dining room with inspirational aromas created by well-known San Diego female chefs.
"I'm so happy to be celebrating women all over the globe," said retired teacher Tina Kafka.
"It's really nice to see a lot of momentum behind these really strong women and what they creating," said SDSU Study Abroad Director Adrienne Richart
"It's really nice to be comfortable to express ideas or to share ideas," said Specialty Produce Chef Kat Humphus.
Serving a five-course meal and wine pairings, Humphus, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, says Julia Childs is her inspiration.
"She is larger than life," said Humphus.
The $4,000 raised at the event goes to Project Concern International's Women Empowered Program that helps underserved woman across the globe.
"When you empower women and girls, kids go to school, family budgets are decided better," said Project Concern Internation's Vice President of Strategic Engagement Maurico Vivero. "Women are a great investment."
The chefs featured at Thursday's event were:
- Chef Katherine Humphus of Specialty Produce
- Chef Rocio Siso-Gurriarán of NINE-TEN
- Chef Carmine Lopez, formerly of Great Maple
- Chef Jordana Francisco of MIHO Catering
- Chef Elizabeth Olsen of Born & Raised
But being a woman chef is about more than cooking.
"You are using science to get the flavors and what works together and using math," said Sarah Pagno, Managing Director of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering.
Women in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – were also celebrated across San Diego including by Ramona High School's "Femineers."
"I thought when I joined I would be a biology major, but now I am more interested in engineering," said high school senior Jenni Kao.
Former corporate engineer turned high school teacher, Christine Escovedo says it's important to teach girls they belong.
"I started as an engineer back in the day when I worked with only men and I want to see that change," said Escovedo.
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Some of the footage in this video story was shot using a GoPro camera.