Established in 2018, Meet My Mama provides entrepreneurial training in the culinary field to migrant and refugee women in France. Built on a hybrid model, the organization operates both a commercial catering and event services company, as well as a non-profit entity, Empower My Mama, which provides training and professional guidance for women hoping to establish careers in the restaurant industry. Meet My Mama’s catering service provides both a stream of revenue for the non-profit, as well as an opportunity for its participants to engage with the day-to-day aspects of running a business. The other half of the organization’s funding is provided through a combination of crowdfunding and impact investment.

Theory of Change

Providing migrant and refugee women an avenue to financial independence helps increase the gender parity, economic inclusion, and destigmatization of immigrant communities.

Activities

Describing itself as a “caterer of the world,” Meet My Mama provides migrant women selected to participate in the program with 4 months of free career training through its Mama Academy. Led by a team of business leaders and practicing chefs, its courses in entrepreneurship, restaurant and catering management, and culinary arts are designed to provide an avenue to food service certification. After completing the program, the women ("mamas") join a supportive network of peers, experts, and professionals. They also access a vast array of legal, social, and administrative tools personalized to support them in achieving their professional projects. Following the conclusion of the program, the “mamas” may also join the organization’s catering business where they design a menu celebrating their country of origin’s cuisine. Ultimately, Meet My Mama seeks to transform the culinary workforce in France into one which is more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible.

Results

Via its training program, the organization has accompanied more than 200 women, representing more than 90 nationalities, through their transition to financial independence post-immigration. Partnering with companies such as Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal, and Google, Meet My Mama has catered over 2,000 events in France. These events, hosted at prestigious venues such as the Palais de Versailles and the Louvre, have drawn attention from notable figures like former president Francois Holland and others.