After spending twenty-five years in hospitality as a cook, Joanna Jagger has seen it all. And that’s precisely why she set about to create Yes Shef. This non-profit agency based out of BC positions itself as a safe space for women to gain skills and level up, creating much-needed equality in the culinary, recreational and hospitality industries.
Redefining the Kitchen: Yes Shef is on a Mission to Uplift Women
Mentorship is a rare ingredient in the culinary world, particularly for women. **Unfortunately**, I lasted a scant three years in the hospitality industry, completely burnt out after years of being grabbed, screamed at, and, well, worse. Some people are cut out for the business; I learned early on I was not.
But, had I *needed* the job, or had burning desires to stay in the industry, what recourse would I have? Complainers had their shifts cut, wages slashed. I can’t imagine the position that women find themselves in when confronted in these situations. Especially mothers.
Although women make up much of the workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in decision-making roles. As a result, Joanna works to provide tools, resources, and networks while encouraging industry partners to create more inclusive and resilient workplaces.
These sectors employ large numbers of women, Indigenous women, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. However, many still face barriers such as limited career mobility, wage gaps, work-life challenges, sexual harassment, retention issues, and seasonal or unstable employment. While women often fill frontline positions, they remain less present in leadership roles.
Through Yes Shef, WORTH Association is shining a bright spotlight on a long-overlooked corner of Canada’s culinary world—one where women are still underrepresented in leadership and ownership. And there’s no better place to spark that change than Toronto, where the food scene is bold, influential, and constantly reinventing itself.
Setting the Stage and Table for Toronto
Pivoting out east, Joanna is passionate about her why and what we can look forward to at the upcoming Mississauga event.
“WORTH Association is thrilled to bring Yes Shef to the Greater Toronto Area in 2026. Toronto’s food and beverage scene is among the most dynamic in the country, and women are at the forefront of its growth and innovation. We are honoured to partner with Restaurants Canada to advance equity and create meaningful change across the sector.
Yes Shef provides scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for women to take centre stage to showcase their creations. There’s still a real lack of data and dialogue around what women are facing in professional kitchens — particularly at the leadership level — and Yes Shef is about bringing those realities to light while creating pathways for women to be seen, supported, and empowered.” —Joanna Jagger, Founder & Director, WORTH
The 2026 Toronto Yes Shef will raise $15,000 for women in the culinary field and connect 15 participants with meaningful mentorship opportunities. Look for Chef Erica Karbelnik (Karbs Catering), Chef Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room) and Evelyn Chick (Simpl Things) to speak.
The date is set for March 9th in Mississauga, at The International Centre. Tickets are $220 for the event, and can be purchased here.
Lead photo courtesy WORTH Association.