Cooking up Dumplings, Social Justice, and Sustainability

November 18, 2023

Irene Li

 

Chef, entrepreneur, and activist, Irene Li, is a dynamic leader on the Boston food scene who has devoted her career to sustainability, financial literacy, and workforce equity in the restaurant industry. At her dumpling factory, café, and classroom, Mei Mei, her team crafts dumplings using ethically sourced ingredients, combining them in delicious new ways. With her latest venture, Prepshift, she also coaches fellow business owners to thrive sustainably and equitably. Ms. Li will discuss how she has forged a path as a successful Asian American woman chef and restaurateur, while fighting to build a better, fairer food system.

 

Irene Li received the 2022 James Beard Foundation Leadership Award for her efforts to address food insecurity and support independent restaurants. She is the co-author with her siblings of Perfectly Good Food: A Totally Achievable Zero Waste Approach to Home Cooking and Double Awesome Chinese Food.

  • Cary Lectures are free to all, and tickets are not required. We are normally able to accommodate all who wish to attend. In the very rare case where there may not be sufficient seats, preference will be given to Lexington residents. Come early for the best seat!

  • 2025-2026 Speaker Series

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