Lindsey Ofcacek

Co-Founder, Managing Director & Mentor, The LEE Initiative | Louisville, KY

Lindsey Ofcacek is co-founder and executive director for The LEE Initiative, the non-profit she launched with Chef Edward Lee in 2017 to address issues of diversity and equality in the restaurant industry. Ofcacek has created several programs under the organization’s umbrella, including the Women Culinary and Spirits Program, Restaurant Workers Relief Program, Restaurant Reboot Relief Program, and Culinary Education Program. Beyond these programs, Ofcacek has managed and overseen a bevy of relief work from The LEE Initiative in recent years: the distribution of over 2 million meals at relief centers nationwide, over $1.5 million invested in small farms, and over $3 million in grants given to Black-owned food businesses through the Black Kitchen Initiative, a partnership with Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice and Heinz. In 2021, Ofcacek and Chef Lee both won the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for their work with The LEE Initiative. The organization has also been recognized in publications such as The New York Times, Food & Wine, Forbes, Bon Appetit, Robb Report, and more. Prior to starting The LEE Initiative, Ofcacek has worked in almost every part of the food business, from farming and distribution to cooking and managing. Ofcacek was general manager and wine director at 610 Magnolia, running the award-winning wine program at the restaurant. In 2012 Ofcacek helped open Decca, working as the front of house manager and then events manager. She has devoted years of tireless work in the local food community. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner and two sons, listening to records, and hosting Southern-inspired dinner parties. (Louisville, KY)