The inaugural M.F.K. Fisher Symposium for Women in Food & Storytelling kicked off in Nashville on April 4 and 5, 2025. Two hundred women gathered for two days of inspiring talks, networking opportunities, connection, and career building. Thanks to a roster of incredibly talented speakers, the conversations sparked new ideas and dove deep into the challenges and rewards of our current media industry.
Thanks to our partnership with Eating at a Meeting and Dame Tracy Stuckrath, we were able to record six of our speaker presentations, which are now available to members and attendees. In these videos, the conversations veer from the importance of female mentorship and what it means to be an advocate in the industry, to representation in food writing, the ins and outs of journalism, storytelling through recipes, and much more. Full of real talk, good advice, and plenty of laughter, these talks will inspire and motivate you, regardless of what industry you’re in.
Videos include:
Keynote – Ruth Reichl in conversation with Toni Tipton-Martin
Activism in Food Writing – Grace Young and Marion Nestle with moderator Kat Craddock
The Future of Food Media – Kayla Stewart and Abena Anim-Somuah
Representation in Food Writing – Andrea Nguyen, Annabelle Tometich, Abena Anim-Somuah, Virginia Willis, and Ligaya Figueras with moderator Chandra Ram
What Makes it Journalism? – Kim Severson, Hanna Raskin, and Ligaya Figueras moderated by Nina Mukerjee Furstenau
Storytelling Through Recipes – Sandra Gutierrez and Anne Byrn moderated by Cynthia Nims
This bundle of videos is available for our members for $50. After completing your registration, you will be receive a confirmation that will include a Dropbox link with all six videos to be viewed at your convenience.
Thank you to our 2025 financial sponsors, as well as our scholarship sponsors, for making this year’s event possible!
Mayter Scott Creative
Visit Music City
Tennessee Tourism
LDNY Chapter
Tito’s Vodka
Laura’s Gourmet
Finn Partners
Diana Barton PR
Nelson’s Green Brier
Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts
Toni Tipton Martin Foundation
Les Dames Chicago
Dame Susan Kornblatt Idell
