Last year, 47% of all U.S. restaurants were owned by women, according to data compiled by Boulder’s Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, based on 2024 industry demographics. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting the women who power Boulder County’s internationally known natural foods, beverage, agriculture and restaurant businesses and organizations. The following roster making significant contributions to the local food, beverage, agriculture and restaurant landscape is impressive — and incomplete. Kelly KawachiDirector of meats/executive butcher at Blackbelly“Because I received the Michelin Young Professional Award, people assume I know everything about everything. Courtesy: Boulder BrothKirstine Raynor: owner, Boulder Broth, BoulderAudrey Kelly: owner, Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage, BoulderTara Shaheen and Stacy Szydlek: co-owners, Niwot Tavern, NiwotResham Gurung: co-owner, Kathmandu Restaurant, Nederland and BoulderDoris Houghland: owner, The Peppercorn, BoulderSadie Stutzman: owner, Full Stop.