Delaware Restaurant Foundation showcased as National Workforce Development Leader

Delaware Restaurant Foundation representatives join national workforce development leaders at the 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy DRF)

The Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF), the nonprofit arm of the Delaware Restaurant Association, was highlighted last week at the 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference in Washington, D.C., for its leadership in workforce training and community collaboration.

The conference, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, brought together more than 200 workforce development leaders and industry partners to share best practices for building career pathways in hospitality. Delaware’s work with Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES) and Restaurant Ready was recognized as a national model.

Expanding opportunities in Delaware

As a pilot state for HOPES, the DRF has played a key role in creating opportunities for justice-involved individuals, those reentering the workforce, and others facing employment barriers. Earlier this year, the foundation received new grants from the NRAEF and the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its work.

The HOPES Growth Opportunities 5 (GO5) program is designed for justice-involved youth, while HOPES Pathways Home 6 (PH 6) supports adults with industry training, national credentials, and employment support.

“We are proud that Delaware was among the first states to pilot programs like HOPES and Restaurant Ready, and to showcase what’s possible when industry, government, and community partners come together,” said Carrie Leishman, President & CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association & Foundation.

“These initiatives are changing lives right here in Delaware—equipping people of all backgrounds with the tools to build meaningful careers in hospitality—and we’re proud to be a national leader in creating a stronger, future-ready restaurant workforce,” she said.

National Recognition and Local Leadership

The conference focused on public-private partnerships that are helping transform lives nationwide. Delaware’s initiatives were featured as examples of effective collaboration across industry, government, and community organizations.

DRF Workforce Development Director Ruthann Messick led two sessions on program implementation and community partnerships. Her workshops shared strategies to improve outcomes for participants across the country.

“The restaurant industry in Delaware employs more than 53,000 people—one in 11 Delawareans—and our workforce programs are designed to ensure every person has access to opportunity,” said DRF Workforce Director Ruthann Messick.

“We are proud to continue this work with our national partners, expanding pathways for individuals who are ready to take their first step or their next step in hospitality.”

Community Impact

For Delaware, HOPES and Restaurant Ready have become essential tools in meeting workforce needs while also expanding equitable opportunities. The programs provide mentorship, workshops, apprenticeships, certifications, and industry-specific training to connect participants with employers.

“What makes HOPES unique is that it’s community-based and community-focused,” said Kenna Mask, a HOPES participant from Delaware. “It goes into the trenches. It’s aware of where the need is.”

Mask was awarded a Dontavious Drake Hospitality Pathways Grant, a new scholarship honoring the late Dontavious Drake, a member of the Restaurant Ready and HOPES team. The grant supported Mask’s travel to the Hospitality Pathways Conference, ensuring program participants could share their experiences at the national level.