Irene Li ’15 wins James Beard Foundation’s 2022 Leadership Award

Irene Li '15, co-founder of Mei Mei Dumplings and Prepshift, is one of five winners of the prestigious James Beard Foundation's 2022 Leadership Award.

“It’s surreal to receive this honor, especially after two incredibly challenging years," Li says. "I’m extremely grateful to my team members, both past and present, my family, and the James Beard Foundation, whose partnership I value deeply. I feel extremely lucky to be in a position to both participate in and challenge the restaurant industry, which I love so much."