Hospitality Hero

TSC Award 2025 Hospitality Hero: Mecca Ibrahim

The 2025 Hospitality Hero award was presented to Mecca Ibrahim, co-founder of Women in the Food Industry, in recognition of her tireless advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity across the hospitality sector.

Mecca has spent years championing the visibility and advancement of women in an industry historically dominated by men, creating a platform that celebrates talent, fosters community, and drives meaningful change.

Reflecting on the award, Mecca expressed her gratitude and humility: “It was absolutely amazing to win this award. I give it to all the other women in the food industry. Without them, we would not be here as a community.”

Her mission with Women in the Food Industry is clear: to shine a spotlight on women who are making significant contributions to the sector, particularly in leadership and senior positions where they remain underrepresented. “We are in the minority in senior positions, but there are a huge number of women who are doing incredible things in the industry,” Mecca explains.

Through the organisation, Mecca provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy that help women navigate career challenges, break through barriers, and access senior roles across the industry. Her work has not only highlighted the talent of women chefs, managers, and hospitality professionals but has also helped shift the wider conversation around inclusion and equality in the sector.

Mecca Ibrahim’s recognition as Hospitality Hero is a testament to her dedication, vision, and impact. By combining advocacy with practical support, she has helped foster a more equitable and inclusive environment for current and future generations.

Her efforts demonstrate that leadership in hospitality is about more than running a kitchen or a restaurant—it is also about creating communities, championing underrepresented voices, and driving systemic change. In celebrating Mecca, the hospitality sector acknowledges not only her achievements but also the wider movement she represents: a growing, vibrant, and influential network of women transforming the industry from within.

Through her work, Mecca continues to inspire others to challenge norms, pursue leadership, and cultivate a more inclusive future for all in hospitality.

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