I recently had the opportunity to attend the launch of the Toronto chapter of Camp Campbell last month. The mentorship program aims to connect women leaders and entrepreneurs with each other "to inspire thought leadership and foster creative collaboration". Camp Campbell was started by Campbell Soup CEO, Denise Morrison, who wanted to create a program that would help mentor the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs. Camp Campbell does a lot to support their members, as they provide access to mentors, encourages the exchange of ideas, stimulate conversations, and connect members that share similar passion or aspirations.

#CampCampbell

 Camp Campbell did an excellent job of decorating the basement of Gusto 101 to brand Camp Campbell for the dinner. There were red banners displaying boldly the Camp Campbell name, and cards with our names and hashtags were neatly placed on the table. Camp Campbell encouraged us to use social media and live-tweet or Instagram the dinner. Unfortunately, since we were in the basement level of the restaurant, many of us (myself included) had weak cell reception.
 

Jeffersonian Dinner

The dinner brought together a group of female entrepreneurs, foodies and community leaders who shared similar interests. We were joined by a few members of the Campbell Company's team, along with the President at Campbell Company of Canada, Ana Dominguez. For most of the dinner, we discussed various topics from social media, to how food brands and products can best cater to their on-the-go lifestyles.

The dinner was held in the private dining area at Gusto 101 (basement level), and the meal was designed to be family-style. Additionally, the focal point of the dinner was that it was based on a Jeffersonian-style dinner, which encouraged deep discussion around a chosen topic. The purpose of the Jeffersonian dinner was that it allows people to connect, listen, and learn from one another. The conversation is more or less directed to the entire group, and not just to people sitting nearby. Overall,  I found this format of discussion to be much more effective, as I got to hear the opinions from everyone there. Prior to the dinner, everyone in attendance were asked to prepare answers to the following questions: "What qualities do you look for in a leader and what leadership styles have affected you most?" The purpose of the two questions was to use it as an ice-breaker, and learn a little bit about one another before starting the Jeffersonian dinner.

 As our night drew to a close, we were asked specifically to share our takeaways from the night. Many of the guests expressed their gratitude for the night, and how much they have learned from the discussions.

Gusto 101

Arancini - wild mushroom risotto, fontina cheese, tomato sauce

Cavolo Nero - organic lacinato kale, zante currants, toasted pine nuts, pecorino, parmigiano, lemon vinaigrette

Mozzarella di Bufala - champagne tomatoes, basil pesto, arugula, vincotto garlic breadcrumbs

Spinaci - spinach, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino fresh ricotta, and garlic

10-oz Bistecca - dry aged centre cut striploin, porcini puree grilled king oyster mushroom, asparagus

Budino Bar - gianduia chocolate, caramel, candied hazelnut