We’re thrilled to share that Xcelerate Women has been chosen as the nonprofit Beneficiary Partner for Roux Week 2025—Portland’s most delicious week of the year!

Happening October 6–12, Roux is a citywide festival that celebrates women in food and beverage through unforgettable pop-up dinners, panels, parties, and hands-on culinary experiences. Since 2019, Roux has been filling Portland with flavor and community, spotlighting women across chef collaborations, culinary games, and thought-provoking conversations. This year, we’re honored to be part of the impact.

What’s on the Menu for Roux Week

Roux Week brings something new, inclusive, and wildly fun every year. Here’s a taste of what’s cooking in 2025:

• Launch Party at L’Echelle (Oct 6) – Kick off the week with music, cocktails, and bites from local favorites.
  
  
• Trivia Night at Dear Sandy + The Sports Bra (Oct 7) – Gather your crew for a culinary-themed trivia night.
  
  
• But First, Dessert (Oct 8) – A sweet night of art, cocktails, and desserts at Better Days Café.
  
  
• Live Podcast Dinner with Copper & Heat (Oct 9) – Dinner, drinks, and storytelling with Chef Preeti Mistry.
  
  
• Last Night in Paradise Party (Oct 10) – A mezcal- and music-filled collab dinner at Güero.
  
  
• Coffee & Conversation with Alicia Kennedy + Soleil Ho (Oct 11) – An intimate morning chat on food media and publishing.
  
  
• Taste Test Challenge (Oct 11) – Culinary chaos as chefs compete with surprise ingredients from woman-owned brands.
  
  
• Powerhouse Panel (Oct 11) – Always a sell-out, this year’s conversation dives into immigrant stories in the food & bev industry.
  
  
• Secret Sauce Panel presented by Xcelerate Women & Prosper Portland (Oct 12) – Hear from powerhouse Portland CPG leaders about scaling values-driven businesses.
  
  

Why This Partnership Matters

The best part? 100% of ticket sales from the Secret Sauce Panel on Sunday, October 12 directly benefit Xcelerate Women, fueling our mission to help women business owners grow and scale.

We’re also thrilled to share that thanks to Alaska Airlines, Roux’s presenting sponsor, you’ll have the chance to win two roundtrip tickets anywhere Alaska flies! ✈️ Raffle tickets are $100 each, with only 100 available—and all raffle sales directly benefit Xcelerate Women.

✨ Join us for an unforgettable week of food, community, and impact.

👉 Get your tickets now

👉 Enter the Alaska Airlines Raffle

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