We’re celebrating the bold, creative, and resilient women shaping Delaware’s hospitality industry — from restaurants and hotels to catering, tourism, and beyond.

Presenting this year's Women to Watch

Meet Caroline Wetzelberger, Executive Chef / Owner of ​The Station.
Her story embodies passion, purpose, and the true heart of Delaware hospitality.
Caroline’s love for hospitality began at just 14, working her first job at Warren’s Station in Fenwick Island — filling any role she could and falling in love with the energy of restaurant life. That early spark led her to the University of Delaware’s Hospitality Business Program, where her passion only grew stronger through hands-on experiences in the student-run restaurant, Vita Nova. Eager to deepen her culinary knowledge, Caroline continued her studies at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley — an experience she describes as truly life-changing. After graduation, she was invited to stay on as an instructor, teaching cooking classes to the public and working alongside some of the world’s best chefs.
In 2020, Caroline returned home to Delaware to pursue her lifelong dream of restaurant ownership. Today, as Executive Chef/Owner of The Station and The Pantry in Fenwick Island, she continues to create, teach, and build a strong sense of community — inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals with her passion, creativity, and leadership. Her goal every day is to create, to teach and to provide a learning environment for those on her team, building a solid foundation while continually exploring growth and expansion.

Meet Vonda L. Benson, Founder & CEO of Plated Soul by Aunt Vonda.
After more than 20 years in corporate leadership, Vonda followed her lifelong passion for food and community by launching Aunt Vonda’s Kitchen Table, a takeout restaurant known for its fresh, soulful meals and warm hospitality.
In 2025, she evolved her brand into Plated Soul by Aunt Vonda, a full-service dining experience in Newark, Delaware, offering elevated soul food crafted with heart and purpose. Her proudest accomplishment to date is bringing her signature dishes to ShopRite stores, expanding her reach from the kitchen to retail shelves across Delaware.
Driven by vision and generosity, Vonda continues to grow her brand, mentor emerging entrepreneurs, and build spaces that celebrate community, creativity, and the true spirit of hospitality.

Meet Diamanto “Madula” Kalesis, a true example of dedication, resilience, and heart in Delaware’s hospitality industry. Nearly 30 years ago, in 1997, Madula began her journey in hospitality with no prior experience and without speaking any English. What started as a challenge quickly became a lifelong passion — creating a welcoming space that feels like a home away from home for her community.
Over the years, she has built a family-like environment among her employees and guests, many of whom have been with her for more than a decade. Her team’s loyalty and her guests’ devotion are a testament to the warmth, consistency, and care she brings to every aspect of her restaurant.
Surviving — and ultimately thriving — through COVID stands as one of her proudest milestones, made possible by her team’s perseverance and the support of local industry leaders.
In 2024, Madula expanded her impact by winning a seat on the Milford City Council (Ward 1), bringing her dedication to community service into local leadership.
Today, she continues to grow with her community, always listening, learning, and ensuring that the best is yet to come.

Congratulations to these amazing women!
Come join us on November 18th at this year's conference were they will be celebrated.
Get your tickets now before they sell out! https://bit.ly/WOHTIx2025