Girls Who Grill

Girls Who Grill Event Fires Up Summer Flavor—Rain or Shine

As summer grilling season approaches, the Ohio Beef Council brought women together for a special Girls Who Grill event—proving that a little rain can’t stop the fire. Despite wet weather, participants showed up ready to grill, learn, and connect over beef, turning the event into a memorable celebration of skill, confidence, and community. 

Since its launch in 2025, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Girls Who Grill project has empowered thousands of women to master the grill. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, the initiative brings together female cooks and influencers for fun, educational experiences led by expert pit masters, all with the goal of helping women beef up their grilling game. 

The 2026 season marks the biggest year yet for Girls Who Grill, with State Beef Councils joining forces to engage women in 26 states across the country. At each event, participants learn essential grilling techniques—from selecting the right beef cuts to managing heat zones and building bold flavor. Whether planning a backyard gathering or sharpening everyday skills, the Girls Who Grill experience is designed to make summer cooking approachable, enjoyable, and shareable with friends, family, and followers. 

During the event, guests enjoyed live demonstrations, practical tips, and beef-forward recipes perfect for warm-weather entertaining. Featured presenters, Dr. Lyda G. Garcia, Associate Professor and Extension Meat Specialist; Madeline Rydz, Training Coordinator at Weber Inc.; and Jessica Bograd, Senior Director of Culinary at City Barbecue and Pitmaster, shared key insights on beef cuts, their favorite grilling methods, and seasonal inspiration for their meal plans. 

The event was made possible with support from valued partners, including The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences Meat Science program, Weber Inc., City Barbeque, and Sakura Wagyu Farms. Their collaboration helped deliver an engaging, hands-on experience—rain and all.