The women in these pages are mentors, role models, advocates and successful professionals who inspire the people around them every day.
PHOTOS BY: KIMBERLY MEADOWLARK & TAHJAH HARMONY
HERE’S WHAT A FEW OF OUR PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY:
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Dr. Eggadi is truly fabulous. She took the time to ask questions to familiarize herself with my medical history. She was easy to talk to, and she talked TO me not AT me, which is so refreshing. I’ve already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so.
—ANNA B.
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Absolutely love Dr. Montcalm. She has such a great bedside manner. I could not be more pleased with how she handled my son. He felt at ease the entire time we were there and we just knew we were getting the best care possible. Thank you for being amazing!
“ “
—AMANDA R.
“Love Dr. Talbot! She is the best doctor I have ever had. She actually listens to you concerns and offers excellent care options. She goes above and beyond to make sure you receive excellent treatment. In my experience, woman doctors are much more compassionate, caring, and listen to your symptoms and concerns.
—TERRI J. “
“I give thanks to Stephanie Frederic. She decided to do a biopsy of a bump I had. I got a phone call from her a week later and it was cancer and had to be removed. She did a fantastic job of not letting this go and staying on top of it. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her!
—STEVE M. “
Anne Nowak
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CAREER CENTER
EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Anne Nowak describes herself as “curious.” Curious about other people’s stories, new places to travel and new experiences to try. Her kids’ interest in soccer has become her own after spending weekends at the soccer field for the past 12 years, and she is enjoying watching them develop into young adults.
PASSION & PURPOSE
“I am very proud of the work we are doing at the Career Center,” she says. “We are helping so many people improve their lives by assisting them in finding new or better jobs, by coaching them to be their best selves and achieve their goals.” She has grown the Career Center from a onewoman shop to a six-person, award-winning department.
“I truly love what I do and get motivated by my clients’ success,” she says. “We hear many inspiring stories, and I see it as a privilege when people trust me with their stories and share them with me.”
FAVORITES
• Place to Travel: Germany
• Cause to Support: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Way to Relax: Watching travel vlogs on YouTube
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Swagat
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it.
– Martha Graham
Catherine M. Champagne
PROFESSOR,
DIETARY ASSESSMENT AND NUTRITION COUNSELING, PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH CENTER
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Catherine Champagne is a detail-oriented workaholic who loves her job, making retirement far from any future plans. “My son once told me I needed a hobby and my response was, ‘work is my hobby.’” Interacting with colleagues fills her social life, but she also enjoys cooking for family gatherings.
PASSION & PURPOSE
A main source of pride for Catherine is her involvement in the development of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet. She is also involved in Pennington Biomedical’s annual Wellness Day for Women. “We do health screenings and talks relating to women,” she says. “We get a lot of repeat attendees, and many know my face as I am always there.”
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Anything casual
• Place to Travel: California
• Cause to Support: Anything cancer-related
• Way to Relax: Staycations and vacations
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Mike Anderson’s
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.
St. Catherine of Siena
Emily C. LeBeau
PRESIDENT, JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BATON ROUGE
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Emily C. LeBeau is a purpose driven leader who thrives on solving problems, building relationships and inspiring others to reach their full potential. “I approach challenges with authenticity, empathy and a touch of humor, because life is too short to take ourselves too seriously,” she says. Her two sons are the center of her world, and her family can often be found outdoors, testing new recipes in the kitchen or traveling.
PASSION & PURPOSE
As a senior consultant at Deloitte, Emily is proud of breaking into the “big 4” consulting world in her forties after 18 years in education. As president of Junior League, she champions initiatives that address health and education in our community and also founded Teach225 to recruit and retain educators in Baton Rouge. “I try to inspire others by leading with authenticity, sharing my own journey and encouraging them to embrace joy unapologetically,” she says.
FAVORITES
Audrey Hepburn meets Olivia Pope
• Place to Travel: France
Bearded Warriors or Wounded Warriors
• Way to Relax: Running outside & cooking
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Jubans
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
The most common way people give up by thinking they don’t have any.
– Alice Walker
Denisse Velazco
CO-OWNER, MAMI’S MEXICAN
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Passionate about and grateful for all moments of life, Denisse Velazco is ready to tackle any project with her husband and kids in tow. “I love to multitask,” she says. “As any restaurateur or entrepreneur would tell you, there’s always something, so we have to be ready to add on the unplanned things.”
PASSION & PURPOSE
Denisse’s passion for extraordinary food drives her, but she also cherishes an amazing connection with her restaurant team and guests. “It is the reason we continue to strive for excellence at the core of what we believe to be the culture of Mexican cuisine,” she says. “Being transparent about our journey and sharing my struggles and lessons learned is what I believe leads me to connect with others on a deeper level.”
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Carolina Herrera
• Place to Travel: Mexico
• Cause to Support: Children’s cancer services
• Way to Relax: Sipping on tequila after a long day at work
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Mansurs on the Boulevard
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Puedes lograr lo que quieras en la vida con disciplina, imaginación y la confianza todo es posible.
You can achieve whatever you want in life with discipline, imagination and the confidence of knowing that everything is possible.
– Carolina Herrera
Emily Katherine Trahan
CEO, EMILY KATHERINE BOUTIQUE
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Driven and disciplined, Emily Katherine Trahan opened her first boutique location at age 19 and grew to three locations in three years. Her Goldendoodle Millie is a fellow fashionista and accompanies her to work often. Emily Katherine was an Acadiana Lifestyle 2022 Stars of Style Honoree and a Daily Iberian 20 Under 40 Honoree. When not at the boutique, she can be found playing tennis or traveling.
PASSION & PURPOSE
“I enjoy encouraging and mentoring others in making entrepreneurship a career path that will create a positive impact on both society and the economy,” Emily Katherine says. She encouraged the first employee she hired to open her own business and then carried her products in the boutique to help her get established. “I’m extremely proud to have had a chance to watch her grow her business,” she says.
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Ralph Lauren
• Place to Travel: Paris
• Cause to Support: Wounded Warrior Project
• Way to Relax: Exercise
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Jubans
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest whenwe cheer each other on.
– Serena Williams
Dr. Felicia D. Young
CEO & FOUNDER, HIGHER MINDS OF EDUCATION + DR. FE SPEAKS
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Dr. Felicia D. Young is a connoisseur of beauty. “I find the beauty in things we overlook sometimes,” she says. Her outlook grew out of some tough times and a complete transformation of her life over the last 10 years. “I’ve had so much support that I want people to feel that support as well. We’re all going through something,” the mother of two says.
PASSION & PURPOSE
As founder and director of Higher Minds of Education, Felicia works with school districts around the state to make sure kids are prepared for college or a career. She earned her doctorate degree three years ago and created a platform, “Dr. Fe Speaks,” to offer a safe space where people can ask for help and achieve their goals no matter what’s going on in their lives. “I have endured a lot,” she says, “but now that I look backwards, I’m so happy because my life is completely different.”
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Naomi Campbell
• Place to Travel: Rome
• Cause to Support: Front Yard Bikes
• Way to Relax: Going to the beach
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: J. Alexander
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
I stayed on my own path and did not follow the herd. I made a way for myself.
Victoria Young, LPC-S, NCC, PMH-C
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, BOARD APPROVED SUPERVISOR AND PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST, YOUNG COUNSELING & CONSULTING LLC
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Victoria Young is always eager to learn and connect with others. She loves reading the thought-provoking works of Robert Greene and Tia Williams and giving back to her community in ways that uplift those less fortunate. She is grateful for her own spirited “rainbow daughter” and husband, who fill her home with love.
PASSION & PURPOSE
Victoria’s proudest moment was opening her private practice in 2022 and focusing her passion for prioritizing the woman’s perspective centered around reproductive loss, infertility, and sexual trauma. “My cause is making a difference by restoring dignity and hope in women who may not be able to access services that are readily available,” she says. Her volunteer work focuses on the Capital Area Alliance for Homeless.
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Solange Knowles and Lupita Nyong’o
• Place to Travel: Roatan Island, Honduras
• Cause to Support: Capital Area Homeless Alliance
• Way to Relax: A cup of lemon and ginger tea, followed by a body balance massage
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Stroubes Seafood and Steaks
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
I have learned that when we give joyfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. Compassion is the key to understanding our shared humanity, and when we we create a world
filled with love and connection.
- Maya Angelou
Tami Turnley
OWNER & CERTIFIED COACH, IDEAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Tami Turnley possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit, which helped her start a gymnastics business at the age of 19. She now owns TJ Rental Properties as well as Ideal Weight Loss Solutions. Tami’s inner strength and perseverance make her a motivating weight-loss coach. “I’ve been through every emotion there is that causes us to stress eat, so I feel like I can relate to those dealing with the same,” she says. Tami’s proudest accomplishment is her two amazing sons.
PASSION & PURPOSE
“My continued faith inspires me. Helping others inspires me. I strive to be a better person each and every day,” Tami says. “My main goal is not only to help clients lose weight but to help them start believing in their own strength and realize they are better and stronger than their emotions.”
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Whatever I feel comfortable in
• Place to Travel: Europe
• Cause to Support: St. Lillian’s Academy
• Way to Relax: Watching Netflix on the couch in comfy sweats
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge:
WORDS TO LIVE BY
What if God is not doing this TO you, He’s doing this FOR you.
– Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis “
Mary Carlock
INSIDE SALES, BRECHEEN PIPE & STEEL
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Mary Carlock has lived in Baton Rouge for 47 years and has been married for 40. She spends much of her time with her grandchildren, relishing the opportunity to mold the next generation and teach them generosity. With 20 years in sales and 8 years at Brecheen Pipe & Steel, Mary has carved out a successful career in a male-dominated industry. Her background in accounting laid the foundation for her ability to thrive in corporate sales.
PASSION & PURPOSE
Mary is all about lifting others up. “You have to be happy within if you want to be successful,” she says, emphasizing that personal fulfillment is key to success. She’s committed to guiding others and teaching them the importance of kindness and generosity. Inspired by her mother’s tireless work ethic and dedication to family, Mary strives to give her all in everything she does.
FAVORITES
• Place to Travel: beaches to mountains—Mary and her husband love to travel together.
• Way to relax: book while sitting outside on the swing.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
“Let nothing that shines from within.
- Maya Angelou “
Whitney Boyd
VICE PRESIDENT/RETAIL BANK OF ST. FRANCISVILLE
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Whitney Boyd has never met a stranger. She was adopted at four months old from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in a small Alabama town, so her Southern accent breaks the ice immediately. “I love all walks of life and I think that radiates through what I do for the bank,” she says. She moved to Baton Rouge two and a half years ago with her family in support of her son’s love of baseball.
PASSION & PURPOSE
Whitney started working as a financial sales representative in banking out of college and worked her way up to being head of two branches, with a third in the process of opening in Baton Rouge. As part of Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, she speaks about financial literacy at places like domestic violence and homeless shelters. “If I can go and help one person have knowledge and education about their finances, then I’m going to do it,” she says.
FAVORITES
@Bobbiwiththeeye on Instagram
• Place to Travel: Boston
• Cause to Support: Steadfast Foundation
Scrolling through TikTok on the couch
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Gino’s
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.
– Frida Kahlo
Alison Rodrigue
OWNER & VISIONARY, RUFFINO’S LLC
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Since taking the reins of Ruffino’s, Alison Rodrigue has dedicated herself to honoring the vision of her late husband and Ruffino’s founder, Ruffin Rodrigue. With a background in finance from LSU and years of experience on Wall Street, Alison brings both business acumen and a deep passion for hospitality to Ruffino’s. According to Alison, “I am most proud of how my family and the team at Ruffino’s has continued to grow and move forward.” When not in the restaurant, Alison can be found traveling, cooking, and playing tennis.
PASSION & PURPOSE
“I am continuously inspired by those who have survived and thrived after great loss and tragedy,” she says. Alison is proud to celebrate 25 years of “remarkable” at Ruffino’s and looks forward to continuing Ruffino’s tradition of “Celebrating Life” for future generations.
FAVORITES
• Fashion Influence: Jackie Kennedy
• Place to Travel: New York City
• Way to Relax: Being in nature
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Ruffino’s, of course!
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Women have always been the strong ones of the world.
– Coco
Chanel
Kanoa Jo Mire
CO-FOUNDER, CAPITOL WELLNESS SOLUTIONS
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Kanoa Jo married her high school sweetheart, whom she met at age 15 in 2007. Together, they have two children, ages 11 and 8, and enjoy painting and traveling as a family. She finds daily inspiration in her children’s innocence, saying, “It’s something we should all still strive to have.” Balancing her family life with her career, Kanoa is proud to lead a groundbreaking business that serves the community.
PASSION & PURPOSE
As the co-founder of Capitol Wellness Solutions, Louisiana’s first medical marijuana dispensary, Kanoa has been a trailblazer in expanding access to natural health care. With a second location serving the Baton Rouge region, Capitol is breaking barriers and challenging the stigma surrounding medical marijuana. The dispensary proudly supports a diverse community, with women being its most common patients, and stands as a trusted resource for those seeking effective, compassionate care. Kanoa’s dedication to education, empowerment and meaningful change drives both her success and the impact of Capitol Wellness Solutions.
FAVORITES
• Place to Travel: Anywhere with her family, making memories together.
• Cause to support: American Heart AssociationLouisiana and OLOL Children’s Hospital
• Way to Relax: Painting with her children.
• Restaurant: Supper Club
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
– Mother Teresa.
Morgan Hilliard
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THRIVE FOUNDATION
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Morgan Hilliard is a wife and mother of three—two daughters and a son—balancing family life with her role as executive director of the Thrive Foundation. A 14-year veteran of the Louisiana Air National Guard, Morgan is also a member of the Baton Rouge chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Ellevate Louisiana, and serves as a board member of the Dow Westside YMCA. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, attending Lagree classes, binge watching Netflix, and exploring her creative side through crafting.
PASSION & PURPOSE
For Morgan, leading the Thrive Foundation is deeply personal—it’s where her passion and purpose meet. “When your work aligns with your mission in life, it feels more like a calling,” she explains. Inspired by her family, Morgan is dedicated to advancing Thrive Academy’s mission to remove barriers and empower students at one of the state’s only public boarding schools. Morgan secures resources that build a supportive ecosystem around the whole child. From free driver’s education and out-of-state field trips to safe living spaces and crisis support for families, the Thrive Foundation goes beyond meeting basic needs—it inspires confidence, resilience, and success.
FAVORITES
Europe, especially The Netherlands Thrive Foundation and anything related to literacy.
Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: “Power lunch” from Ruth’s Chris is always a treat
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Mindy Bowie,
BREAST SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST,
MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
With 15 years of practice as a Breast Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Bowie provides comprehensive care at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for women battling breast cancer. She keeps lasting and close relationships with many of her patients. A native of Northeast Louisiana, Dr. Bowie is a mother of two. When she’s not in the operating room, she stays active with daily workouts at Orangetheory and enjoys tennis, water skiing, and snow skiing.
PASSION & PURPOSE
Dr. Bowie is deeply involved in the community, working with organizations like the ECHO Alliance, Breastoration, and Mammothons. “I have dedicated my life to surgically removing cancer in patients,” she says. Growing up on a farm in Northeast Louisiana, Dr. Bowie was the first generation in her family to attend college. Her message to young readers: “Work hard for everything you have. The more you put into something, the more you’ll appreciate it.”
FAVORITES
• Place to Travel: New Zealand or destinations with great snow skiing.
• Cause to Suppor t: ECHO Alliance - A group of women impacting the lives of cancer patients at Mary Bird Perkins
• Favorite Restaurant in Baton Rouge: Gino’s – One of the oldest restaurants in Baton Rouge!
PERSONAL INSPIRATION
Do or do not. There is no try. –Yoda
Heal, Lead, and Inspire Change CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO
