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Every year, Biz New Orleans dedicates its May issue to the women who are propelling businesses, industries, communities – and the workforce as a whole – to new heights. The number of women-owned businesses is on the rise, and female professionals are leading initiatives and innovations that bring continued prosperity to our region. As the achievements of these women grow in impact and magnitude, so does our focus on celebrating their wisdom, tenacity and dedication. Our second annual class is comprised of path-makers who are raising the bar for women professionals everywhere. Join us in celebrating this year’s Women to Watch!
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2021
Stacie Carubba ASSOCIATE BROKER AND PARTNER • ATHENA REAL ESTATE In college and her professional life, Stacie Carubba didn’t quite feel at home until she was helping others find theirs. When a tough life transition prompted enrollment in real estate classes, Stacie was rewarded with a new life and sense of self. Since acquiring her real estate license in 2015, she has sold over $35M and been the top producing agent at her brokerage the past four years. “My business is a true reflection of me,” says Stacie, Associate Broker and Partner at Athena Real Estate. “Real estate is such a personal industry— when people call me to help them buy or sell, they are calling me because they know they can trust I will go the extra mile for them.” Stacie has been recognized by local publications time and again and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America in 2021 for the top one percent of real estate professionals in the country. She credits her parents and grandfather for her creativity, attention to detail, and business and negotiating acumen. “After my grandfather passed away, I adopted his famous words, ‘Results, not excuses,’ as my tagline to both honor his legacy and to promise my clients exceptional service at all times.” Athena Real Estate 118 W. Harrison Ave., #301 New Orleans 504-507-8331 (o) 504-434-SOLD (c) staciecarubba.com
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2021
Cameron Strayhan, JD REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST • BEACHY BEACH REAL ESTATE
Highly respected by colleagues and clients alike, Cameron Strayhan has used her integrity, vast market knowledge, and disciplined sales strategies to become a preeminent real estate strategist of luxury residential sales across the Emerald Coast, specifically along the 30A corridor of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Cameron attributes her professional success to a solid combination of legal training, tenacity and relationship building. For over 10 years, she has used her powerful negotiation skills to stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic, ever changing industry. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, she spent several years practicing law focused mostly on closing real estate transactions before segueing into real estate sales. “Being a lawyer gives me an advantage in understanding and explaining to customers the potential traps in any home sales transaction, as well as the pitfalls of homeownership in communities with associations governed by extensive rules and regulations,” says Cameron. A community-minded mother of two, she volunteers her time on school boards and to fundraisers benefiting education. She invites potential beach buyers to reach out. Beachy Beach Real Estate 10343 E. Co. Hwy 30A Seacrest Beach, FL 850-687-0766 (c) • 850-231-3060 (o) cameron@beachybeach.com cameronstrayhan.com
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2021
Catholic Community Foundation 2021 WGC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: LAUREN BRENNAN BROWER (SEATED), JAN TATE AND JANE TRUFANT HARVEY (STANDING, L-R), AND DARLENE ROBERT (NOT PICTURED)
Since 1976, the newly renamed Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) has served the Greater New Orleans area’s deepest needs by connecting generous donors with charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and in the larger community. The Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle unites a group of philanthropicallyminded Catholic women and helps them understand these needs and how they might effect real change. “The field of philanthropy is constantly evolving, and women are playing a much bigger role in giving back,” says Jane Trufant Harvey, Co-Chair. “For us as Catholic women, being generous is more than tithing. It means giving of your time, talent, and treasure.” Annually, the Women’s Giving Circle chooses a specific impact area. Members learn about organizations whose lifegiving missions reflect their faith and make a difference in the community. Through the power of combined philanthropy, the group leverages a pooled fund to transform lives for selected organizations. Since 2016, the Women’s Giving Circle has granted nearly $900,000 to more than 50 organizations. Last year, the 176-member group adapted its usual programming to virtual events and put $173,000 to work in the community. CCF would like to recognize the Circle’s 2021 Executive Committee members: Lauren Brennan Brower, Jane Trufant Harvey, Darlene Robert, and Jan Tate. Catholic Community Foundation 1000 Howard Ave., Ste. 800, New Orleans 504-596-3045 ccfnola.org
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2021
Rosie Ricks Knop COMPASS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
As one of her grandmother’s over 100 grandchildren, Rosie Ricks Knop knows a lot about family and the challenges many people face when matching finances with a family’s needs. “I want everyone to know that there is a way out of paycheck to paycheck life and that there are people who care about your journey and want to help you move forward,” says Rosie. Whether in her role as Financial Advisor with Compass Capital Management or as a member of the American Business Women’s Association, Rosie is able to help both families and entrepreneurs grow their assets and prepare for the future. Her areas of expertise include Risk Management, Cash Flow Strategies, Retirement Strategies, and Business Solutions. Rosie credits her mother’s passion for helping others as well as her education in Theatre from the University of Southern Mississippi for helping her become the leader and mentor she is today. “Many misunderstand what you gain from a degree in Theatre, but I truly learned who I was as a person there,” she says. “I learned how to be a business woman, how to run a meeting, how to lead major projects, what true teamwork looks like, and how to truly do more with less.” Compass Capital Management 3445 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 1000, Metairie, LA 70002 504-322-7870 rosie@compasscapitalweb.com www.compasscapitalweb.com Rosie is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Compass Capital Management is independently owned and operated. Tracking# 3546858 DOFU 04-2021
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2021
Carrita TannerCloud FOUNDER AND CEO • CREATIVITY JUSTIFIED AND CARRITA CLOUD & ASSOCIATES With an innate creative drive and years of experience in strategic planning and brand management, Carrita TannerCloud is a perfect fit for the advertising industry, where creativity and innovation provide constant inspiration. “To have the opportunity to assist businesses and organizations in scaling their businesses through impactful advertising campaigns, creative branding and innovative software solutions is something I enjoy every day,” says Carrita, Founder & CEO of Creativity Justified. “My mission is to help build brands that serve clients’ audiences as opposed to just selling to those audiences.” This approach has earned Carrita and Creativity Justified recognition as the 2020 Newsmaker of the Year in Advertising by New Orleans CityBusiness. Additionally, Governor John Bel Edwards recognized Creativity Justified for its participation in the LED Mentor Protégé Pilot Program with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. Carrita credits her parents for her persaeverance, work ethic, patience, and compassion, all tools that were essential in not only protecting and growing her company during the pandemic but also doing the same for her clientele. Creativity Justified pivoted to offer more services, including business strategy/ development and consulting along with digital marketing solutions. Each summer, Creativity Justified sponsors an internship program in addition to community engagement activities within the Lakeshore Villages community and surrounding areas. Creativity Justified 1310 Brownswitch Rd. Ste. D, Slidell 844-3-CREATE (327-3283) creativityjustified.com
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2021
Linele Barrow PRESIDENT/CEO • DRC STAFFING
A natural problem solver, New Orleans native Linele Barrow’s journey to President/CEO of DRC Staffing began with just that: a problem that needed solving. “After working for several staffing agencies—in my experience as a black woman searching for accounting jobs—I was passed over for jobs that I was qualified for and offered lower paying jobs as compared to my peers of equal experience,” she says. Frustrated with the lack of visibility and appreciation, Linele was struck with an idea, a solution for helping herself and others. With DRC Staffing, she created a candidate-focused agency providing premier staffing solutions for accounting, healthcare, and construction professionals. “My clients are important to me, but my candidates are just as important,” says Linele. “I want to make sure they are heard, valued, and appreciated for their talents.” Linele credits all the people she’s encountered in life—her supportive father, Lionel Barrow, Jr., her inspiring children, and even those individuals who brought difficult life lessons—for making her who she is today. “I have always dreamed of returning the blessings to others, helping others how I have been helped along my journey,” she says. “My company affords me the opportunity to do that.” DRC Staffing 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste.160, Metairie 504-273-0330 drcstaffinggroup.com
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2021
Marguerite Oestreicher EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR • NEW ORLEANS AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
A former business development analyst, ad agency executive, magazine publisher, and art gallery owner, Marguerite Oestreicher took a unique and circuitous path into nonprofit management. While this doesn’t sound like a likely resume for a nonprofit housing leader, she credits every life experience she’s had as helpful and relevant to where she is today. At a young age, Marguerite accompanied her father on a genetics research trip to the Mississippi Delta, where he conducted interviews with sharecropper families about sickle cell anemia. This early exposure to abject poverty—something she didn’t fully understand at the time—left an impression on young Marguerite that would influence her future. Later, during Hurricane Katrina, Marguerite lost her home like thousands of others, triggering a reset of priorities and purpose. “Recognizing our mutual dependence on one another and on access to contacts and opportunities made me want to effect change and make a positive impact,” she says. She went back to school to study nonprofit management and never looked back. Despite the pandemic, Marguerite and her team are focused on building a stronger future for the city they all love. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity will be introducing new ways to build and new programs later this year. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity 2900 Elysian Fields, New Orleans 504-861-2077 habitat-nola.org
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2021
Claudia Dixon CONSULTANT AND SENIOR ACCOUNTANT • J BECK ACCOUNTING & CONSULTING
From the time she was young, Claudia Dixon has always been… clever. Raised by an educator, she was told she was “wise beyond her years,” attributed to an inquisitive mind and persistent spirit. Her road to accounting somehow started as a love for math while she attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School and later, St. Joseph’s Academy, both in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Years later, she put those same skills to use during her tenure in banking and finance. After 12 years in the corporate environment, the Baton Rouge native decided to apply her knowledge of financial analysis, management and accounting to her own firm, J Beck Accounting & Consulting, which provides full-service accounting solutions to individuals and businesses. Services include grant management, budgeting, payroll and financial coaching. “I veered towards accounting because I love working with numbers—they’re so conclusive,” she says. “Also, the transition from banking to my own accounting firm was easier for my customers to digest.” In addition to working as a consultant and accountant, Claudia is the co-founder of Music and Money, a non-profit that promotes financial and arts education using concepts found in popular music lyrics. The signature fundraiser, Emerald City, happens annually in May. A devoted mother of four, the primary focus throughout her life and career has been communitybetterment through financial empowerment. Her aspirations are to continue investing in the communities where she lives and raises her children. J Beck Accounting 501 Government St., Ste. 105 Baton Rouge 225-380-0387 jbeckaccounting.com 52
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2021
Kelly Waltemath REALTOR • TEAM LEADER • MANAGING MEMBER/OWNER • THE KELLY WALTEMATH GROUP LLC
Kelly Waltemath still views every workday as different and special after a childhood tied to real estate and a seven-year career in the industry that began immediately after college. The young girl that grew up walking and biking in the neighborhoods her father and grandfather developed, eyeing the homes under construction with curiosity and enthusiasm, today specializes in new construction herself and is a Realtor and Managing Member/Owner of the Kelly Waltemath Group, LLC. “Every aspect of the real estate business fascinates me and excites me,” says Kelly. “I love everything about it—from interior design to flipping homes to frequently working with homebuilders to build custom homes from scratch. Seeing a client walk in a home and have that ‘it’s the one’ face is the cherry on top.” After graduating LSU in 2014, Kelly joined Keller Williams and hasn’t looked back. She has been a top producer at Keller Williams five years in a row and has consistently been in the top five percent of realtors in the Gulf States Region. More than a buying or selling agent, Kelly enjoys the business of real estate, growing her team and company just as her family did. “I consider myself much more than a Realtor to my clients—I endeavor to be a friend for life,” she says. Kelly Waltemath | Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville 504-236-8587 kellywaltemath@gmail.com • kellywaltemath.com
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2021
Brittany Major PRESIDENT/CEO • MAJOR SERVICES
Leaders learn from experience, and Brittany Major has spent a lifetime observing, implementing, learning and growing as both a person and a businesswoman. “I like to think that I’ve evolved and taken lessons from all of my professional experiences, beginning with my very first job in high school,” she says. With an extensive and accomplished resume of global finance and banking experience, Brittany is now at the helm of Major Services, Inc. a family-owned and operated IT firm founded by her father, Bobby Major, Jr., in 1994. Brittany understands how evolving technology can improve or impede a business and its operations, and she looks forward to taking her family’s business to the next level. Major Services is well-equipped to tailor IT systems and related manual processes to support the business needs of private or public organizations. Their suite of services includes: business process re-engineering with the goal of analyzing company workflows and improving productivity, managed service provider solutions for administering a variety of systems, and staff augmentation to respond to client needs. Major Services 2751 Toulouse Street, New Orleans 504-488-1300 majorservicesinc.com
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2021
Angela Morton, AIA PRINCIPAL • MATHES BRIERRE ARCHITECTS
Interested in both the scientific advancement of building and design as well as the artistic creation of beauty, Angela Morton found architecture to be an ideal intersection of both as a young student at the University of Virginia. “The idea that architecture could be of the world and also made to protect us from the world, that architecture was a part of nature but also what set us apart from the natural world really appealed to me,” she says. Angela takes a both and—not either or—approach to life and enjoys the collaborative nature of her Mathes Brierre team. Whether working with architects, designers, clients, contractors or craftsmen, being able to draw out the best from collaborators and make a safe space for open dialogue is key—it always produces something bigger. Always observing, Angela also enjoys seeing how people use their space over time. “Mathes Brierre has been in practice for more than 125 years,” she says. “It’s rewarding to renovate projects that are part of the firm’s portfolio, to see how well things have adapted to changing times and needs.” Angela is a graduate of the NORLI program, a member of the AIA, and Past President of AIA New Orleans and AIA Louisiana. She is LEED accredited and NCARB Certified. Mathes Brierre Architects 201 St. Charles Avenue, Ste. 4100, New Orleans 504-586-9303 mathesbrierre.com
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2021
Victoria Carney Rodriguez MONKEY MONKEY COFFEE & TEA
Victoria Carney Rodriguez entered Monkey Monkey Coffee & Tea in 2015 to apply for a job at the urging of her friend, an employee of the quaint Mid City shop. The moment she stepped through the doors, Monkey Monkey immediately felt like home. That day, Victoria was hired as a barista shift lead, and four short years later she was offered the opportunity to take full ownership of the business. “I’ve had a love for coffee my whole life,” says Victoria, “My grandmother gave it to me as a young child, and I have always associated it with love, family, gathering and the start of a productive day.” Victoria now shares her passion for coffee and food with her own blossoming family and community at Monkey Monkey, and it’s important to her to employ people who share that same passion. “Everything we serve is handmade, and love for our craft is essential,” she says. Victoria feels her mission as a business owner is to give employees, products, and customers the respect and attention they deserve. Monkey Monkey’s positive, warm environment is no doubt the result of her openness to growth, self-improvement, and the changes we all face in life. Monkey Monkey Coffee & Tea 4641 S. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans 504-324-4899 monkeymonkeynola.com @monkeymonkeynola
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2021
Elaine Garvey, LLB, MLA, ACA, CPA DIRECTOR • POSTLETHWAITE & NETTERVILLE
A native of Northern Ireland, Elaine Garvey’s path to working in New Orleans at one of the top 100 CPA firms in the country was not one she envisioned. As a student of the liberal arts and law, Elaine refined her knowledge and skill in a variety of subjects, and as a student of the world, travelling for months on a shoe-string budget, Elaine refined her world-view. Elaine’s education and experience led her to a 20-year career with a global accounting firm. Today, she serves as a Director at Postlethwaite & Netterville, a large regional firm whose people made her feel right at home. “Working with so many great people over the years has been key to my success,” says Elaine. “Leaders gave me a place at the table when perhaps I wasn’t the most obvious choice, and that’s what I want to carry forward,” she says. At Postlethwaite & Netterville, Elaine’s client roster is largely nonprofit, education, and community-focused organizations. Elaine also serves on several boards, including the board of the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities. Postlethwaite & Netterville 1 Galleria Blvd., Ste. 2100, Metairie 504-837-5990 pncpa.com
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2021
Megan Naccari OWNER/CEO AND AESTHETICIAN • SAINTLY SKIN
Megan Naccari always knew she wanted to own her own business, and at the age of 22, while attending John Jay Beauty College, she wrote her first business plan. Seven years later, Megan is Owner/CEO and Aesthetician at Saintly Skin, a medical spa that employs one doctor, two nurse practitioners, two aestheticians, a massage therapist, and administrative staff. “My father was always self-employed, and growing up, I always admired his compassion for his employees—he taught me to be patient and kind with my employees and my customers,” says Megan. “I have a successful business thanks to his guidance.” At Saintly Skin, Megan and her team use quality products and state-of-theart medical equipment, providing effective skin and body treatments to help people look and feel their best. The team prides itself on and is distinguished by its robust training and education. “I look forward to my clients returning, ecstatic with their results,” says Megan. I genuinely enjoy my work and turning customers into friends.” During the pandemic, Saintly Skin was proud to distribute over 600 free to-go facials for frontline workers experiencing skin issues from wearing masks and PPE. Saintly Skin 3000 Kingman St., Ste. 101, Metairie 504-475-5510 saintlyskin.com
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2021
Rosalind Thibodeaux BROKER • THIBODEAUX REED REALTY • CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT B HOPEFUL Life is made up of chapters, and perhaps no one knows that better than Rosalind Thibodeaux, Broker at Thibodeaux Reed Realty and New Orleans City Council District B hopeful. The Council candidate and real estate broker reflects candidly on her non-traditional pathway, from early days as a rebellious teen and young adult, to a more responsible student and employee, before arriving at devoted mother with a drive to serve. “My success came because there was no other choice—I was tired of letting people down, and I wanted my children to have someone they could be proud of,” says Rosalind. Today, Rosalind calls herself the most rewarded Realtor, not because of her list of professional accomplishments but because of her ability to be there for her children and family. “My children influence how I guide others,” says Rosalind. “I lead in a way that I want them to lead. I follow when I should, admit when I am wrong, and don’t take on more than I can handle. I am honest before all else.” Rosalind’s new chapter in politics began in storybook fashion with a strange encounter with a generous homeless man at a Mardi Gras parade. What happens next? She looks forward to finding out. Thibodeaux Reed Realty 504-354-8462 (o) 337-658-0181 (c) thibodeauxreed.com
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2021
Michelle Denice Craig OWNER OF TLG AND MANAGING ATTORNEY, DAUGHTER | SISTER | IDEALIST | SOCIAL ACTIVIST
Growing up, Michelle Craig had friends and family members who had a lot of negative experiences with lawyers, but when she learned that the profession included freedom fighters, social activists, politicians, change-makers and entrepreneurs, she realized law school could be a springboard to other worlds. As Owner and Managing Attorney at Transcendent Law Group (TLG), Michelle works in areas where she shares a passion—areas that influence the fabric of society—such as labor and employment law, small businesses/entrepreneur law, and education law. “Empathy and understanding are important, says Michelle. “I am tough and effective, but that doesn’t negate my ability to have compassion and see the big picture in a legal situation.” Michelle has moved and traveled extensively, living in the Gulf South and studying in Baton Rouge and Aix en Provence, France. These travels taught her that people want the same things— happiness, love, justice, and equality— and that we have more in common with one another than differences. This understanding, combined with TLG’s quality collaborative approach, has garnered her and her firm frequent recognition and a reputation for sparking innovation, getting results, and leading future generations. TLG is committed to service. Michelle started an organization called DiversiTea, and TLG supports others like UNCF, Dress for Success, and The Innocence Project. Transcendent Law Group 1441 Canal Street, Ste. 317, New Orleans 504-459-4557 tlg.law
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2021
Woodhouse Day Spa (L-R) DANIELLE MCGEE, HEATHER HORTON, DOMONIQUE OVIDE, LOREN CAROLLO
Recognized by Gambit Weekly, Where Y’at, and New Orleans Magazine as one of the top day spas in Greater New Orleans, Woodhouse Day Spa has also been ranked a Top Workplace in the Times-Picayune four years in a row. The Spa Directors of its four locations are key to the company’s success and the spa’s ability to thrive despite the hardships of 2020 on the industry. Thanks to Loren Carollo (Metairie), Heather Horton (Baton Rouge), Danielle McGee (Slidell), Domonique Ovide (New Orleans) and their dedicated teams, Woodhouse has continued to offer its tranquil, transformational environment as a respite for relaxation. “We have such amazing, loyal team members who have helped heal our guests during such a stressful time,” says Domonique. Danielle agrees: “It’s truly a privilege to work in this industry with such incredible people and the mentors we’ve had along the way.” At Woodhouse, making a change in someone’s day brings the entire team immense joy and satisfaction. “Remembering the smallest details and seeing our guests’ smiling faces when they notice is what inspires us to go the extra mile,” says Loren. “My nail technician always gave me a special escape, almost like a therapy session—that’s what inspired my journey into the spa industry and what we hope to do for others,” says Heather. Woodhouse Day Spa New Orleans • Slidell • Metairie • Baton Rouge woodhousespas.com
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