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Contents
Winter 2020
On The Cover
Editor: Sonia Godfrey
JLNO President Kristin Van Hook Moore's twin boys, Finnegan and Liam, participate in the Huggies #HelpingHugs campaign to deliver essential supplies to families in need.
LAGNIAPPE STAFF Assistant Editor: Shanelle Joseph Photography Editor: Ann Gray Conger Writers: Kristin Durand, Allison Gallaspy, Shanelle Joseph, Melissa Kenyon, Megan Kurtz, Stephanie Rogers Writing Contributors: Dr. Rabia Cattie Photographers: Kiki Brooks, Ann Conger, Nicole Fuller, Sonia Godfrey, Lindsey Hemmer, Brittani LeBlanc, Michelle Clark Payne Photo Contributors: Green Still Photography, Ochsner Health System
JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Kristin Van Hook Moore President-Elect: Shannon Brice Secretary: Emily Booth Treasurer: Jaimee Landry Boyd
In this issue: 12 Let's Talk About Human Trafficking: Q&A
Assistant Treasurer: Nene Glenn Gianfala Business Council Director: Sophie Martinez Communications Council Director: Lacy McManus Community Council Director: Rachel Stickney
14 A League of Gratitude
Membership Council Director: Casey Zainey
18 2020-2021 Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship
Planning & Development Council Director: Leigh Thorpe Ways & Means Councils Director: Sarah Peltier Nominating Committee Chair: Jane Dufour
4 Letter from the President
Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Blanche "Dee" McCloskey
5 Letter from the Editor 6 JLNO Bulletin Board 8 Wellbeing: Staying Healthy During the Winter Season 9 Weathering the Storm 13 Get on Board: Committing to Community Impact 17 Examining the Past to Plan for the Future 23 Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives
PUBLISHER STAFF Editor: Topher Balfer Art Director: Ali Sullivan Production Manager: Emily Andras Production Designers: Rosa Balaguer Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne Sales Account Executive: Meghan Sumrall Meghan@myneworleans.com
24 Women Leading Environmental Sustainability 26 Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors 28 League Faces 31 Héritage
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Published by Renaissance Publishing LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com Copyright 2020 Junior League of New Orleans and Renaissance Publishing LLC. Postage Paid at New Orleans and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Junior League of New Orleans 4319 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. Lagniappe Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Letter from the President
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e are halfway through the League year with the end of 2020 in sight! This has certainly been a year for the books in terms of challenges, and gratitude may not be the first word that comes to mind. But as you will see in this issue of Lagniappe, the resolve of JLNO members, their devotion to the community, and their commitment to each other have shined brighter than all of these challenges — paradoxically making 2020 the perfect year to focus on gratitude. The changes this year necessitated helped us seek out new ways to strengthen our bonds with one another and to demonstrate our inner strength. Outdoor events, Zoom interactions and even distance learning demonstrate not only our ability to adapt, but also to face and (if you think about it) overcome a variety of disruptions. Less work-related travel, fewer social activities and social distancing have, in many cases, strengthened our relationships at home and made us appreciate the small moments of life, such as running into a friend at the grocery store or taking our children to the park. Life slowed down, and in some ways, it was nice. 2020 has also been an opportunity to showcase the hard work, determination and resilience of the women of the Junior League of New Orleans. Time after time, we rose to the help each other and our community. We leveraged our experience in responding to natural disasters and our partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network to be one of the leading relief agencies for our neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta. Demonstrating the flexibility that is our hallmark, the Women’s Leadership Summit pivoted to a virtual format in its inaugural year and provided invaluable learning and networking opportunities for women across the region. We look forward to similar moments of awakening and deepened knowledge with our ABOLISH lecture on human trafficking and the revamped Get on Board program for future leaders of nonprofit organizations such as ours. These are trying times, but they are truly inspiring times. Regardless of political affiliation or viewpoint, it is exciting to live in a country where an accomplished woman of color can be elected Vice-President of the United States. Our community has met one challenge after another this year, and I am honored and grateful to serve alongside so many talented women who demonstrate resilience, selflessness, and a spirit of service to others. Thank you for your support of the Junior League of New Orleans. It is truly appreciated! I sincerely hope you and yours have a healthy and happy Holiday season. Gratefully,
Kristin Van Hook Moore 2020-2021 President
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Photo by: Jessica Bachmann
Letter from the Editor
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his issue’s cover story is all about gratitude. Members from our Provisional, Active and Sustaining classes share what they most appreciate about Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) and the wider community. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the League and the opportunities I have enjoyed to develop leadership skills, learn even more about our community’s needs, and collaborate with and learn from like-minded women. The Women’s Leadership Summit Committee deserves special thanks for their tireless efforts to make the Summit a success despite the year’s ongoing obstacles. The keynote speaker, opening plenary and breakout sessions offered both inspiration and practical advice in a time where both are greatly needed but often in short supply. I personally appreciated all the speakers’ candor in addressing challenges women face in leadership positions today. One pearl of wisdom I took — and desperately needed to hear — from the breakout session I attended is that while we should aspire for greatness, perfection is not the standard we must live up to; perfection can, in fact, be the enemy of our full potential. With such great discussion, advice and networking, the Summit was truly an enjoyable experience, and I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us next year. This year’s Board of Directors is also to be commended for its rapid response to aid people impacted by Hurricane Laura. Members orchestrated a last-minute disaster relief campaign in the midst of a pandemic to ensure that people who left the Lake Charles area with only the clothes on their backs had the basic necessities they needed to get back on their feet after the storm. The clothes and diapers the League sent to the Convention Center served as a small but meaningful token of reciprocity that our city could offer our neighbors in Southwest Louisiana for the support they offered us during Katrina fifteen years ago. Finally, although it does not appear in this issue, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee selected disability employment awareness as the focus of its recent quarterly training, which is an issue near and dear to my heart. I was excited to participate in the panel discussion and am encouraged by the DEI Committee’s commitment to considering a variety of voices in pursuit of its mission. Such endeavors represent the very best that JLNO has to offer.
Photo by: Jessica Bachmann
With gratitude,
Sonia Godfrey 2020-2021 Lagniappe Editor
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EDUCARE & CASA GIFT GIVING ARCHIVES PHOTO SEARCH We’re looking for League photos from 1990-2000. Please send to archives@jlno.org with detailed captions including the year, event, and persons appearing in the photos.
Sign up on Digital Cheetah to give gifts to the children at Educare and CASA. Counts as one volunteer credit per child. Sustainers are welcome to sign up.
THE ABOLISH MOVEMENT SUSTAINER EVENTS Register at
December 8, 6 p.m. (JLNO + Public) How to talk to your children about human trafficking
www.jlno.org/sustainer-strolls
January 19, 7:30 p.m. (JLNO + Public) It's Time to Take Action: How JLNO Can Fight Human Trafficking
December 10
www.jlno.org/abolish
When: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Where: Longue Vue House & Gardens What: Holiday Cocktail Stroll through House & Gardens (includes a tour)
April 10 When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Longue Vue House & Gardens What: Yoga Session w/ an Instructor
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GET ON BOARD Set for February 2021 Find out more on the award-winning training program and register to attend at www.jlno.org/getonboard
Wellbeing: Staying Healthy During the Winter Season by Megan F. Kurtz
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he winter season can be busy and exciting. But often, once the weather is cooler and the holiday season is in full swing, many people experience a lull in their motivation to stay active. Staying healthy in the wintertime does not just mean concentrating on your physical health, but also your mental and emotional health. This time of year can cause an increase in depression, which may lead to a decline in overall wellness. A few Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) members recently shared tips on how to prioritize your physical and mental health during the winter season: • Get enough vitamin C: “In general, I would recommend getting in adequate amounts of vitamin C (from foods instead of supplements) to help build up the immune system for colder months,” advises Taylor Burgmon, a registered dietician and Volunteer Opportunity Management Chair. This dietary approach can include citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, grapefruit and kiwi, as well as some vegetables like broccoli. • Grab a friend and stay active: Finding ways to stay active throughout the winter is another great way to ensure a healthy immune system. Since Louisiana winters are not typically too cold, it’s a good idea to get outside when you can and take a walk or a jog. “On the days when being active outside isn’t an option, there are plenty of exercises you can do right in your own home!” Taylor says. “There are tons of exercise-related YouTube videos, for example, that allow you to use little to no equipment to get a good workout in.” • Unplug: Studies show that too much screen time from cellphones, computers and other devices can cause more harm than good. Taking a time out from social media and digital devices is a great way to center yourself and reduce stress and anxiety. “There is so much going on in the world today. Turn your TV off. Turn your phone off,” says Alisha Reed, a lifestyle blogger and Recruitment Chair. • Exercise self-care: True self-care does not just include spa days and manicures, though those treats are nice. It means making the choice to build a life you do not feel like you need to escape from. “Self-awareness is self-care,” says Alisha. “Take some time to check in with yourself to see what you really need or do something that you enjoy. This can include saying ‘no.’ Don’t feel obligated to do everything if the holidays are an overwhelming time for you.” • Use your PTO: Though COVID-19 is likely to alter travel and holiday plans for many families, it’s still important to take time off if you have it, Alisha adds. “We may not be able to travel like we want to, but a staycation can work just as well!” •
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Alisha Reed, photo by Green Still Photography
Weathering the Storm by Kristin W. Durand
President-Elect Shannon Brice, Community Council Director Rachel Stickney and President Kristin Moore sort donations received for Hurricane Laura Relief at JLNO Headquarters. Photo by Sonia Godfrey.
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he forecast was ominous. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provided the perfect conditions for a weather disturbance to explode from a tropical storm into a category 4 hurricane in just 48 hours. Predictions included a 20-foot storm surge that local officials described as “unsurvivable.” Coastal residents from Galveston, Texas to Gulfport, Mississippi braced for what may lie ahead, but ultimately it was southwest Louisiana that bore the brunt as Hurricane Laura made landfall at 1:00 am on Thursday, August 27, 2020. The images that emerged in the light of day were heart-wrenching. It was immediately evident that affected residents would need emergency aid for the foreseeable future. This same region was devastated 15 years earlier by Hurricane Rita, a storm that struck three short weeks after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005. With commemorations for the Crescent City’s recovery simultaneously overlapping with Laura’s landfall, it was impossible to ignore the similarities between our past and Lake Charles’ painful present. Cue the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO).
“Our members are absolutely wonderful,” said Kristin Van Hook Moore, JLNO President. “There were a lot of people reaching out asking ‘What are we going to do?’” She explains how the Junior League rapidly mobilized its members and rallied their community partners to deliver as much aid as possible. Having experience with past natural disasters, League leadership knew the need for diapers would be immense, as would food, clothing and period products – all assets JLNO has ready access to. A clarion call was put out for donations citywide, and all hands were on deck as contributions began streaming into JLNO Headquarters, which was serving as a collection site for the City of New Orleans. Leila Darwish is the Community Engagement Coordinator at NOLA Ready, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. She explains how they contacted numerous voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD) in advance of the storms’ approach, but JLNO was the first to respond. Leila continues by saying, “JLNO was also the first organization to offer to serve as a donation drop off location for the City of New Orleans,
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“I am so inspired by the New Orleans community who continue to show up, day in and day out, and give back.” - Rachel Stickney, JLNO Community Council Director first with diapers and feminine hygiene products, and then with clothing. This was incredibly helpful as many New Orleanians wanted to help evacuees with donations.” She was especially impressed by the Junior League’s ability to spring into action when faced with specific needs, saying, “When I told Kristin Moore that strollers were in very high demand, JLNO mobilized to purchase and donate strollers rapidly. Every one of the strollers donated was greeted with such relief and joy from evacuees, and we cannot thank you all enough for filling that need for the mothers and little ones!” Rachel Stickney, JLNO Community Council Director, bore witness to this astonishing generosity. She spent the first several days after landfall diligently keeping members updated on how to participate in the recovery effort. She connected with the League’s partners at the Youth Empowerment Project who were happy to make a substantial clothing donation. Special requests were made for baby carriers, strollers and, not to be forgotten in the time of COVID-19, children’s facemasks. In 48 short hours, the hearts of New Orleanians were moved to donate enough to fill three cars with aid to help Hurricane Laura evacuees. She was uplifted by the amount of people, members and non-members alike, who recounted their personal experiences of needing help after Hurricane Katrina and how they now wanted to use this opportunity to give back. “I am so inspired by the New Orleans community who continue to show up, day in and day out, and give back.”
Hurricane Disaster Relief for Lake Charles
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However, the need continued to grow. By Monday, August 31st, those seeking shelter at New Orleans hotels grew from 300 to close to 12,000 and her being housed at 35 hotels across the city. NOLA Ready consolidated their donation sites and centralized operations by moved their Evacuee Family Resource Center to the New Orleans Convention Center. Meanwhile, JLNO began applying its members’ unique skill set by sorting donated clothing into ready-to-wear, gently used, seasonally appropriate attire for the men, women and children who had lost everything other than what few items they could carry with them when they left home. Rachel states, “Junior League has a reputation for our thrift shop, and [the City] knew that we would be contentious about the donations that were sent.” This was an immense help to the City of New Orleans who had previously been allocating their employees to this task. Leila can attest to this fact wholeheartedly. “JLNO’s ability to run a clothing drive and serve as a clothing donation drop off site was invaluable to the City of New Orleans. Post-disaster, people always want to give clothes to those in need, but few organizations are willing to take the clothes and sort them due to the amount of labor and space that can require. This need may not have been met without JLNO’s hard work, as no other organizations offered to collect and sort clothing donations!” This filled a critical need, not only for the Resource Center logistically, but also for those displaced emotionally. Leila continues, “The generosity of their membership network in providing good quality donated items assisted Hurricane Laura evacuees, many of whom had arrived with only the clothing on their back and had not had the chance to access laundry services yet. It also gave evacuees a sense of comfort and choice, and we received a lot of positive feedback at the clothing donations table at the Convention Center as a result.” Simultaneously, Junior League Community Partner, Second Harvest Food Bank, quickly recruited members to fill their volunteer shifts. “JLNO has always been a great supporter of Second Harvest’s volunteer needs, but we are especially grateful for their response over these past two weeks,” says Michelle Rosamond, Community Outreach Coordinator. She remarks how JLNO members stepped up in a variety of ways – sorting food donations, preparing meals in the kitchen and even directly distributing food as needed. Emily Salzer, Food Sourcing Manager, echoed Michelle’s appreciation of League members, saying “We’re so grateful for their continued volunteer contributions, diaper donations, and other forms of support following Hurricane Laura as we work to serve community members in need.” With so many efforts overlapping, it was important for JLNO to address storm victims short- and long-term needs. Urgent necessities like diapers, period products and baby formula were a priority for those sheltering in New Orleans. Within seven days, JLNO distributed 53,878 diapers, 50,978 baby wipes, 19,444 period products
and 2,353 adult incontinence products. Alternatively, cash donations combined with a generous $5,000 grant supplied by The Helis Foundation were used to fund a bulk shipment of 105,000 diapers that would be delivered to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana in mid-September. “This will allow Second Harvest to efficiently distribute diapers to families beginning to return home to the impacted areas,” notes Emily. This benefaction is made possible by the Junior League’s inclusion in the National Diaper Bank Network. Emily highlights the League’s extraordinary ability to organize this feat by adding, “JLNO has connected their existing partnerships with Kimberly-Clark and other organizations to secure a truck of Huggies diapers to deliver directly to our Lafayette warehouse.” One of those other organizations that made this possible is The Helis Foundation. JLNO Sustainer, Jessie Haynes, is Managing Director of The Helis Foundation and helped to facilitate this grant. She praises the League and its members, expressing how impressive their efficacy is, especially in times of crisis. She mentions how the two organizations previously collaborated when devastating floods hit Baton Rouge and Texas. When COVID-19 struck in early Spring, The Helis Foundation provided the financial aid JLNO needed to provide diapers to families in need at the outbreak of the pandemic. Similarly, the human toll of Hurricane Laura brought out the best in this partnership. “The Helis Foundation is keen to contribute to JLNO and the Diaper Bank because, through the hard work of volunteers, the funds go directly to the community, without a high percentage being allocated to additional operating expenses,” Jessie says. This
Medline delivery. Photo by Kiki Brooks
confidence in the Junior League’s dedication to advancing the wellbeing of women, not just in Greater New Orleans but as an overarching principle, assures them the grant will be allocated wisely. 2020 has been a pernicious year, obstinately wreaking havoc at every turn. Nevertheless, the members of the Junior League of New Orleans have been unwavering in their humanitarian endeavors. Kristin sums up these efforts by driving home the point, “One of the strengths of the Junior League is that there’s a really strong community-minded component to it. We are an army of women who want to make the community better, and if they hear someone that needs something, their first thought is ‘How can I help?’” •
Looking for ways to help? Please visit the following:
Donate Hands on New Orleans handsonneworleans.org/ hurricane-laura
Volunteer Second Harvest Food Bank no-hunger.org
Dollars JLNO Disaster Relief Fund jlno.org/disaster-relief
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Let’s Talk About Human Trafficking A Q&A with Local Expert, Leanne McCallum by Melissa Kenyon and Megan F. Kurtz
The 2019 ABOLISH Committee presents to JLNO members about human trafficking. Photos by Michelle Clarke Payne
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eaders from the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) ABOLISH Movement committee, dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking, recently sat down for an interview with local expert, Leanne McCallum. Leanne, who served previously as Task Force Coordinator for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, now serves the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Center as the Strategic Projects Manager. What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is when a person is physically forced, tricked or psychologically coerced into providing sex or labor services. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, including children, adults, elders, men, women, transgender men or women, gender nonconforming persons, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Who is being trafficked, and why are some individuals more at risk? Traffickers take advantage of the most vulnerable populations. This is particularly true for those who are marginalized, or have a compromised legal status, such as foreign nationals or formerly incarcerated people. These vulnerabilities are why traffickers target these folks. Is human trafficking a prevalent issue in New Orleans? The term ‘trafficking’ is relatively new, but human trafficking has happened in New Orleans for as long as the city has existed. However, we have limited data to understand the magnitude of sex and labor trafficking in the city because trafficking is a hidden crime. Frequently, victims and survivors of trafficking do not come forward. Since 2016, the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force has served more than 530 trafficking survivors. In 2018, the Department of Children and Family Services found that there were 681 high-risk or confirmed cases of human trafficking across the state of Louisiana.
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ABOLISH Committee 2019-2020
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected trafficking? COVID-19 has made our community members especially vulnerable to abuse. Disasters, like a pandemic, can cause people to lose their jobs, homes, livelihoods, communities, support systems and stability. Desperation can force people to take offers that they wouldn’t usually take, and traffickers often take advantage of people who are trying to survive in the aftermath of disaster. If I see someone who might be a victim of trafficking, what should I do? If you see someone who might be a victim of trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Using this hotline is the best way to connect to local partners in the Greater New Orleans area to support the potential victim. How can I make a difference and help put an end to trafficking? If we can go “upstream” and work toward preventing vulnerabilities, we can help prevent at risk populations from becoming trafficking targets. The best means for prevention is to support initiatives that improve housing security, living wages, childhood wellness and development, equality and access to services. In 2019, JLNO joined the ABOLISH Movement, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) collective initiative to combat human trafficking. JLNO engaged and developed partnerships with Covenant House, Eden House and Truckers Against Trafficking to present a public panel in January 2020 in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month. This year, JLNO’s ABOLISH committee continues its educational mission, presenting an online series facilitating dialogue among individuals and organizations dedicated to ending trafficking. On January 21, 2021, JLNO will host an online public panel event focusing on local anti-trafficking efforts and ways the community can help. Please visit www.jlno.org for registration information. •
Get on Board: Committing to Community Impact by Allison Gallaspy
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et on Board, the Junior League of New Orleans’s (JLNO) annual training program, is set to take place February 2021. The one-day event focuses on the rules, procedures and ethics common to serving as a board member, and is likely already familiar to the many League members and members of the community who currently serve on the executive boards of local organizations. 2021’s iteration will look a little different, according to the Get On Board Committee Co-Chairs, Tara Waldron and Vanessa Berg. The program’s content will remain the same, with attendees learning more about the financial, legal and managerial responsibilities board members of nonprofits assume. These lessons are delivered through dynamic and engaging presentations from speakers the Get On Board Committee invites to participate due to their leadership within the city and nonprofit management. According to Tara, speakers at the event in the past have chosen to highlight, “potential pitfalls, red flags and education tools to be more productive and efficient.” The program is designed for participants who are “motivated and want to be involved in a community, but perhaps aren’t sure how to get started or want to improve their board participation,” says Vanessa. She adds that the ideal candidate for Get On Board’s training is someone who, “cares about New Orleans and wants to improve themselves and the city.” Participants are not required to be members of a nonprofit board to attend. In fact, part of the award-winning program’s purpose is to provide opportunities for graduates and organizations to connect and collaborate. “It’s a good way to get a foot in the door,” says Vanessa, whose first involvement with the program was as an attendee who had just moved to New Orleans. “It helps the average person in the community get involved effectively, understand what to expect of themselves and what they can expect of the people around them when joining a board,” adds Tara. Until now, JLNO’s Get On Board has been a unique offering with a local draw. This year, because of the impacts of COVID-19, the training program will be
delivered as a hybrid event, with some participants attending in person at JLNO’s headquarters and some participating remotely via video conferencing software. Tara and Vanessa recognize this new model as an opportunity for the program’s message to reach a larger and more diverse audience than it has previously. They’re hoping that the event gets noticed by other leagues in Louisiana and possibly other states to expand its impact and benefit JLNO and the event sponsors. The program’s ultimate goal is to take a person’s existing impulse for volunteerism and channel it into the ability to be an effective and responsible steward of positive change. A wider reach for JLNO’s Get On Board potentially means better outcomes not just for nonprofits, but for entire communities. •
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A League of Gratitude By Shanelle Joseph
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hile the year 2020 has been rife with challenges, it has also been a year of positive reflection for many. Current events have caused many of us to reflect on the “little things” that we often take for granted. Supporting our families, witnessing our children interact virtually with teachers and schoolmates, collaborating with colleagues from home, spending quality time with significant others and our pets, and life itself have taken priority over office meetings and getting the kids to school on time. As the dust of competition and racing against deadlines has cleared, we can all find a reason to pause and say, “Thank you.” The women of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) are finding their own reasons to be grateful by reflecting on the altruism and experiences of fellow members. As she reflects on her contributions to JLNO and the wider community, Diaper Bank Committee member Eileen Chao says that she is grateful for the women of JLNO because of “their amazing ability to hold thousands of women accountable, in many different ways — committees, volunteer, training, money towards mission, etc.” Eileen is also grateful for JLNO’s organization and collaborative skills, which have allowed her and a multitude of other women to volunteer and give back to the citizens of New Orleans. While Eileen has expressed an appreciation for the abundance of volunteer opportunities made possible by JLNO, her most memorable experience was working with Educares. “To be able to give toys and clothes for kids in need during the holidays just brings a huge smile to my face,” Eileen says. Eileen developed an interest in the League while participating in the annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Fellowship selection process. As a blossoming entrepreneur, Eileen expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity that allowed her to perfect her sales pitch before an audience of more than 200 people. Last year, Eileen served as a Lagniappe writer and looks forward to sharing her time and talents within other JLNO committees. Provisional member Shelina Davis expresses gratitude for Junior League of New Orleans’ assistance with connecting her with the community. Having recently returned to her native New Orleans after 6 years, Shelina longed for a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie, which she was able to attain through her volunteer efforts with JLNO. “During a time when people with different views and opinions often never interact with each other, I think JLNO offers an environment for being able to have open conversations.” Shelina says the League has
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taught her that while members might not always agree, they are still able to hold respectful dialogues. “How else will we grow and learn? I’m glad that I joined and am looking forward to connecting more with my fellow JLNO-ers and supporting and uplifting our community, especially our women and girls.” With a deep expression of appreciativeness, Shelina dotes on her provisional advisors, Eileen and Lindsey, and the duo’s awesome job at making her “feel connected even during times of physical distancing.” This is Shelina’s first year with JLNO, but she has already enjoyed a wealth of experiences, including helping out at the Diaper Bank, Rolling River Rescue and with Greater New Orleans STEM, where she was able to meet an amazing group of women from all walks of life. Reflecting on her own JLNO experience, sustainer April Fournier Scott feels a sense of profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve the New Orleans community as a JLNO Board member. April proudly shares that she was the first African American to serve as a member of Junior League New Orleans’ Board of Directors. “Being on the Board allowed me to understand the impact that is not only made directly, but indirectly through the infectious nature of voluntarism and the training that JLNO gives to its members to be their very best in all efforts,” April says. When asked of her most memorable volunteer experiences, April says she cherishes both her experience as
A JLNO grant purchased tarps for Hurricane Laura relief efforts. Photo provided by Catholic Charities.
JLNO Active member Cree Merriman-Jourdain fills water bowls for adoptable dogs at the Rolling River Rescue adoption event at Petsmart on October 10, 2020. Photo by Ann Conger
“Don’t be afraid to shine. The world needs your light.” -Gabby Bernstein
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a member of the JLNO Board of Directors and her placement activities, including JLNO’s thrift store and Bloomin’ Deals. Like many other women in the League, April shares that some of her best friendships have been formed through her association with JLNO. Junior League of New Orleans is certainly grateful for women such as April, Eileen and Shelina, who exemplify the attributes of altruism and sisterhood as articulated in the founding mission of this great organization. •
JLNO members sort diapers received from diaper drives across the community on October 14, 2020. Photos by Ann Conger
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Examining the Past to Plan for the Future Allison Gallaspy
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lanning for the future is an abstract idea, but several members put lots of real work into just that exercise when Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) began developing a new strategic plan in 2019. The superstar group in charge of this undertaking included Katie Baxter, Lindsay Chapman , Susan Dinneen, David Huete, Cree Jones, Kate Mick and Christine Vinson. Future forecasting is a notoriously difficult task. The new plan replaces one that was meant to guide the League leadership’s decision-making process from 2018 until it expired at the end of last year. While many goals of the old plan were realized in recent years, JLNO’s community impact has evolved in the interim in ways that the most recent plan could not account for when it was developed. Most notably, the old plan could not foresee the League’s strategic decision to transition the Bloomin’ Deals thrift shop from a physical store into the legacy partners project, nor the accelerated growth of the Diaper Bank, nascent three years ago, but which has quickly become the League’s largest community impact project. “We don’t have a crystal ball,” says Katie Baxter, JLNO’s Planning and Development Council Director for 2019-2020. “That’s why strategic plans are helpful.” The 2021-2023 strategic plan aims to be a living document and frequent source of guidance, according to Jessica Whitworth, 2020-2021 Strategic Planning and Assessment Chair. Her committee’s first task was to go through the old plan and assess how well the League followed it. “The plan looks
at pretty much every aspect of the League and if it’s succeeding,” says Jessica. And while her committee is trying to make the assessment process more objective than it has been in the past, she says they’re working with other committee leaders to, “ask what success looks like for this committee” in order to “define a broad category of success that does more than look at one metric.” One way the new strategic plan can make the after-the-fact assessment process easier for community impact projects is to be more systematic and intentional at the start of a new partnership. Katie describes a new process for evaluating potential projects as a funnel, where a wide array of possibilities get winnowed relative to the availability of League resources into a narrower stream of probable partnerships. “We’re bringing strategy and thoughtfulness at the beginning so that at the end, we have a defined reasoning behind why this project started and what the expectations were,” she adds. The new plan focuses on setting goals and initiatives for JLNO in the areas of community impact, fundraising and asset management, new member inflow and membership retention. Both Jessica and Katie are enthusiastic about implementing the plan that has been long in development. “The new plan will not be owned by just a few,” says Katie. “Everyone will have a role in the next three years.” Members will have the chance to know more about the new plan’s contents, and how it will enhance our work toward our mission, at upcoming general membership meetings. •
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Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship 2020-2021 WE Fellowship Pitch Competition by Stephanie Rogers
WE Fellowship Committee - Taylor Morgan (Vice Chair), Nicole Fuller, Kate Mick (Co-chair), Jessica Derenbecker (Co-chair), Caroline Robichaux, Kristyn Harris, Ashley Robinson (Vice Chair) Missing - Michelle Van Vleet. The committee was very excited to be able to have the finalists pitch in person with a limited audience and adhere to the CDC guidelines. Pitching in person gives the finalists a more similar experience to other events they may have in their future. We also had over 100 attendees online to hear the pitches and learn about the companies. Photo by Nicole Fuller
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n October 20, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) hosted its annual pitch competition to determine the winner of the Woman Entrepreneurship (WE) Fellowship. To be considered for the Fellowship, women must have at least a 50% stake in an enterprise that has been in operation between one to five years with profits under $750,000. Winners receive a $5,000 grant from Fidelity Bank’s P.O.W.E.R. (Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized) program, along with access to work and meeting space, nonprofit board training, mentoring, and marketing assistance from JLNO’s membership.
As usual, an impressive array of finalists competed for the WE Fellowship. Prior to the pitch competition, JLNO’s WE Fellowship Committee conducted an initial review of applicants and chose five finalists. A growth consulting firm offered mentorship and training to help each woman to develop a 10-minute pitch for her enterprise to present before the JLNO’s panel of judges. This year’s judges included: • Keisha Garrett, Principal Consultant at Gen-X Consulting Group, a firm focused on business development, strategic sourcing, and vendor compliance management and Executive Director of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
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Atianna Cordova (winner), Kristin Moore (President), Elizabeth "Liz" Broekman (emcee), Rachel Stickney (Community Director), Kate Mick (WE Fellowship Co-Chair), Jessica Derenbecker (WE Fellowship CoChair). Presenting the check to the winner after announcing judges' decision; Liz represents Fidelity who sponsored the $5,000 grant. Photo by Nicole Fuller
• Cecile Hardy Tanguis, Founder of NOLA Couture, a high-end custom fashion design brand • Jay Taffet, Founder of Gracen Jules, a venture development firm focused on start-up guidance, growth consulting, and capital raise support, as well as Airfoil Angels, a Gulf South angel investor network Ultimately, the judges awarded the WE Fellowship to Atianna Cordova of WATER BLOCK Kids, an urban design studio that works to advance racial and environmental justice in our built environment through design, community engagement and planning. Cordova is a native of New Orleans; she received her Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University, her Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership from Tulane University, and a Certificate in Community Development Finance from the University of New Orleans. As an undergraduate, she was recognized as LSU School of Architecture’s first McNair Research Scholar; she also received a UC Berkeley Undergraduate Prize for Architectural Design Excellence Travel Fellow. “Through these programs,” Cordova says, “I examined the relationship between architecture and homelessness in New Orleans and Haiti following Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 earthquake, respectively. By examining the culturally-led recovery efforts in both places, I was able to highlight how design practice that centers the needs and desires of people creates opportunities to advance social and environmental justice.” Cordova’s educational experiences led her to conclude that, “the decisions made in our built environment impact every
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part of our lives including food, health, education, transportation and housing.” However, every community does not have an equal voice in those decisions. “Design and environmental leadership does not reflect the diversity in our communities,” Cordova asserts. In the US, only 0.4% of licensed architects are Black women, and there are similar disparities in urban planning and landscape architecture. This lack of diversity led Atianna to create WATER BLOCK in 2018. WATER BLOCK Kids! is the company’s youth initiative, which Cordova launched this summer. It uses educational programs and products to teach elementary age kids about design, including architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and real estate. These projects impact kids’ overall health and help them think critically about the conditions in their cities and neighborhoods. WATER BLOCK Kids! leads with the question: “How can kids design a better world?” Cordova believes that youth should understand what is happening in their communities and have the opportunity to create a future that they can thrive in. She plans on using the grant funding to invest in curriculum development, youth experience and marketing. The panel of judges will work with the JLNO to help Cordova craft a plan to leverage in-League mentors and resources. WE Fellowship co-chairs Kate Mick and Jessica Derenbecker deserve special recognition for organizing a hybrid event to adapt to pandemic restrictions. They hosted approximately 25 people in person at Headquarters and over 100 participants online. Working with Community Council Director Rachel Stickney
M-Tisha Dillon Hall (finalist), Valerie Vides (finalist), Elizabeth "Liz" Broekman (emcee), Lauren Trostorff (finalist), Ashley Encalade (finalist) Waiting for the Pitch Competition to begin, finalists meeting each other in person for the first time and Liz Broekman with Fidelity and P.O.W.E.R. meeting the finalists. Photo by Nicole Fuller
and the JLNO President Kristin Moore, Mick and Derenbecker created a well-structured environment for emcee Elizabeth Broekman, Assistant Vice President of Fidelity Bank and Director of P.O.W.E.R. Broekman helped the event flow smoothly inperson and connected the judges to the finalists through the Q&A period; Kevin Wilkins with Trepwise continued support to the finalists virtually. Overall, the pitch process was extremely successful and provided networking and marketing opportunities to all participants. JLNO looks forward to tracking the success of these women entrepreneurs throughout the year. As Kate Mick, WE Fellowship co-chair, concludes, “I can’t say thank you enough to trepwise, Fidelity P.O.W.E.R., our judges, the Women’s Leadership Summit Committee, and our JLNO Leadership for their support and countless hours in preparation to make this year’s Pitch Competition possible and a success!” •
2020 FINALISTS
Kidz Kreationz LLC Led by Tisha Dillon Hall, Kidz Kreationz will provide unique, meaningful, dynamic and constantly-evolving arts programming for all children to build a lifelong audience for the arts. Although it will incorporate all of the fine arts into its programs, the focus will be on visual arts. Kidz Kreations will be staffed by working artists, and all structures activities will be led by master artist-teachers.
NOLA Wood Windows Led by Valerie Vides, the mission of NOLA Wood Windows is to use traditional methods and materials to lovingly restore century-old windows, doors and shutters to shine like the day they were first installed. Its focus is to save as many original wood windows as possible through restoration work, teaching homeowners how to restore wood, and training apprentices in the craft to keep the history of New Orleans intact through our unique homes.
Magic Hands Solution Led by Ashley Escalade, Magic Hands was the 2020 Audience Winner for best small business. Magic Hands product “Da Solution” is a 100% allnatural waterless odor eliminator that removes the smell of seafood from your hands.
Vibrant Market Led by Lauren Trostorff, Vibrant Market is a Clean Beauty, Wellness and Lifestyle store + spa that puts holistic health and efficacy first in skincare, services, resources, supplements and makeup.
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EOLOUISIANA.ORG THE FASTEST GROWING CHAPTER IN THE GLOBAL EO NETWORK IN 2019 EO Louisiana is a chapter in the Global Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) which is a peer-to-peer network of more than 14,000+ influential business owners with 195 chapters in 61 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.
MISSION To engage leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow.
VISION To build the world’s most influential community of entrepreneurs.
CORE VALUES
· · · · ·
Trust and Respect Thirst for Learning Boldly Go! Make a Mark Cool
To learn more about EO Louisiana visit us at EOLouisiana.org
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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS
WHO SUPPORT EO MEMBERS
Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives by Rabia Cattie, MD (Hematologist/Oncologist, St. Charles Parish Hospital)
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hould you get cancer screenings? The answer is YES! As an oncologist, I can assure you that early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful therapies, including curative treatments. It is so important that as we age, we get regular screenings for cancer. Although we don’t know the causes and risk factors for every kind of cancer, certain types have increased risk, making these tests very important. FOUR CANCER SCREENINGS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE: BREAST CANCER Breast cancer accounts for about 30 percent of all cancer diagnoses in women (approx. 270,000 cases annually). It is recommended that all women should have an annual mammogram starting at age 40 to check for breast cancer. Some women may want to be screened earlier depending on family or medical history. Women should also familiarize themselves with how their breasts look and feel. Always let your doctor know if you ever notice any changes in your breasts. CERVICAL CANCER The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Women should begin screening for cervical cancer at age 21. You should also have a Pap test every three to five years, along with an HPV test. This can help find cervical cell changes before they become cancer. If you have had the HPV vaccine, you should still have routine tests. Women with a higher risk of cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. Most women will not have any symptoms, so it is important to have routine screenings. COLON CANCER Colon cancer accounts for about 8-10 percent of all cancer diagnoses (approx. 145,000 cases annually). People at average risk of colon cancer should start regular screenings at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, screening should be initiated earlier. The primary screening for colon cancer is a colonoscopy, which should be done every 10 years, unless more frequent tests are suggested by your doctor. Another screening option is known as a FIT screen, an annual at-home screening test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
Dr. Rabia Cattie received her undergraduate degree from Kinnaird College, Lahore and her medical degree from Allama Iqbal Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. Following this, she completed an internship, residency and fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She is board certified in Hematology and Oncology and has been on staff at Ochsner since January 2020 and practicing medicine since 2007. Dr. Cattie’s expertise is in solid tumors, especially breast cancer. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.
SKIN CANCER Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, so it is recommended that adults see a dermatologist annually for routine skin checks. You should always be familiar with all moles and spots on your skin. If you notice any changes, you should talk to your doctor right away. Things to look for include changes in size, color and symmetry in current moles or marks on your skin. In 2020, about 26,500 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Louisiana, which translates to about 72 new diagnoses every day. This year alone, there is estimated to be about 9,300 deaths statewide from the disease. Cancer screenings are still essential healthcare, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping up with routine health screenings is more important than ever. If you’ve missed an annual exam or routine screening, or if you’re having symptoms you are concerned about, you should contact your health care provider to get your appointments and screenings back on track. Prevention is key and early detection is vital. •
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Women Leading
Environmental sustainability for a Greater New Orleans Kimberly Davis Reyher
Executive Director of Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), Board Member for Amis du Lycée Foundation How did you get to where you are today? What decisions, obstacles or milestones have defined your success? My family encouraged me to pursue what fascinated me. So I studied ecology and natural resource economics, and followed my love of nature and our oceans to the World Wildlife Fund and then, after moving to New Orleans, to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. At CRCL, I’ve had the opportunity to work with partners to drive action to protect and restore our coast. Much of our success has been based on tailoring our outreach to match the interests of specific audiences. We’ve convened thought leaders, scientists and industries through our biennial State of the Coast conference. We’ve engaged those seeking elected offices to share their views and priorities through our Coastal Issues Forum series. We’ve engaged thousands of volunteers in boots-in-the-mud restoration projects across the coast, and we’ve built Photo provided by Kimberly Davis Reyher reefs from 10 million pounds of oyster shells recycled from New Orleans restaurants. I’m very proud of all that we’ve accomplished. But there is so much more to do. As a state, we’re well-positioned with more restoration projects underway than ever before and have the momentum to build two large-scale ecological restoration projects to divert water and sediment to feed our starving wetlands. Even as we cope with the pandemic and hurricanes coming our way one after another, we need to ensure these projects go forward, and we need to ask ourselves at every turn how we can do this bigger, better and faster. We need to engage a much more diverse set of interests to be more reflective of those being directly affected by coastal land loss. How do you champion environmental sustainability in your daily life—personally and/or professionally? Why are these important values for our community? New Orleans is a coastal city. The coastal wetlands between New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico provide spectacular wildlife habitats and an amazing bounty of seafood — and they protect us from storm surge. But we’re losing those wetlands as they sink and the sea level rises. This coastal land loss is a threat to all who live in and love Louisiana. In this time of drawing lines between parties and people, this issue brings people together. It isn’t political. It is existential. Very simply: Do you want to live here into the future? If so, you should be calling for action to protect and restore our coast. How has the League influenced you personally and/or professionally? I first joined the League in Washington DC and did my placement in a shelter for battered women. I was so inspired by the busy, capable women with diverse personal and professional backgrounds, all throwing themselves at problems and focusing on how we’re all the same rather than how we’re different. I’ve since been impressed again by the League chapters in Hampton Roads, VA and now in New Orleans.
"It isn't political. It is existential. Very simply: Do you want to live here into the future? If so, you should be calling for action to protect and restore our coast. "
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Kristen Rivero
Chief Chemist at Jefferson Parish Water Quality Laboratory
Photo provided by Kristen Rivero
How did you get to where you are today? What decisions, obstacles or milestones have defined your success? I’ve gotten to where I am today through a combination of education and experience. Thanks to my parents, I was afforded a first-class education from the very beginning, which allowed me to hone my strengths and eventually led to a career as a professional scientist. I’ve always been interested in how our actions impact the environment, and I like to focus on the small things that we can do every day that make a big difference over time. I can’t say that I’ve encountered many obstacles in my career. Jefferson Parish has been a great place to build a career, and I’ve had many opportunities to continue learning and growing as a professional in my field. I am very fortunate to have an extremely supportive staff and a peer group that advocates for one another. That being said, when people ask me what I do for a living and I respond that I'm the Chief Chemist of the Jefferson Parish Water Quality Lab, the reaction I usually receive is one of surprise.
How do you champion environmental sustainability in your daily life—personally and/or professionally? Why are these important values for our community? In my professional life, protecting the Mississippi River, which is our source of water, is extremely important. I never flush prescription medication or “flushable” wipes because I’ve seen the impact that these items have on our environment. Personally, I try to make choices that support a healthier and more robust environment, such as drinking out of a reusable tumbler, avoiding single-use plastics when possible, and recycling anything that’s eligible even when it’s inconvenient. A single person can have a profound impact on the environment around them. How has the League influenced you personally and/or professionally? JLNO has influenced me in so many ways. The greatest by far is the number of women I’ve met that work in different professions. I’ve met chefs, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs that each have unique life experiences. I truly believe this is what makes the group of women in the League such a great asset to other members and the Greater New Orleans area.
Gabriel Virdure Architect, AIA
How did you get to where you are today? What decisions, obstacles or milestones have defined your success? A lot of it has to do with the supportive environment I work in. When you work with people you believe in and they believe in you, then it allows you to grow professionally. Working for women most of my career has definitely helped my confidence in this profession. Big milestones for me were getting my architectural license and becoming an associate at my firm.
Photo provided by Gabriel Virdure
How do you champion environmental sustainability in your daily life—personally and/or professionally? Why are these important values for our community? Personally, by looking for ways every day to be efficient and to conserve wherever possible, and by encouraging my immediate family to do the same. Additionally, by making decisions about buying things that I feel will have less impact on our resources, to small and easy things like recycling, composting, reusing items like bags, containers
etc. as much as possible. Professionally, by helping clients understand that up-front costs for a better design and building pay off in the long run — whether they remain the owners or not. The firm I work for does a lot of adaptive reuse projects, which lends itself to encouraging clients to retain a lot of the original character while carefully deciding where we are going to intervene with modern materials and systems. It’s challenging sometimes, but it’s worth it when the client understands that it’s for the betterment of the project. In this community, sustainability is really about resilience, especially since we are being impacted on a day-to-day basis with both the environment and our existing infrastructure. If we want to continue to live here for the next 50-100 years, it’s in our best interest to evaluate what we as individuals can do in our everyday lives and re-evaluate policies to focus on preserving and protecting our natural resources. How has the League influenced you personally and/or professionally? It’s given me an outlet to serve in the community outside in a variety of ways, which has been great. Also, it’s been a way of expanding my network of women in the community who love to serve and support each other. jlno.org
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Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors Donations received between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Support includes gifts to JLNO Programs, Annual Giving, Endowment and Fundraising Events.
Please contact Development Coordinator Paige Morrison about bequests and planned giving — paige@jlno.org or 504-891-5845
$2,500-$10,000
Jaimee Boyd Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. Greater New Orleans Foundation Healthy Blue The Helis Foundation Ochsner Baptist
$1,000-$2,499
Jennifer Bernard-Allen iBERIABANK/First Horizon Lusher Charter School Parent Teacher Student Association ThirtyNorth Investments, LLC True Title
$500-$999
Baker, Donelson, Dearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz Ann Conger Melissa Ferniz Green for Louisiana Lindsey Hemmer Kathleen Lowney The New Life Church of Christ Holiness USA Emily Strong
$250-$499
Shayna Beevers Morvant Kathy Chauvin Jessica Derenbecker Jennifer Haigler
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Carrie Hunsicker Emily Liuzza Ann Elise Lopez Ashley Morgan Sarah Peltier Rebecca Roubion Evelyn Sanders Rachel Schwartz Spearman Consulting Margaret Tufton Gabriel Virdure Christine White Caroline Wright
Up to $249
Susie Bares Henrietta Batiste Alina Beltrami Noël Blevins Bourgeois Bennett, LLC Amanda Brady Jessica Breaux Blair Broussard Trishelle Cannatella Christine Cerniglia Choosing Peace Counseling Services, LLC Pam Cooper Erin Corcoran Read Corley Christine Couvillon Lee Cutrone Saramae Dalferes Kayla Davis
Shelina Davis Nicole Dawson Sarah Douglas Alexa Dow Libby Dowden Regan Dupuy Erica Durousseau Eden Ezell Shawne Favre Joy Flynn Thomas Forbes Giggles Child Development Center Sally Hays Kimberly Hollard June Holmes-Sloan Lanier Long Hosford Michelle Huck Shelley Huff Samantha Jenkins Jennifer Jumonville Melissa Mcqueen Karney Jeanne Kolva Sarah LeBlanc Treva Lincoln Lynn Loewy Terrica London Loyola University New Orleans Anne Marchal Christine Maristany Crystal Marks-Price Holly Mayatte Isabel McCay
Lacy McManus Elizabeth Peabody Miles Krista Mincey Megan Muncy Murray Foundation (Jerome S. & Grace H.) Melissa Myers Bruce Nesbitt Dale O’Neill Ryan Pittman Kris Pottharst Cara Quintanilla Jane Rasi Kendra Reade Gerri Rhodes Beth Ann Robinson Saenger Theatre / Mahalia Jackson Theatre Maggie Salib-Barrios The Sazerac House Alison Shih St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Chelsea St. Juniors Rachel Stickney Jay Taffet Trish Thibodeau Leigh Thorpe Sara Wagoner Becca Wallace Jessica White Megan Wolf Jessica Woodruff
Bloomin’ Deals Donors Adele Abboud Kimberly Allen Kristin Alvey American Cancer Society Jaimee Boyd Blair Broussard Lindsay Chapman Rebecca Cooper Amina Dearmon Kristin Durand Elizabeth Frein Allison Gallaspy Jeanne Goedecke Phoebe Hathorn Kelly Jones Sonia Kamboj Nancy Kirkeby Anne Kock
Jessica Krinke Ashley Lengsfield Kristen Leonard Terrica London Jessica Madden Shavon Magee Emily Marcotte Sophia Martinez Kathryn McLeod Charlotte McPherson Jillian Olivero Sarah Podesta Kelly Rauser Kendra Reade Jessica Roberts Sarah Roberts Rachel Robinson Evelyn Sanders Katherine Saulsbury
Dana Schmitt Michelle Sens Courtney Sutton April Tauzin Nichole Teyah Jennifer Teague Trish Thibodeau Kelly Touart Margaret Tufton Elizabeth Walcavich Natalie Weiss Elizabeth Weston Xavier University of Louisiana Casey Zainey
Diaper Bank Donors Alexa Dow Michelle Garrison Elizabeth Joint
TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS
In Memory Of Herschel Abbott by Rita-May Ward In Honor Of Wendy Beron by Mary Elizabeth Adams In Honor Of Nathalie Dillon by Mark Greene In Honor Of Nathalie Dillon by Matthew Somweber In Honor Of First Responders by Sarah Chancellor-Watson In Honor Of Alice Glenn by Carrie Cappel
Ardyn Treadway Lofton Tabby Mangano Anne Marsala Amanda Morse Carmen Ramirez Daphne Stratton
Period Product Donors Tina Jones Nicole Licardi Savanna VanAusdale
Covenant House Donors Ashley Hoyuela Mary Wallace Shaver Julia Watt
Disaster Relief Donors Shaneika Dabney-Henderson Elizabeth Dalferes Gretchen Lozes Fischer Nidia Hill Michelle Huck Nicole Licardi Tabby Mangano Kristin Moore Kenya Myles Elyse Perrick Maggie Salib-Barrios Tara Waldron
Women’s Leadership Summit Donors Alexa Dow Jane Dufour Berlinne Franklin Emily Liuzza Monica McShan Michelle Clarke Payne Rachel Stickney Emily Taylor Marie Thomas
In Honor Of Alice Glenn by Erica Coopwood In Honor Of Alice Glenn by Elizabeth Burgess In Memory Of Teta Ina by Maria Tesanovic In Memory Of Carolyn Kinabrew by Christopher Kinabrew In Memory Of Dale Lawson by Lisa Lawson In Honor Of Jean May-Brett by Jean May-Brett In Honor Of Sarah Nieuwenhuizen by Daniel Schkade
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League Faces
L-R Staff from City Council Member Cyndi Nguyen's office, Cyndi Nguyen, JLNO President elect Shannon Brice and JLNO President Kristen Van Hook Moore listen to Representative Aimee Freeman discuss relevant legislation at JLNO's Diaper Bank. Photo by Ann Conger
Representative Aimee Freeman addresses the small group gathered at JLNO's Diaper Bank warehouse for National Diaper Need Awareness Week. Photo by Ann Conger
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The Prytania Provisionals Group found zen during a tropical storm with socially distant yoga. Photos by Lindsey Hemmer
The JLNO Book Club is back meeting in person and socially distanced to talk about Ann Patchett's novel, The Dutch House. Photo by Ann Conger
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JLNO Members create their masterpieces at Esprit's wreath making workshop. Photo by Brittani LeBlanc
Active Tina Jones showing off her finished product at the Esprit Wreath Making Class on September 2nd. Photo by Brittani LeBlanc
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Provisional Annie Waring and Active Monet Allain showing off their finished products at the Esprit Wreath Making Class on September 2nd. Photo by Brittani LeBlanc
Héritage Holiday Cooking By Shanelle Joseph
T
hanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, collectively making up the holiday season, evoke a myriad of sentiments. Those who love to shop will jump right into the frey of holiday shopping by scoping doorbusters, new releases of the latest technical gadgets and other Black Friday “to-dos.” For others, the holidays are a time to gather with friends and family to eat, drink and be merry. Since its inception, the Junior League of New Orleans has embraced the spirit of the holiday season through its Christmas Marketplace, support of Kingsley House’s Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bell Rock and Shop ‘Til You Drop, and many holiday soirees featuring some of the most revered food and drinks in the city. And we are not talking Baked Alaska! As we take a look back through the annals of Lagniappe magazine, JLNO’s loyalty to holiday entertaining à la food and drink, becomes evident. We begin with Sandy Messersmith’s recipe for Bourbon Balls published in the December 1969 issue of Lagniappe.
Coconut Cherry Chews were among the holiday favorites shared in the December 1968 issue of Lagniappe.
Coconut Cherry Chews 10 candied cherries 2 cups moist shredded coconut 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk red and green cherries
Cover of Lagniappe magazine December 1968. Sourced by Shanelle Joseph from JLNO archives.
Oyster Pate’ 6 fresh oysters (Gulf or Pacific) 15 phyllo shells 1 clove of garlic ¼ cup minced onions ¼ cup of shallots
A special favorite of mine is Oyster Pate’. Each Christmas, my maternal grandmother would make her celebrated rendition of this New Orleans favorite. Photo by Shanelle Joseph.
Chop 1 cup coconut in blender. Empty into bowl. Put milk, the other cup coconut, cherries and almond extract into blender. Cover and blend until cherries are chopped. Add to other coconut, drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 325 degrees. Decorate by placing half of a cherry in center of cookie.
¼ cup diced green bell pepper 1 tablespoon of butter 1 pinch of black pepper 1 pinch Creole seasoning ½ cup of Italian breadcrumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place phyllo shells onto a cookie sheet or baking pan. Place butter into a skillet with burner set to medium. Allow the butter to melt, then add fresh vegetables. Stir gently and allow fresh seasonings to sauté for 3 minutes. Add black pepper and Creole seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds. Add oysters one at a time, preserving the oyster liquor. Stir oysters into seasoning blend. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. At the end of five minutes, stir once more. Add oyster liquor followed by the Italian breadcrumbs. Combine mixture by gently stirring for 30 seconds. Spoon entire contents of skillet into a food processor. Blend until a uniform appearance is observed. Transfer mixture into bowl or remove blade and simply scoop pâté into phyllo shells; bake for 10 minutes or until the edges of phyllo shells are crisp. Bon appetit!
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There is nothing that boasts Christmas dinner in New Orleans like a Réveillon Dinner. A meal traditionally served shortly after midnight on Christmas, this tantalizing three- to four-course meal is served at restaurants throughout the city. The Junior League of New Orleans encouraged the awakening, or Réveillon, within its Winter 1999 issue of Lagniappe. There, readers were also encouraged to purchase JLNO’s cookbook, Crescent City Collections which, of course, provides cookbook owners with all the recipes needed to make a Réveillon dinner right at home. A special favorite of mine is Oyster Pate’. Each Christmas, my maternal grandmother would make her celebrated rendition of this New Orleans favorite. Here is my very own version that I religiously serve during Christmas get togethers:
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Sandy Messersmith’s recipe for “Bourbon Balls” was published in the December 1969 issue of Lagniappe magazine. Powdered sugar and bourbon make for a decadent desert sure to complement a glass of nutmeg and reminiscent conversation. Cover of Lagniappe magazine, December 1969. Sourced by Shanelle Joseph from JLNO archives.
Bourbon Balls 1 lb. powdered sugar 1 stick butter
1/3 cup bourbon 1 cup black walnuts, chopped finely
Mix well - chill - form into balls - chill again. Melt 4 squares unsweetened chocolate with 1/3 stick paraffin. Dip each ball into chocolate and place on wax paper to harden. Store in covered container in refrigerator.
