2022 Women to Watch

Numbers have always made sense to Jessica LeBlanc who found a passion in accounting as early as high school. Now a CPA, consultant, and real estate broker, Jessica combines her love of numbers with a love for helping others better…

As a child, Alyssa Fletchinger Higgins was an eager volunteer, helping her father, Daryl Fletchinger, launch a business centered on joy and celebration. “As the first official ‘product tester,’ I’ve been involved in choosing and stocking inventory since I was…

Since 1961, the University of New Orleans College of Business Administration has provided excellence in higher education, research, community leadership, and service. From its renowned business programs to community-involved faculty to acclaimed research centers, students are prepared to succeed in…

When Torie Kranze started at the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana 26 years ago, the organization’s focus was on the dialysis patient and their care. Over the past 10+ years, Torie has led the organization through a shift in the medical…

A native New Orleanian with roots in numerous neighborhoods, Lisa Julien grew up watching the strong and resilient members of her parents and family as their hard work led them down successful paths in law, civil rights, and business. A graduate…

A third generation entrepreneur, Dr. Kim Carter Evans grew up watching her grandfather and father operate their respective small businesses. At only nine years old, she followed in their footsteps, starting her own cleaning service for elderly neighbors. Before graduating…

Many of the key leaders driving the economic development strategy and policy for Jefferson Parish are women—at Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), the innovative approaches of Lacey, Annalisa, Janet, and Kelsey have helped establish the organization as a recognized…

Kenner natives, sisters Katie Jensen and Rachel Jones come from a family of entrepreneurs. Their father taught them the ropes of owning and running a family business, which they then pursued in 2006 with the opening of Triton Stone. What…

With an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to living a spiritual life both personally and professionally, Darlene Poché Robért opened Robért Fresh Market in 1994 alongside her husband and high-school sweetheart, Marc Robért. Motivated by God and family, Darlene and…

Julie Ragusa’s passions—photojournalism, culinary arts, animals, and roller derby—have taken her across the country and world, but, upon returning home to New Orleans, Julie discovered that one passion outweighed the rest: real estate. After founding the first roller derby league…

Jolie Bernard and Kiva Reynolds are partners in purpose—both women have a passion for community engagement and making connections between people and potential. By working collaboratively, they are able to expand their individual footprints to help more people across communities…

Whether by boat, car, plane or train, arrivals to the transportation industry differ person to person. Carol Short’s father started a family tradition by working in the railroad industry, followed by her sons in maritime, while Bethany Stich started her career as…

Erin Monroe Wesley, Kristina Lagasse Sarai, and Raiza Pitre are three women who prove every day what it means to lead. In their leadership roles with Cox, they demonstrate how to live one’s truth while empowering peers to excel and…

A Southwest Louisiana native, Jill Knight Nalty moved to New Orleans 35 years ago and began her career in the financial sector, working with Hibernia National Bank and First Commerce Corporation, before retiring to focus on raising children and volunteering…

While working in television, Kelly Theard realized that she preferred to be behind the scenes. Inspired by her father, she attended law school, learning the importance of communication and teamwork before rising the ranks to Managing Partner at Deutsch Kerrigan.…

As Broker/Owner of Weichert Realtors - LaBranch & Associates, LaTanya LaBranch makes it her mission to help families create the generational wealth they deserve. Motivated by those she assists—especially millennial buyers—LaTanya was named Realtor of the Year in 2019 by…