NEW ORLEANS – Each year since 1986, the Young Leadership Council (YLC) has selected a group of locals who serve as role models, by actively enhancing the Greater New Orleans region, and ultimately inspiring YLC members and the community at large.
Today, the nonprofit organization announced its 2019 Role Model class, comprised of 17 business, community, and civic leaders. They will be honored during the 33rd annual YLC Role Model Awards Gala on Saturday, Sep. 14, at The Fillmore New Orleans (6 Canal Street), following a patron party.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I am thrilled to honor the members of the 2019 Role Model class,” said Aimee McCarron, Young Leadership Council Board president. “Our diverse set of honorees are inspirational to young professionals in their careers and their impact on the community as a whole. We are all looking forward to honoring this year’s class on September 14.”
A committee including members of YLC’s Board of Directors and past YLC Role Model Award recipients selects each year’s class of honorees. The committee reviews all nominations before selecting a final list of individuals. Honorees are selected based on significant contributions to their field of work and to New Orleans. Notably, a person can only receive the honor of YLC Role Model once in his or her lifetime.
Here is the full list of this year’s honorees:
LTC (R) Danny Blanks | Pontchartrain Partners, LLC |
Jody Braunig | Girls on the Run New Orleans |
Frank Brigtsen | Brigtsen’s Restaurant |
Andrea Chen | Propeller |
Greg Feirn | LCMC Health |
Becker Hall & Rene Louapre | Hogs for the Cause |
Lee Ledbetter | Lee Ledbetter & Associates |
Debbie Badeaux Maniglia | Intralox, LLC |
Judy Reese Morse | Urban League of Louisiana |
Dr. John Nicklow | University of New Orleans |
Mayra Pineda | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana |
Nakita Angelle Shavers | Youth Empowerment Project |
Susan Taylor | New Orleans Museum of Art |
Walter “Wolfman” Washington | Musician |
Mike Woodward | College Track New Orleans |
Kevin Wilkins | trepwise |
According to a news release, the annual YLC Role Model Awards Gala is a “creative black-tie” event that includes dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. This year’s event is chaired by YLC Board member Margaux Krane and YLC member Stew Krane.
YLC will host a YLC Role Model Awards gala pre-sale party on Thursday, July 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cavan, where guests can purchase a ticket to the 2019 YLC Role Model Awards gala for $100.
Following the pre-sale party, gala tickets will go on sale ($125 for YLC members, $150 for non-members, and $500 for a patron party and a gala ticket). Discounted tickets can only be purchased in person. There will be a limit of one ticket per person.
For information about tickets, table purchases, and additional sponsorship opportunities contact Liz Waller, events and sponsorship manager, at liz@ylcnola.org or call 504-585-1198. For more information about YLC and to view a list of past Role Model Award recipients, visit www.ylcnola.org.