INDEvents

Honoring Women Leaders in Acadiana

**Wednesday, September 8, 2010

IberiaBank and AT&T are joining forces once again to sponsor the annual Women Who Mean Business luncheon.**

The roster of honorees who will receive the 2010 Women Who Mean Business Award was announced recently in a cover story in ABiz, sister publication of The Independent Weekly. The group, which will be recognized at a luncheon Sept. 16 at River Oaks Catering & Event Center, includes public relations consultant and former parish Councilwoman Kathy Ashworth; medical education entrepreneur Marianne Bourgeois; bank president Sue Soileau Brignac; attorney Valerie Garrett; assistant Louisiana attorney general and former judge Colleen McDaniel, marketing executive and downtown activist Jaci Russo, veteran educator Juanita Thibeaux, education activist Sarah Walker and Dr. Mary Ann Wilson, founder of UL's Center for Women's Studies.
**Wednesday, September 8, 2010

IberiaBank and AT&T are joining forces once again to sponsor the annual Women Who Mean Business luncheon.**

Jerry Vascocu, Lafayette president for IberiaBank,
and Donna Byrne, AT&T regional director
for South Louisiana

The roster of honorees who will receive the 2010 Women Who Mean Business Award was announced recently in a cover story in ABiz, sister publication of The Independent Weekly. The group, which will be recognized at a luncheon Sept. 16 at River Oaks Catering & Event Center, includes public relations consultant and former parish Councilwoman Kathy Ashworth; medical education entrepreneur Marianne Bourgeois; bank president Sue Soileau Brignac; attorney Valerie Garrett; assistant Louisiana attorney general and former judge Colleen McDaniel, marketing executive and downtown activist Jaci Russo, veteran educator Juanita Thibeaux, education activist Sarah Walker and Dr. Mary Ann Wilson, founder of UL's Center for Women's Studies.

Trailblazing educator Dr. Jeanette Parker and semi-retired restaurateur Kathlyn Hurst will receive lifetime achievement awards.

Profiles of each WWMB honoree are available in the current issue of ABiz, which can be found in racks throughout Lafayette and Iberia parishes. The issue is also available online at www.acadianabusiness.com.

IberiaBank and AT&T will join forces once again to sponsor the luncheon that honors these women. "We are proud to play a lead role in such a wonderful event recognizing women who have made and continue to make a difference in our community every day," says Jerry Vascocu, Lafayette president for IberiaBank. "We are truly inspired by these innovative women who raise the bar of performance in their personal and professional lives."

AT&T's regional director for South Louisiana, Donna Byrne says the event is a natural fit, given her company's longstanding commitment to hiring and promoting women. "Forty percent of AT&T's managers are female, and we recently named a woman state president of AT&T Louisiana," she notes. "A diverse workforce and inclusive culture are essential to AT&T. They allow us to attract and retain the best and the brightest to develop the most innovative products and solutions to meet our customers' needs."

Each honoree will receive a custom-designed silver charm bracelet from Paul's Jewelry. Other supporting sponsors for the event are Courtesy Cadillac, Dr. Ken Odinet and River Oaks. Tickets are $35 each or $320 for reserved tables of eight. For more information, contact Robin Hebert by Thursday, Sept. 8, at 337-769-8603 or by email: [email protected], or go to www.theind.com and click on INDevents.

WWMB Luncheon At a Glance
Thursday, Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m.
River Oaks Catering & Event Center
$35 per person or $320 per table of 8

Honorees:
Kathy Ashworth
Marianne Bourgeois
Sue Soileau Brignac
Valerie Garrett    
Colleen McDaniel
Jaci Russo
Juanita Thibeaux
Sarah Walker
Mary Ann Wilson
Trailblazers:
Kathlyn Hurst
Dr. Jeanette Parker

Presenting Sponsors: AT&T and IBERIABANK
Supporting Sponsors: Paul's Jewelry,
Courtesy Cadillac, Dr. Ken Odinet, River Oaks