Since 1999, 125 local women of distinction have received the Women Who Mean Business Award from ABiz Magazine. They represent a broad range of professions, including business, law, medicine, education, hospitality, media, insurance, banking, non-profits, public service, oil and gas, and more. They are recognized for their entrepreneurship, professionalism, civic involvement and community leadership. Since 2004, ABiz has also recognized sixteen retired or semi-retired women as Trailblazers who paved the way for future generations of women. Each fall these honorees, past and present, gather for a luncheon with friends, family, colleagues and community leaders to share the stories of their challenges and victories. The annual Women Who Mean Business Awards Luncheon has become a day of celebration and inspiration for all since it was founded sixteen years ago.
This year’s luncheon is slated for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11:30 at River Oaks Catering and Event Center. IberiaBank and LHC Group underwrite this event as presenting co-sponsors. Courtesy Automotive Group is the supporting sponsor, and Paul’s Jewelry creates a special commemorative gift for each honoree.
For Acadiana President Jerry Vascocu, the WWMB luncheon is a favorite among the many community events IberiaBank sponsors each year. “We work alongside inspiring women every day, both within the bank and throughout the Acadiana business community,” he says. “These honorees are extraordinary, innovative and entrepreneurial leaders who make great contributions to our region. We are proud to sponsor an event that celebrates their success and, more broadly, the important role women play in making Acadiana such a great place to work and to live.”
Keith Myers, chairman and CEO of LHC Group, notes that women make up the largest segment of his company’s workforce, which includes over 10,000 employees providing post-acute care for patients and families in 28 states. “From clinicians to executive leaders, women help us maintain focus and deliver quality, patient-centered care to more than 40,000 people every day across this country,” he says. “ Without their contribution, we would not be one of the leading providers of post-acute care services and the chosen home health partner for over 60 leading hospitals and health systems in the U.S.”
This year’s honorees are Missy Rogers, Pascale Henry, Ginger Louviere, Cynthia Simien, Luranie Richard, Carlee Alm-Labar, Allyson Pharr, and Carol Trosclair. The 2015 Trailblazer is Dr. Carolyn Bruder. Their profiles are published in this special WWMB issue of ABiz.
Seating is limited for the awards luncheon. Tickets are $40 per person or $350 for a reserved table for eight. For information, contact Robin Hebert via email at [email protected] or by phone: 337.769.8603.
