Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hundreds gather to honor the winners of the 2010 Women Who Mean Business Awards.
A crowd of almost 350 people gathered last Thursday to honor the 11 women who received the 2010 Women Who Mean Business Award from ABiz magazine, The Independent Weekly's sister publication. Since 1999, this award has been presented to women of distinction who are active in their professions, including business, medicine, education, hospitality, retail, media, insurance, banking, non-profits, oil and gas and more. They are recognized for their entrepreneurship, professionalism, civic involvement and community leadership.
IberiaBank's Lafayette market President Jerry Vascocu and AT&T's Regional Director Donna Byrne, who co-sponsored the event, offered a warm welcome to begin the program. As attendees enjoyed a delicious luncheon at River Oaks Catering & Event Center, the honorees came forward, one by one, to accept their awards: commemorative custom-designed sterling silver charm bracelets from Paul's Jewelry. Each had a story to tell, offering words of thanks, encouragement and inspiration. Sponsors Courtesy Cadillac and Dr. Ken Odinet sparked the excitement with fantastic door prizes. Clothes Mentor was also a contributing sponsor.
The WWMB Awards are presented each fall from a list of nominees collected throughout the year from ABiz and Independent readers and past honorees. If you would like to submit a name for the 2011 event, contact Robin Hebert: [email protected].
This year's honorees: seated are Trailblazers Jeanette Parker and
Kathlyn Hurst; standing are Mary Ann Wilson, Juanita Thibeaux,
Sarah Walker, Jaci Russo, Sue Soileau Brignac, Kathy Ashworth,
Colleen McDaniel, Marianne Bourgeois and Valerie Garrett
IberiaBank's Lafayette market President Jerry Vascocu
AT&T's Regional Director Donna Byrne
Jeanette Parker with her husband George
Cherry Fisher May and Kathy Ashworth
Juanita Thibeaux mesmerizing the crowd
Sue Soileau Brignac
Valerie Garrett