Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute gala honors the most influential leaders in New Orleans
2nd annual gala emceed by award winning actress and fine arts advocate CCH Pounder
NEW ORLEANS – The 2nd annual Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute (NCFLI) Benefit Concert & Awards Show Gala held Thursday, Nov. 16 at the New Orleans Jazz Market honored some of the most influential and outstanding leaders in the Greater New Orleans community.
In connection with Xavier University of Louisiana, NCFLI was founded in 2012 to educate and prepare professional men and women for consequential civic engagement and purposeful social responsibility. Inspired by the life and career of Xavier President Dr. Norman C. Francis, NCFLI’s core principles are non-partisan and directed toward advancing leadership skills that encompass cultural intelligence, spiritual enlightenment and a steadfast moral compass.
NCFLI Board Vice-Chair Tim Francis, Icon Award recipient Gayle Benson and mistress of ceremonies CCH Pounder
“The legacy of Dr. Francis is rooted in courageous, thoughtful leadership,” said Tim Francis, NCFLI’s vice chair of the board of directors. “It’s an honor to recognize four of the Institute’s fellows who have been inspired by Dr. Francis to forge leadership paths of their own as well as three extraordinary community leaders who have truly changed the face of New Orleans for hundreds of thousands of people.”
During the gala, alumni awards were presented to Sharonda Williams, Amy Boyle Collins, Todd McDonald and Jason Williams. The organization’s Icon Award was bestowed to Gayle Benson, Justice Bernette Johnson and Bill Goldring.
“We are proud to have established the Institute. The gala was a chance to come together and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Francis and what we have created,” said Interim Executive Director Ron Carrere.
Emceed by award winning actress and fine arts advocate CCH Pounder, the event featured live entertainment by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, whose mission is to strengthen the legacy of jazz throughout local and global communities by providing access to unparalleled performances, creative gathering places and authentic community engagement.
Named in honor of Dr. Norman C. Francis, NCFLI is committed to developing a new generation of leaders and their capacity to become socially active, economically empowered, globally-engaged and policy-educated leaders.
A special thank you to the NCFLI Gala sponsors Liberty Bank, LCMC Health, Entergy, Xavier University, Raymond James, Chapter V, DePaul Community Health Centers, Friend and Company and Sher Garner Law Firm.
Committed to developing a new generation of leaders, NCFLI analyzes and synthesizes research findings to develop innovative breakthrough strategies that address social and economic policies affecting African Americans as well as the nation and global markets. To learn more about the NCFLI, visit ncfli.org.
###
About the Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute
In connection with Xavier University of Louisiana, the NCFLI was founded in 2012 to educate and prepare professional men and women for consequential civic engagement and purposeful social responsibility. Inspired by the life and career of Xavier President Dr. Norman C. Francis, NCFLI’s core principles are non-partisan and directed toward advancing leadership skills that encompass cultural intelligence, spiritual enlightenment, and a steadfast moral compass. Visit www.ncfli.org to learn more.