Gayle Benson and Donna Edwards honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards
LCWGB hosts 29th annual Hall of Fame Luncheon for the first time since COVID-19
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business (LCWGB) hosted the 29th annual Hall of Fame Luncheon Saturday, Dec. 9 and recognized several individuals for their significant accomplishments and public service.
Established in 1990, the LCWGB serves as a statewide, non-partisan resource to assist women of all ages to develop leadership skills. The Hall of Fame Ceremony, an annual celebration of women achievers, began in 1994 and includes some of Louisiana’s most accomplished women.
Julie Stokes, Jay Dardenne, Dr. Laura Badeaux, Sharon Lavigne, Laurie Guimont, Dr. Jay Clune, Gayle Benson, Major Andrea Renee Brinkley, First Lady Donna Edwards
“This year, the Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business bestowed not one, but two Lifetime Achievement Awards to Gayle Benson and first lady Donna Edwards,” says Sandra Thompson Herman, President of the Corporate Board for the LCWGB. “Recognized for their remarkable achievements in business and their unwavering generosity toward various causes across the state, Gayle and Donna epitomize leadership and philanthropy.”
Joining Benson and first lady Edwards as inductees into the LCWGB Hall of Fame are Major Andrea Renee Brinkley from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, Laurie Guimont, environmental justice activist Sharon Lavigne and former Representative Julie Stokes. LCWGB Director, Dr. Laura Badeaux was also awarded the Emeritus Award of Excellence for her dedication to the organization over the last 33 years.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of remarkable women, the LCWGB also honored influential men supporting the cause of female leadership. Nicholls State University President, Dr. Jay Clune and Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Commissioner of Administration, Jay Dardenne, were acknowledged with the Men Supporting Strong Women Award.
Back for the first time since COVID-19, the sold-out Hall of Fame ceremony was held at Briquette with entertainment by a jazz trio comprised of alumni from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. The award ceremony began with a welcome address by New Orleans Councilmember, Leslie Harris, and was emceed by the vice president of the Corporate Board for the LCWGB, Sandra Rosenthal.
Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Luncheon will contribute to the organization's mission of promoting, informing and encouraging the leadership of women in public service and business. For more information about the LCWGB and its programs, visit louisianawomen.org.
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About the Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business
The Center was established in 1990 on the campus of Nicholls State University to serve as a statewide, non-partisan resource to help elect more women to public office. In 2013, The Center expanded its reach to include women in business. The Center is best known for its annual Hall of Fame that recognizes outstanding Louisiana women and its Girls Leadership Academy that helps develop Louisiana’s next leaders. The Center has also been recognized for its effective leadership training, “Congress to Campus” program and meaningful internship programs.