Lagniappe Summer 2026

Summer !0!6

LAGNIAPPE STAFF

Editor: Tara Waldron

Assistant Editor: Carol O'Connor

Writers: Danyelle Colton, Michelle Clarke Payne, Reynecia Ricks

Photographer: Delana Lynn

Photography

PUBLISHER STAFF

Art Director: Ti ani Amedeo

Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer

Production Designers: Ashley Bravata

Chief Executive O icer: Todd Matherne

President's Message

s we reflect on another remarkable year, we are reminded of the incredible impact that is possible when women come together to serve their community.

Throughout the year, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) continued its long-standing tradition of addressing critical needs, strengthening families and creating opportunities for lasting change. Through volunteer service, community partnerships, advocacy efforts and philanthropic investments, our members worked alongside nonprofit organizations, civic leaders and community partners to make a meaningful difference across the Greater New Orleans area.

The accomplishments highlighted throughout these pages represent far more than numbers. They reflect thousands of volunteer hours, countless acts of service and a shared commitment to building a stronger, healthier and more connected community. They are a testament to what can be achieved when passionate individuals unite around a common purpose.

None of this work would be possible without the support of our members, sustainers, donors, volunteers, community partners and friends of the JLNO. Thank you for believing in the power of service and for helping us create meaningful impact throughout our region.

It has been a privilege to serve as President during such an extraordinary year. As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the possibilities before us and committed to continuing the League’s legacy of leadership, service and community impact for generations to come.

Michelle Clarke Payne JLNO President, 2025-2026

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Michelle Clarke Payne

President-Elect: Shelby Wynne

Secretary: Phoebe Hathorn

Treasurer: Genevieve Mo at

Assistant Treasurer: Margaret Saik

Business Council Director: Alexa Sturtz

Communications Council Director: Lynn Spearman

Community Council Director: Emily Vorho

Membership Council Director: Savanna VanAusdale

Planning & Development Council Director: Krystal Hebert

Ways & Means Council Director: Lovie Rodgers

Nominating Committee Chair: Hope Clay

Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Kristin Van Hook Moore

Empowering Local Innovators

Inside the 2026 JLNO Woman Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program

n April 9, 2026, the headquarters of the Junior League of New Orleans transformed into a hub of innovation, ambition, and community support for the annual Woman Entrepreneurship (WE) Fellowship Competition. The annual event celebrates the vibrant spirit of female business ownership in New Orleans. This year's event delivered on its promise by showcasing five remarkable finalists who are actively redefining their industries.

Preparation is key. To prepare for the big night, JLNO’s program partner, Trepwise, generously hosted dedicated training sessions to help each finalist refine their pitch and command the stage with confidence. The stage is set. An esteemed panel of judges from the local business community held the difficult task of evaluating the presentations. This year’s panel included Brigitte Rener, Vice President GNO Market Area at Fidelity Bank, Logan Farley, Vice President of Operations at Ingest, Sydni Raymond, 2022 WE Fellowship Recipient and Founder of Bomb Ass Fro and Tamara White Lee, 2023 WE Fellowship recipient and Founder of Pillar Homecare.

Preparation shows. The spotlight shone brightly on five diverse, women-led businesses, each presenting a distinct vision for commercial success and community elevation:

• Gaby Hazelhoff introduced PropelHER, a digital marketing and consulting studio dedicated to helping fellow founders turn a single passion or skill into multiple sustainable revenue streams.

• Addressing critical wellness needs, Megan Murphy pitched BodyFlow Hydration, a clean, science-driven liquid electrolyte formulated to support true cellular hydration for postpartum women and individuals facing medical dehydration.

• Margaret “Coco” Howe presented Kits Footwear, a children’s shoe brand creating durable, beautifully designed footwear that champions childhood independence and everyday play.

• The cultural fabric of the city was well represented by Raven “Ray$av” Ancar, founder of Short For Savage, a New Orleans-

based record label and artist services company empowering independent Black hip-hop artists to build sustainable careers and lasting legacies.

• Stephanie M. Blue pitched 3 Pillars HR Solutions, a human resources consulting firm that guides small businesses and nonprofits in building compliant, people-centered workplaces where employees can genuinely thrive.

A winner is chosen. After five fantastic, thoughtful and confident pitches, the judges gathered together to tally their scores. Margaret “Coco” Howe of Kits Footwear was selected as the 2026 Woman Entrepreneur Fellow. As the grand prize winner, Kits Footwear takes home an extraordinary prize package designed to provide both the capital and corporate infrastructure necessary for long-term growth. The comprehensive package includes an $8,000 cash injection from Fidelity, $5,000 in legal services from Jones Walker LLP, and expert accounting advisory services from Amanda Aguillard, CPA of Padgett Louisiana.

To ensure strategic development, Howe will also receive ongoing business coaching and evaluation from Trepwise, alongside tuition to JLNO’s signature Get on Board nonprofit board training program. Rounding out the prize are promotional features in Inside New Orleans and JLNO’s own Lagniappe magazine, unique opportunities to market directly to the League’s membership base, and one year of fully covered JLNO membership dues.

‘Audience Favorite’ awardee selected. While not chosen as the overall winner, Raven “Ray$av” Ancar of Short For Savage was voted Audience Favorite, earning her a special prize package generously donated by local boutique Golden Lily.

The success of the evening reinforces the Junior League of New Orleans’ ongoing commitment to economic development and female empowerment. Congratulations to Coco, Raven, and all of the incredible 2026 finalists who continue to inspire and drive the New Orleans business ecosystem forward.

Emily Sandefer BUSINESS COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Becca Wallace Ryan PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Jenny Daniels COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Linsey Marriott WAYS & MEANS COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Diana Vasquez COMMUNITY COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Amy Flower NOMINATING CHAIR

Nathalie Dillon MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL DIRECTOR

Holly Adkins Paczak SUSTAINING ADVISOR TO THE BOARD

In Case You Missed It!

A summary of recent happenings at the Junior League of New Orleans

RUN,

WALK, GIVE! GOES BIG AGAIN!

Fitness and philanthropy combined as JLNO Charity runners crossed the finish line of the Crescent City Classic during its Run, Walk, Give! event. This annual partnership is more than just a race—it allows members an opportunity to create meaningful impact within the Greater New Orleans community while promoting physical activity. Runners (and walkers) who joined the JLNO team received a custom t-shirt and swag bag and also enjoyed post-race festivities in the JLNO “Big Tent,” which featured festive ways to celebrate finishing the race, including a glitter bar! Overall, the 2026 rendition of Run, Walk, Give! brought together 111 charity runners who helped JLNO raise over $25,000 in support of its mission and programs.

GIVENOLA DAY’S SUCCESS ALLOWS JLNO TO GIVE BACK TO NEW ORLEANS

The Junior League of New Orleans proudly participated in GiveNOLA Day on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The annual citywide movement celebrated the power of collective community and supported local charities and initiatives throughout the area. Thanks to the generosity of 66 members, individuals, and community partners, JLNO raised over $4,800 during this year’s campaign! These donations directly fuel JLNO’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact. Crucial projects such as JLNO’s Diaper Bank, Community Assistance Fund and Scholarship awards are continued and enhanced through these e!orts and events.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NEW ORLEANS PRESENTS ITS 2026 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

During the annual Passing of the Gavel ceremony on May 19, 2026, the JLNO Scholarship Committee awarded three scholarships to local nontraditional female scholars to relieve costs associated with educational pursuits. This year’s scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $4,000. They included women who are first generation college graduates, women who are mothers and women who have big ambitions of post-graduate study once they complete their bachelor programs.

JLNO CELEBRATES ITS 2026 SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR AT ITS ANNUAL MINT JULEP PARTY

Mint Julep, JLNO’s premier annual Sustainer event, was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 to honor the 2026 JLNO Sustainer of the Year, Sally Suthon. Sustaining member Sally Lapeyre’s beautiful home served as a lovely backdrop for the highly anticipated event where more than 175 sustainers gathered. A beautiful array of food from Chez Nous was displayed on an exquisitely decorated table. Per its namesake, the night’s highlight consisted of a Mint Julep toast served in exclusive silver engraved cups as a special touch. As the newest Sustainer of the Year, Suthon was warmly regarded for her previous and current dedication to furthering the mission of JLNO. In addition to the celebratory toast honoring Suthon, attendees enjoyed connecting and reminiscing about their experiences together, as well as catching up on all of the wonderful events and programs they have been involved in since their active tenure in the Junior League of New Orleans.

!0!% - !0!6 JLNO By the Numbers

1,873 Volunteer Opportunities

66 Training Opportunities

148

Children served through Educare Gi Drive

Nearly 15,000 Volunteer Hours logged (14,205 to be exact)

2,674 Training Hours logged

92

Individuals training through Get on Board

250 Attendees at Women’s

190 Students trained through Safe Sitter®

Partnered with over 29 area nonprofits throughout the year to provide volunteers, supplies, or other support

Awarded $20,000 in Community Assistance Fund grants to 4 area nonprofits

Celebrated over 300 resident birthdays at Covenant House

Awarded $8,000 in Scholarships to three nontraditional female students in the Greater New Orleans area

Highlighted 40 local vendors at Holly Jolly Market

111 Runners joined our Run, Walk, Give team for the Crescent City Classic, resulting in $25,000 raised, 411 secured in donations

Hosted 945 students from 19 schools for Field Trip Friday and welcomed 2,500 attendees for TOUCH-A-TRUCK®

Increased our new active membership by 57%

JLNO Diaper Bank distributed more than 650,000 products between June and May alone.

Each month, we provided a reliable supply of diapers to more than 30,000 babies and toddlers, period products to 2,340 individuals, and adult incontinence supplies to 4,216 individuals across our region

We launched a new New Member project this year that empowered members to lead 10 highly successful product drives, collecting more than 23,000 essential items for our community.

Secured $335,000 in grants to support the JLNO Diaper Bank

Collected 7,000 lbs of food during the government shutdown

League Faces