Last Thursday night was a celebration to mark the 15 years that United Way of Southeast Louisiana has had an official women’s philanthropic group dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in our communities. We acknowledged the 50 founding members of the Women’s Leadership Initiative in 2002, which grew into Women’s Leadership Council, and is now Women United!

We’ve reached the three-quarter mark of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Thirty Days of Thanks, with the big day less than 12 hours away. I hope you’re spending Thanksgiving with those you love. This week, I’m lucky to spend time with my family in South Carolina. Our plans to partake in food, football, and fellowship are not unlike most, but this year comes with an extra celebration for me.   

We’re proud to announce the opening of the J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, our one-stop financial stability center offering an array of programming to the citizens of New Orleans including financial education and coaching, credit building and counseling, benefits screening, and income tax assistance.

The 2018 Open Enrollment for health coverage is around the corner. Here are some important things to know before you enroll:

In 2011, I was one of three breast cancer survivors to create an organization called Breastoration to educate, advocate for, and financially assist women facing mastectomies. In 2015, Breastoration discovered several Louisiana laws which placed significant insurance coverage impediments in the paths of these women.

Over the course of the last 40 years, the women of the Junior League of Greater Covington has staked their ground on the Northshore at the forefront of volunteer organizing and training. Their lasting commitment to promoting volunteerism gives a clear direction and purpose to individuals seeking out meaningful fellowship and outreach opportunities.