
Welcome WLA Class of 2023!
40 leaders from the Greater New Orleans Region and beyond have been accepted into Women's Leadership Academy!
Learn who is participating under "WLA Cohort 4 - Class of 2023."

WLA Cohort 5 Important Dates
Applications Open: October 24, 2022
December 31, 2022 - Early application deadline
January 31, 2023 - Scholarship application deadline
March 10, 2023 – Application deadline
March 23, 2023 - Tentative Academy start date
Tuition due upon registration
Tuition: $3,295
Applications
An online application must be submitted to be considered for the Women's Leadership Academy. Partial scholarships will be awarded to applicants who work for a non-profit organization. In order to be considered for a WLA scholarship, you must submit both applications by the scholarship application deadline. The scholarship application can be found under 'Application Requirements.' Please click on the following application to get started:
Take the LEAD
The Women's Leadership Academy (WLA) at Loyola University New Orleans is designed to enable leaders in the region to achieve their greatest professional potential through leadership training, personal development, and one-on-one mentorships. WLA consists of eleven (11) on-campus sessions, including keynote speakers, micro learning seminars, case studies, and an individual leadership strategy. Each participant has the opportunity to grow and network with thought leaders in the region. The inaugural Women's Leadership Academy launched April 16, 2019.
WLA participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and earn 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Although Loyola University's Women's Leadership Academy curriculum is concentrated on women and leadership, all genders are welcome to apply.
Loyola University New Orleans does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status.
Growth Topics Include:
Join Us
Be a Mentor
Each participant in the Women's Leadership Academy is assigned a mentor to help guide them through their leadership journey in the program. Mentors will meet with their assigned mentee(s) for 1 hour, once a month for the 10 month program. Any additional events or time scheduled will be based on both parties availability. If you would like to give back by offering your time and knowledge to a WLA participant, please fill out the online mentorship application.
Be a Sponsor
Sponsorships are available for all on-campus sessions and the graduation ceremony. If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring the Women's Leadership Academy, please download the WLA Sponsorship Form. Contact the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies for additional information or to create a customized sponsorship at (504) 865-3530 or PACS@loyno.edu.
Inspire
One of the unique aspects of the Women's Leadership Academy is the opportunity for local and national thought leaders to offer their personal experience, guidance, and advice to the WLA class. Every session has a guest speaker(s) to start off the day with inspirational food for thought. If you would like to share your experience and words of wisdom with the WLA class, please fill out the online guest speaker form.
Tania Tetlow, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
President
Dr. Jennifer Avegno
New Orleans Department of Health
Director
Kim Boyle, JD
Phelps Dunbar LLP
Partner
Dr. Ronicka Briscoe
University of Holy Cross
Chair of Education
WLA Cohort 2 Alumna
Julie Couret
juliecouret.com
Executive Coach, Leadership Training, Keynote Speaker
Michelle Craig, JD
Transcendent Legal
Managing Partner
Danielle Dayries
DMD and Associates, Inc.
Founder and Career Strategist
Deborah "Deb" Elam
Corporate Playbook
President & CEO
Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
Louisiana State Court Judge
WLA Cohort 3 Alumna
Patty Glaser, PhD
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Foundation, Inc.
CEO / Head of School
Renata Granger, MSW
BoysTown
Director, Early Head Start
Fragrance/Candle Curator for N'Light
WLA Cohort 1 Alumna
Deb Grimes
SVP Chief Diversity Officer
Ochsner Health
Valerie "Val" Grubb, CSP
Val Grubb and Associates
Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Trainer, Author
Council Member Lesli Harris, JD
New Orleans City Council Person
District B
Angela Hebert White
Angela Hebert White, LLC
Solution-Focused Coach & Consultant
Dr. Michelle Johnston
Loyola University New Orleans
Chase Minority Entrepreneurship Professor of Management, Author
Annie Juttner, CSP
Executive Director of Recruitment
Northwestern Mutual of LA & MS
WLA Cohort 2 Alumna
Dr. Mary Killackey
Tulane University Medical Center
Robert & Viola Lobrano Chair of Surgery
Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics
Cara Lambright
New Orleans City Park Improvement Association
CEO
Madeleine Landrieu, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law
Tina Meilleur
Design Your Success
Founder & Owner
Rebekah Olinde
South Coast Solar
Solar Energy Consultant
WLA Cohort 3 Alumna
Dr. Kedrick Perry
Loyola University New Orleans
Vice President for Equity & Inclusion
Chantelle Pierre
Chantelle Pierre Consulting
Principal Consultant
WLA Cohort 3 Alumna
Dr. Adrienne Savant
Children's Hospital New Orleans/ Tulane University
Service Line Chief Pediatric Pulmonology, Vice Chair of Education Department of Pediatrics at Tulane University, Director Cystic Fibrosis Center
WLA Cohort 3 Alumna
Dr. Tanuja Singh
Loyola University New Orleans
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Sharonda Williams, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Shondra Williams
InclusivCare
President & CEO
Asia Wong, LCSW
Loyola University New Orleans
Director, Counseling and Health Services
Daphine Barnes, MA
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Region 1 STEM Director
Patricia Boyett, PhD
Loyola University New Orleans
Director, Women's Resource Center & Assistant Professor of History
Reagan Buckley, MA
Friends of City Park
Membership Manager
Sarah Cannon
Sodexo - University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Marketing Specialist
Jennifer Chaix, MA
Ochsner Health Network
Director of Provider Network Operations
Michelle Clarke Payne, MPA
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
Chief Strategy Officer
Erin Classen
Levelset
Senior Support Manager
Lauren Cutuli
Lauren Cutuli, LLC.
Project Manager / Owner
Joel Dyson
Beyond the Stage, LLC.
Owner / Manager
Jennifer Evans
Sodexo - Loyola University New Orleans
Food Service Manager
Caycee Francis, MEd
Franklin Covey
Client Partner
Dwana Green, ScD, MPH
InclusivCare, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer
Tammi Griffin-Major, MA
Algiers Charter Schools Association
Chief Operating Officer
Rebecca Groom
Woodward Design + Build
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Rebecca Henderson, JD, CWLS
Mental Health Advocacy Services, Child Advocacy Program
Attorney
Patricia Hugger
School of Medicine / Dept. of Surgery, Tulane University
Department Administrator 1
Allie Irvin, MA
Extreme Networks
Customer Success, Global Digital Scale Leader
Yashica Julian
Churchill Downs / Fair Ground Race Course & Slots
Human Resources Business Partner
Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, PhD, APR
Loyola University New Orleans
Director and Associate Professor of the School of Communication and Design
Lori L. Knight, PHR
Community Academies of New Orleans, Inc.
Human Resources Director
Melinda Koslowsky
Witry Collective
Creative Director
Michelle LaBanca
Reve Realtors
Managing Broker
Tori Luwisch-deLaureal, MLA
Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law
Assistant Dean of Enrollment Services
Chanda Macias, PhD, MBA
Ilera Hollistic Healthcare
CEO
Mary McCullough
The Domain Companies
Director / Head of Community Engagement
Ashley Millet, MEd
Morris Jeff Community School
EL Instructional Coach (MJCS) & Communications Council Director
Kat Milligan, MPP
New Orleans Business Alliance
Vice President, Grants Administration
Lavonzell Nicholson, MSW
Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking at Tulane University
Director, Finance and Operations
Cindy Osmer, MBA
Hancock Whitney Bank
Senior Vice President - Treasury Management Sales Team Lead
Lori Oubre, MBA
Entergy Services, LLC
Manager, Corporate Strategic Procurement
Hope Owens, MA
LCMC Health
Organizational Development Consultant
Kristin Petry, CFRE
John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Health System
Director of Philanthropy
Lauren Phipps, CFRE
Ochsner Health System
Director of Development
Mignon Richard
NAI Latter & Blum
Commercial Sales and Leasing Agent
Ty Salvant
Time with Ty, LLC.
Owner
Alex Schoolfield, MS
Children's Hospital of New Orleans
Ambulatory Practice Administrator
Chris South
LSU Health Foundation
Senior Director of Development
Tai Teamer
The Beautiful Foundation / Spotlight Dance NOLA
Executive Director / Artistic Director
Myra Thomas, BSPharm, MBA
Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans
Assistant Vice President - Pharmacy Services
Kristi Trail, MS
Pontchartrain Conservancy
Executive Director
Jessica Whiteman, PHR, SHRM-CP
American Red Cross
Learning and Development Consultant
Jennifer Avegno, MD
New Orleans Health Department
Director
Damona Barnes, SHRM-SCCP, SPHR
Warren Easton Charter High School
Human Resources Director
Amy Boyle
Laitram
Human Resources Business Partner
Kim Boyle, JD
Phelps Dunbar, LLP.
Partner
Amy Boyle Collins
Gamble Communications
CEO
Jody Braunig, LMSW
Momentum Unlimited
Development Relationship Manager
Christine Briede, CFRE
Jefferson Community Foundation
Executive Director
Ronicka Briscoe, PhD
University of Holy Cross
Chair of Education
Natalie Bybee, MBA
Natalie Bybee Coaching
Career Strategy & Leadership Coach
Swin Cash
New Orleans Pelicans
VP of Basketball Operations & Team Development
Cindy Connick
New Orleans Building Corporation
CEO
Myra Corrello, PhD
MyraCorrello.com
Business Growth Strategist & Trainer
Julie Couret
Julie Couret
Executive Coach & Keynote Speaker
Michelle Craig, JD
Transcendent Law Group and Prosquire
Owner
Sandra Dartus, CFEE
Freelance Event Consultant
Lindsey Davidson
Extreme Networks
Global High Touch Leader, Customer Success
Danielle Dayries
DMD & Associates
Founder & CEO
Deborah "Deb" Elam
Corporate Playbook
President & CEO
Michelle Ganon
Port of New Orleans
Chief of Staff / VP of Public Affairs
Elaine Garvey
Elaine Garvey Coaching & Consulting, LLC.
Owner, Solution-Focused Coach
Renata Granger, MSW
BoysTown
Director, Early Head Start
Valerie "Val" Grubb. CSP
Val Grubb and Associates
Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach & Trainer, Author
Becky Gustafson, CFP, CLU, ChFC, RICP, CASL, LUTCF, CLTC
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
Financial Advisor
Alejandra Guzman
LSU Health Foundation
Executive Director, Business Ventures
Angela Hebert White
Angela Hebert White, LLC.
Solution-Focused Coach & Consultant
Lori Jackson, MBA
Urban League of Louisiana
Director, Women's Business Resource Center
Fay Kimbrell, LMSW
3rd Floor Consulting
Founder
Lelia Lambert
Commander's Palace
Director, Business Strategy and Talent Development
Jennifer Ledet, CSP, SPHR
Ledet Management Consulting
Owner
Dr. Tammy Lewis Wilborn, PhD, LPC/MHSP-S
Wilborn Clinical Services, LLC.
Owner & Chief Clinical Officer
Sandra Lindquist, CCE
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Larissa Littleton-Steib, PhD
Delgado Community College
Chancellor
Rayne Martin
It's The Impact
CEO & Leadership Coach
Tina Meilleur
Design Your Success
Founder & Owner
Phala Mire
WBEC South
President & CEO
Jennifer Nomey, MS, SHRM-CP
New Orleans Aviation Board
Organizational Development Manager
Monica Pierre
Pierre Principle Communications
Keynote Speaker, Author, Communication Specialist, Talk Show Host
Jamie Poche, RNBSN
MODERE
Owner
Evie Poitevent Sanders
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Susana Reyes Lee, PhD, CPTD
Baker Concrete Construction, Inc.
Field Training Specialist
Jen Roberts
Agenda for Children
Chief Executive Officer
Chef Amy Sins
Langlois NOLA
Owner
Tanuja Singh, PhD
Loyola University New Orleans
Provost & SVP of Academic Affairs
Poppy Tooker
Louisiana Eats! WWNO 89.9
Producer and Host
Juli Walker Sholar, SHRM-SCP
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Talent Acquisition, Talent Development - Assistant Director
Bara Watts
Loyola University New Orleans
Executive Director of Entrepreneurship
Mary Jane Walsh
Thrive
International Executive Coach
Christine Watts, SHRM-CP
Algiers Charter School Association
Executive Director of Human Resources
Tania Zachari
Techniques International Corporation
CEO
Johana Zeno
Grainger
Regional Sales Vice President
Mid- to senior-level leaders who are:
- Motivated to reflect upon and improve upon their personal leadership skills to become more effective and impactful.
- Committed to driving innovation and transformation within their organizations and the region.
- Dedicated to achieving top performance without sacrificing the well-being of themselves, their teams, or their families.
To apply for the Women's Leadership Academy, an applicant must submit the following:
1. A completed online application which should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can view a PDF of the application beforehand to prepare your responses by clicking here or access the required online application here.
2. Access to your resume via LinkedIn and/or a copy of your resume (PDF only).
3. One letter of reference (PDF only): The letter should be from either a current or previous supervisor or coworker. The reference letter should highlight your strengths, achievements, and reasons why you would be a good candidate for the Women's Leadership Academy.
Please include "WLA documents" and your first and last name on the subject line when submitting your documents to PACS@loyno.edu.
Upon Acceptance to the Academy
Upon acceptance to the Women's Leadership Academy, participants will be required to submit additional information, including the following:
- A commitment form signed by you and, if applicable, your employer.
- A signed liability waiver and photo release form.
- A brief professional bio and photo of yourself (professional photo is not required).
- Your favorite quote about leadership.
- A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance (to park on campus).
Scholarships
A limited number of partial scholarships will be offered to applicants who work for a non-profit organization and/or are self-funded. If eligible, you must complete the Women's Leadership Academy general online application, in addition to the WLA scholarship online application. Please click here to view a PDF version of the application for reference and click here to fill out the required scholarship online application.
Women's Leadership Academy tuition: $3,295
Tuition includes parking permit, as well as lunch and a light breakfast for all full-day, on-campus sessions. Light refreshments will be provided for half-day, on-campus sessions. Any activities and/or events held outside of the WLA scheduled dates listed, will be optional, and are not included in tuition.
Tuition must be paid in full by credit card or check upon registration.
Please make checks payable to:
Loyola University New Orleans
Address: Loyola University New Orleans
Office of Professional and Continuing Studies
6363 St. Charles Avenue, Campus Box 148
New Orleans, LA 70118
- Introductions - March 24, 2022
- Your Work Style - April 21, 2022
- Your Communication Style - May 26, 2022
- Your Team Style - June 23, 2022
- Your Decision Making Style - July 14, 2022
- Your Conflict Style - August 25, 2022
- Your Leadership Style - September 22, 2022
- How Stress Impacts You - October 20, 2022
- Your Approach to Change - November 17, 2022
- Individual Leadership Presentations (ILP) Presentations Part 1 - December 15, 2022
- Individual Leadership Presentations (ILP) Presentations Part 2 - January 19, 2023
- Make-Up Date - February 23, 2023 (In case of University closures due to weather, etc.)
Graduation Ceremony - February 2023 (TBD); 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- All sessions are held at Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, in New Orleans.
- All sessions are held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- All sessions are held on Thursdays unless otherwise noted.
To successfully complete the Women’s Leadership Academy at Loyola University New Orleans, a participant is expected to attend all sessions and complete an Individual Leadership Presentation (ILP) including monthly one-hour mentorship meetings.
Individual Growth Strategy Presentation (IGS)
Each participant will create an Individual Growth Strategy (IGS) throughout the Academy. Preparation of the IGS will be guided by the class sessions, one-on-one mentorship meetings, facilitated online discussions, and voluntary growth group meetings.
Mentorships
Each participant will be assigned a mentor that is a business, community, and/or government leader within the region. Participants and mentors will meet once per month for a one-hour conversation, guided by a questionnaire prepared by Loyola. These conversations will aid participants in the creation of their ILP. The participant and mentor will schedule their one-on-one meetings directly to find a time and location that works best for both parties. Ideally, these meetings will be in-person, but due to busy schedules, they might sometimes be via telephone, video conference, etc.
Attendance Policy
Participants with more than two (2) excused absences may not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Please review the schedule thoroughly and make plans accordingly. If you anticipate that you will miss one of the scheduled dates, please let us know at PACS@loyno.edu in advance. All sessions will be held on Loyola's Uptown campus.
The full list of session dates can be found near the top of this page. Monthly mentorship meetings will be scheduled individually once a participant is accepted into the program.
Tania Tetlow, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
President
Dr. Jennifer Avegno
New Orleans Department of Health
Director
Kate Merrill Balart
Shell
Supply Development Manager
Kim Boyle, JD
Phelps Dunbar LLP
Partner
Amy Boyle Collins
Gambel Communications
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Craig, JD
Transcendent Legal
Managing Partner
Danielle Dayries
DMD and Associates, Inc.
Founder and Career Strategist
Deborah "Deb" Elam
Corporate Playbook
President & CEO
Bill Ganon
The Ganon Group
Communication Coach & Consultant
Patty Glaser, PhD
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Foundation, Inc.
CEO / Head of School
Valerie "Val" Grubb
Val Grubb and Associates
Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Trainer
Dr. Michelle Johnston
Loyola University New Orleans
Chase Minority Entrepreneurship Professor of Management
Dr. Mary Killackey
Tulane University Medical Center
Robert & Viola Lobrano Chair of Surgery
Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics
Cara Lambright
New Orleans City Park Improvement Association
CEO
Madeleine Landrieu, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law
John Nickens
Children's Hospital New Orleans
President and CEO
Judge Robin D. Pittman
Orleans Criminal District Court
Deputy Chief Judge
Dr. Tanuja Singh
Loyola University New Orleans
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Representative Julie Stokes
Ellevate Louisiana
Rachel Strassel
Gambel Communications
Senior Communications Strategist
WLA Cohort 1 Alumna
Beth Walker
Ochsner Baptist at Ochsner Health System
Chief Executive Officer
To learn more about the current cohort, please click below:
Antoinette Abboud
Levelset
Director of Customer Success
Alison Anderson
LCMC Health
Chief of Staff
Leah Burks
Sodexo
Executive Chef II
Rayven Calloway
Excelling 4 Excellence Educational Services, LLC
CEO
Cheruba Chavez
New Orleans Public Schools
Educational Diagnostician
Alison Cherenek
Witry Collective
Realtor and Transaction Coordinator
Annie Clark
Louisiana Department of Education, Recovery School District
Chief Operating Officer, Education Facilities Development
Kassie Cosgrove, CFRE
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
Chief Development Officer
Jenna Cronin
LSU Health Foundation New Orleans
Director of Advancement Services
Dymphna Davis, LPC-S, NCC
Walden University
Contributing Faculty
Shakeatha Davis, JD
The S. Davis Law Group, PPLC
Principal Attorney
Michelle DeMeulenaere, PhD
State of Louisiana Department of Education
Child Care Support Manager
Cynthia DiCarlo, PhD
Louisiana State University
Professor, Program Coordinator, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Education Institute, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool
Annette Dowdle
HUB International
Senior Vice President
Michelle Dunnick, MBA, CPCE
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
Director of Events and Investor Relations
Rose Espiritu
Lucid LLC
Software Engineer II
Tracey Flemings-Davillier, JD
Orleans Parish Criminal Court
Judge
Bianca Gilfour
Sodexo
Area Marketing Specialist
Sorbrique Grant
Center for Resilience
Senior Director of Program
Sonia Gutierrez, EdD
St. Helena Parish School District
Assistant Superintendent
Erin Hardy, JD
Rêve Realtors
Realtor
Rachael Harmon, MD
Crescent City Physicians
Radiation Oncologist
Natalie Harrison, CPWIC, CESP
Lighthouse Louisiana
Federal VR Program Manager
Bridget Hebert
Techniques International Corporation
Accounts Manager
Shayla Hilaire, EdD
New Orleans Public Schools
Chief of Exceptional Children's Services
Gloria Hill
Loyola University New Orleans
Recruitment Coordinator for the College of Music and Media
Kelli Joseph, EdD
St. Helena Parish School DIstrict
School Superintendent
Elaine Kimbrell
David Ware & Associates d/b/a Ware Immigration
Managing Partner
Ashley King, AIA
Trapolin Peer Architects
Senior Associate
Lucy King, CFRE
Ochsner Health
Director of Development
Andrea Lockwood
Friends of City Park
Director of Special Events and Marketing
Mehr Manzoor
Tulane University
Fulbright Scholar and PhD Candidate
Mikal Matton
Mikal Matton Counseling
Founder and Owner
Shona McKinney-Williams
Peoples Health Network
Assistant Director, Risk Adjustment
Neha Mehta, MD
Audrey Hepburn CARE Center of Children's Hospital New Orleans
Medical Director
Tara Miller
Ochsner Health
Regional Account Manager
Patricia Murret
Loyola University New Orleans
Associate Director of Public Affairs
Sara Neal
Leading Educators
Senior Director
Rebekah Olinde
STEM NOLA
Director of Education
Haley Pegg
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Marketing & Communications Director
Chantelle Pierre
Foundation for Louisiana
Institutional Giving Manager
Alexandra Plaisance
Entergy
Manager, Capital Projects Procurement
Evelyn Poitevent Sanders
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Human Capital Manager
Morgan Ripski
Champe Carter Consulting, LLC
Owner, Principal Consultant
Jennifer Roberts
Agenda for Children
President
Lisa Sammons
Providence Community Housing
CFO & Director of Asset Management
Adrienne Savant, MD
Children's Hospital of New Orleans/ Tulane University
Service Line Chief Pediatric Pulmonology, Vice Chair of Education Department of Pediatrics at Tulane University, Director Cystic Fibrosis Center
Chaila Scott
Collegiate Academies
Manager of College Completion
Candace Standberry Robertson, EdD
St. Helena Parish School District
Chief School Improvement Officer
Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, PhD
Louisiana State University - School of Education
Professor, Literacy, Leadership and Urban Education; Coordinator PhD Program Ed. Leadership; Director LSU Writing Project
Devon Turner
Grow Dat Youth Farm
Executive Director
Candace Williams, EdD
Western Governors University
Evaluator
If you are interested in being a mentor, please apply here.
Victoria Adam Phipps
Fourth Economy
Vice President of Engagements and Impacts
Amy Bakay, SHRM-SCP
HR NOLA
CEO & Founder
Damona Barnes, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Warren Easton Charter High School
Human Resources Director
Linda Baynham
New Orleans Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center
Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility
Stephanie Bell
Friends of City Park
Executive Director
Amy Boyle Collins
Gamble Communications
CEO
Ronicka Briscoe
Partner
TNTP, Inc.
Elizabeth "Liz" Broekman
Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R.
Director
Joy Bruce
CASA New Orleans
Executive Director
Tiffany Carter
Women Business Enterprise Council South
Director, Enterprising Women of Color Program
Renee Casbergue, PhD
Louisiana State University
Professor
Rebecca Conwell
UNO Research & Technology Foundation, Inc.
President & CEO
Myra Corrello, PhD
Find Your Spice Seminars, LLC
Business Growth Strategist & Trainer
Julie Couret
Julie Couret
Executive Coach & Keynote Speaker
Michelle Craig, JD
Transcendent Law Group and Prosquire
Owner
Danielle Dayries
DMD & Associates, Inc.
Founder & CEO
Anna Dearmon Kornick
ADK Strategies
Time Management Coach & Speaker
Denise Dunckel Morse
American Fair Credit Council (AFCC)
CEO
Deb Elam
Corporate Playbook
President & CEO
Michelle Ganon
Port of New Orleans
Chief of Staff / VP of Public Affairs
Ulla Gaudin
1 AM Films Production Company
Co-Founder
Award Nominated Professional Makeup Artist
Nikki Godfrey, PhD
Emergent Method
Manager
Renata Granger
BoysTown
Director, Early Headstart
Val Grubb, CSP
Val Grubb and Associates
Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach & Trainer
Becky Gustafson Martinez, CFP, CLU, ChFC, RICP, CASL, LUTCF, CLTC
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Tiffanie Hartenstein
ORACLE Lighting
CEO
Emily Hartnett
Chiefs for Change
Fellow
Stacia Haynie
Louisiana State University
Executive Vice President & Provost
Angela Herbert White
Angela Herbert White, LLC
Solution-focused Coach & Consultant
Josephine Heller
St. Bernard DA Office
Assistant District Attorney, Felony Trials
Kelly Huben
M S Benbow and Associates
Director of Operations & Human Resources
Riley Kennedy
Woodward Design + Build
Director of Organizational Development
Jessica Leblanc, CPA/CFF, RENE/ePro
Jessica LeBlanc, CPA, L.L.C.
Owner & Real Estate Broker
Susana Lee, PhD, CPTD
Baker Concrete Construction, Inc.
Field Training Specialist
Sandra Linquist
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Executive Vice President & COO
Emily Liuzza, APR
New Orleans Marriott
Complex Senior Marketing Manager
Julieanne Lund
Girls on the Run New Orleans
Executive Director
Carol Ann MacGregor, PhD
Loyola University New Orleans
Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
Liz Marcell Williams, EdD
Center for Resilience
Founder & CEO
Stacy Martin
Collegiate Academies
Interim CEO
Tina Meilleur
Design Your Success
Founder & Owner
Mindy Nunez Airhart
Southern Services & Equipment, Inc.
President & CEO
Christine O'Brien
United Healthcare
Executive Director
Mayra Pineda
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Robin Pittman, JD
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
District Judge
Leah Sarris, RD, LDN
New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute
Executive Director
Mary Schulingkamp
Magnolia Physical Therapy
Chief Operating Officer
Tania Tetlow, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
President
Leigh Thorpe
National Urban League
Vice President of Partnerships and Advancement
Katie Witry
Witry Collective
Owner & Realtor®
Tania Zachari
Techniques International Corporation
CEO
October Ambrose, MA
Ochsner Health System
Clinic Operations Leader
Trish Andermann
Cook Medical
District Manager
Mandy Barton
LCMC Health
Social Media Specialist
Amy Boyle
Laitram/Intralox
Human Resources Business Partner
Jody Braunig, LMSW
Wild Fundraising
Project Manager
Joy Bruce
CASA New Orleans
Executive Director
Shellond Chester
Assistant Provost, Chief Operating Officer for Academic Affairs
Xavier University
Dawn Collins
Sodexo
Heidi Colwell, SHRM-CP
Sodexo
Retail Operations Manager
Carmen Cummings
InclusivCare
Corporate Executive Manager
Rosalyn Davis
Pan American Life Insurance Company
Compliance Analyst II
Shelly Dee
Ochsner Health System
Director of Customer Success
Lauren DeFrates, MSHCM
Ochsner Health System
Vice President, Emergency Services
Elizabeth Ellison-Frost
Chalmette Refining - PBF Energy
Community Relations Manager
Emily Engberg
The Times-Picayune|New Orleans Advocate, NOLA.com
Advertising Director
Lorey Flick
Flick Engineering Professionals
Principal
Mary Garvey Algero, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
Associate Dean, Faculty Development & Academic Affairs; Professor of Law
Alejandra Guzman
LSU Foundation
Executive Director of Business Ventures
Allison Hjortsberg
Tulane University
Assistant Director of University Marketing
Mary Hoffman
Isidore Newman School
Associate Director of Advancement
Annie Juttner, CSP
Northwestern Mutual - LA & MS
Executive Director of Recruitment and Selection
Fay Kimbrell
3rd Floor Consulting
Founder
Katie Krikorian
Loyola University New Orleans
Assistant Director, Career Development Center
Denali Lander
Youth Run NOLA
Executive Director
Halima Leak Francis, PhD
Tulane University School of Professional Advancement - Public Administration Program
Director and Professor of Practice
Kelley Mackenroth, JD
Northwestern Mutual
Financial Representative
Meaghan McCormack
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
Executive Director
Claudia Medina
Ochsner Health System
Director of International Program & Language Services
Krista Mincey, MPH, DrPH
Xavier University
Assistant Professor, Public Health Services
Lisa Morrison
InclusivCare
Director of Finance
Erica Perez
Collegiate Academies
Director of Student Recruitment
LaShaunda Pickett-Rene, MPA
TruFund Financial Services, Inc.
Vice President; Managing Director, Texas
Nicole Powell
New Orleans Police Department
Police Sergeant
Stephanie Powell
The Andrew Goodman Foundation
Program Director
Zoey Reed
Louisiana Association Charter Public Schools
Communications Director
Karla Rivera
Greater New Orleans Foundation
Chief of Staff
Leigh-Ann Sallis, MPPA
Harrison County Courthouse
Deputy Clerk
Jennifer Sutton, DVM
Gulf Coast Veterinary Services
Partner and Veterinarian
Kelli Towers
Keep Pedaling, LLC
Certified Mindset Coach
Dr. Tammy Wilborn, LPC-S, NCC
Wilborn Clinical Services
Owner and Clinical Officer; Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, Author
Heide Winston
Tulane University
Director of Communications and Civic Engagement for the Office of the President Emeritus
Fallon Aidoo, PhD
University of New Orleans
Jean Brainard Boebel Endowed Professor of Historic Preservation; Assistant Professor of Planning and Urban Studies
Cristina Alvarado
Delgado Community College
Program Director of Architecture, Civil and CADD Programs
Trish Andermann
Cook Medical
District Manager
Amy Boyle
Loyola University New Orleans
Director, Residential Life
Ronicka Briscoe
TNTP. Inc.
Director
Joy Bruce
CASA New Orleans
Executive Director
Shellond Chester
Xavier University
Assistant Provost; Chief Operating Officer for Academic Affairs
Dawn Collins
Sodexo Loyola University New Orleans
Catering Manager III
Lindsey Davidson
Lucid, LLC
Director, Project Success
Rosalyn Davis
Pan American Life Insurance Company
Compliance Analyst II
Shelley Dee
Ochsner Health System
Regional Account Manager/Solutions
Elizabeth Ellison Frost
Chalmette Refining - PBF Energy
Community Relations Manager
Emily Engberg
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans Advocate/ Nola.com
Advertising Director
Mary Hoffman
Isadore Newman School
Associate Director of Advancement
Anne-Louise Juttner, CSP
Northwestern Mutual - LA & MS
Executive Director of Recruitment and Selection
Fay Kimbrell
3rd Floor Consulting
Founder
Katherine Krikorian
Loyola University New Orleans
Assistant Director, Career Development Center
Denali Lander
Youth Run NOLA
Executive Director
Halima leak Francis, PhD
Tulane University School of Professional Advancement
Professor of Practice; Program Director, Public Administration Program
Kelley Mackenroth, JD
Northwestern Mutual
Financial Representative
Priscilla Mantilla
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Integrated Workforce Director
Stacy Martin
Collegiate Academies
Senior Managing Director of External Affairs
Claudia Medina
Ochsner Health System
Director, International Program & Language Services
Olivia Mitchell
Tulane University
Executive Director, Office of the CIO
Lisa Morrison
InclusivCare
Director of Finance
Erica Perez
Collegiate Academies
Director of Student Recruitment
Stephanie Powell
Young Leadership Council
Executive Director
Anna Whitlow
Be Nimble Public Relations
President
Tammy Lewis Wilborn, PhD
Wilborn Clinical Services
Owner; Clinical Officer
If you are interested in being a mentor, please apply here.
Mindy Nunez Airhart
Southern Services & Equipment
President; CEO
Essence Banks
Marriot International
Area Improvement Manager
Stephanie Bell
Friends of City Park
Executive Director
Elizabeth "Liz" Broekman
P.O.W.E.R., Fidelity Bank
Director
Amy Boyle Collins
Gambel Communications
Vice President
Myra Corrello, PhD
Find Your Spice Seminars, LLC
Business Growth Strategist, Speaker & Trainer
Julie Couret
7602 Coach
Executive Coach; Keynote Speaker
Carla Courey
Career Management Center at Tulane University - A.B. Freeman School of Business
Director
Michelle Craig, JD
Transcendent Law Group and Prosquire
Owner
Danielle Dayries
DMD & Associates, Inc.
Founder; CEO
Klassi Duncan
Women's Business Resource Center, Urban League of LA
Director
Deborah "Deb" Elam
Corporate Playbook
President; CEO
Dima Ghawi
Dima Ghawi, LLC
Executive Coach; Keynote Speaker
Deborah F. Grimes
Ochsner Health
Vice President; Chief Diversity Officer
Aimee Freeman
Aimee Freeman Consulting, Founder
LA State Representative, District 98
Kelly Huben
M S Benbow and Associates
Director of Operations & Human Resources
Sarah Kelly
Loyola University New Orleans
SVP of Enrollment, Marketing, and Student Affairs
Sandra Linquist
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Executive Vice President; COO
Carol Ann MacGregor
Loyola University New Orleans
Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
Camille Manning-Broome
Center for Planning Excellence
President; CEO
Lacy McManus
Amazon Web Services
Program Manager; Employer Lead
Tina Meilleur
Design Your Success
Founder; Owner
Lesley-Ann Noel, PhD
Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking
Professor of Practice; Associate Director, Design Thinking for Social Impact
Maria Pabon
Loyola University New Orleans
Professor of Law
Victoria Adam Phipps
New Orleans Business Alliance
Chief Strategy Officer
Mayra Pineda
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
President; CEO
Lesley Poche
McEnergy Residential, Licensed Realtor
Lesley Poche Construction, LLC, Owner
Michelle Seiler Tucker
Seiler Tucker
Founder; President
Lisa Taglauer
Magnolia Physical Therapy, LLC
Co-Founder
Shondra Williams, PhD
InclusivCare
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Garvey Algero, JD
Loyola University New Orleans
Associate Dean, Faculty Development & Academic Affairs; Professor of Law
October Ambrose, MA
Ochsner Health System
Clinic Operations Manager
Alexandra “Sashi” Band, DO, FACOG
Ochsner Baptist
Staff Physician, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Stephanie Barksdale
Tulane University
Director, University Partnerships and Social Innovation; Adjunct Lecturer
Mandy Barton
LCMC Health
Content Strategist
Jody Braunig, LMSW
Girls on the Run New Orleans
Executive Director
Heidi Colwell
Sodexo
Resident Dining Manager
Stephanie Comardelle
Lucid LLC
Vice President, Customer Success & Solutions
Carmen H. Cummings
Jefferson Community Health Center, Inc.
Corporate Executive Manager
Lauren DeFrates, MSHCM
Ochsner Health System
Vice President, Emergency Services
Lorey Flick, PE
Flick Engineering Professionals
Principal
Renata A. Granger, MBA, MSW
BoysTown
Early Headstart Director
Alejandra Guzman
The New Orleans Business Alliance
Vice President, Performance Management & Strategy
Avril Habetz
Northwestern Mutual
District Director
Emily Hartnett
InspireNOLA Charter Schools
Deputy Chief of Strategy & Advancement
Josephine “Jo” Heller, JD
St. Bernard District Attorney’s Office
Assistant District Attorney
Lauren Hickman
OJT
Architect
Allison Hjortsberg
Tulane University
Director, Special Projects
Michelle Huck
Lucid LLC
Vice President, Finance; Controller
Hannah Huppi
IMOTO photo
Senior Vice President
Stilio
COO & Co-Founder
Shirley Kakousky
Sodexo
Director, Resident Dining
Riley Kennedy
Woodward Design+Build
Director, Organizational Development
Suma Sangisetty Maddox
Louisiana State University
LSU Plastic Surgery Fellow
Meaghan McCormack
World Trade Center New Orleans
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Krista D. Mincey, MPH, DrPH
Xavier University of Louisiana
Assistant Professor, Public Health Services
LaShaunda Pickett-Rene, MPA
TruFund Financial Services, Inc.
Assistant Vice President; Manager, Business Services & Program Development
Samantha Pollard
Loyola University New Orleans
Accessibility Counselor
Nicole Powell
New Orleans Police Department
Police Sergeant
Zozette "Zoey" Reed
Collegiate Academies
Director of Communications
Karla Rivera
Greater New Orleans Foundation
Special Assistant to the President & CEO
Elizabeth “Leigh-Ann” Sallis
Tulane University
Budget and Administrative Coordinator, Hayward Genetics Center
Mary Schulingkamp
Magnolia Physical Therapy
Chief Operating Officer
Rachel Strassel
Gambel Communications
Communications Strategist
Jennifer Sutton
Gulf Coast Veterinary Services
Partner; Veterinarian
Kelli Towers
American Lung Association
Executive Director
Elizabeth “Liz” Marcel Williams, Ed.D.
Center for Resilience
Founder and CEO
Amy Winchester, CFP®, CRPS™
Gulf Coast Wealth Management
Certified Financial Planner Practitioner
Heide Winston
Tulane University
Director of Communications and Civic Engagement, Office of the President Emeritus
Kate Witry
Witry Collective
Broker Owner, Realtor®
Tania Zachari
Techniques International Corporation
CEO
Cohort 1
WWL TV Eyewitness Morning News Interview with Sheba Turk
Loyola Launches Inaugural Women's Leadership Academy - The Advocate
Loyola New Orleans Launches Women's Leadership Academy - Biz New Orleans
Loyola Launches Women’s Leadership Academy - The Clarion Herald
Loyola Launches Women's Leadership Academy - The Maroon
Cohort 3
WVUE Fox News 8 Interview with President Tetlow
Loyola Opens Registration for WLA - Biz New Orleans
Lifting Each Other Up - Biz New Orleans May 2021 ft. President Tetlow and WLA Mentors, Mayra Pineda, Klassi Duncan, and Deb Elam
"One of the unique aspects of this opportunity, in addition to creating such a woman-positive professional space, is the exposure to such a variety of experts in thier field. Presenters provided meaningful content that ranged from big-picture professional and personal learnings, to concrete leadership and management tools we can immediately implement."
- Elizabeth "Liz" Marcel Williams, Founder and CEO, Center for Resilience
"I have so much admiration and appreciation for the women in this program. WLA is both a stimulating and supportive space that has allowed me to learn from and relate to women from different walks of life and career backgrounds. My fellow WLA participants and the guest speakers have provided me with insights and inspiration to be a more self-assured and impactful leader."
- Heide Winston, Director, Communications and Civic Engagement, Tulane University
"This program and my classmates are the reason why I am where I am today. In the time we have been together, I have grown (personally and professionally) far past my initial expectations. Every month I learn at least 3 new skills. These skills have significantly increased my value to my organization, as well as my direct team. I have learned about successful meeting strategies, logical thinking, decision making, as well as personalities blending in groups and how to handle these things as a woman. This program and its subject matter provided the knowledge no one wanted to give me, but everyone needs to know. I am surrounded by powerful women who make me feel large instead of small. I have taken this confidence with me to work and in my home. The ripple effect is my daughter and son will also benefit from this program. Thank you President Tetlow and staff! This program is a gift and I am excited for the future and for the long term bonds that I now have!"
- Mary Schulingkamp, Vice President of Operations, Magnolia Physical Therapy
"I strongly encourage women in leadership roles or interested in serving in a leadership role to particiapte in the Loyola Women's Leadership Academy. I look forward to these sessions each month because of the speakers, who are inspirational and informative, and because of the value of setting time aside to dream big. Moreover, the opportunity to attend this course with so many strong women is uplifting and amazing in itself. We learn so much from each other. We also see that strong leaders are as diverse as each individual in the room, from the extroverted, assertive leader to the introverted, deep thinker. Good leaders are lifetime learners, and this academy is fantastic, even for the "more experienced" of us in the room!"
- Mary Garvey Algero, Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Academic Affairs, Distinguished Professor of Law, Loyola University New Orleans
"What I have enjoyed about the classes is that we are learning practical skills. I feel like I leave with something practical from each session that I can not only implement now, but am able to tie and connect it to what I am currently doing at my current job.."
- Krista Mincey, Associate Professor of Public Health Services, Xavier University
"The Women's Leadership Academy was appealing to me because I wanted to hone in on my leadership skills and meet other leaders in managing areas to help me to be a better manager, leader, and person. I have met amazing women in the program and equally amazing speakers. I have learned a lot about myself, leadership skills, how to effectively relate to others, build upon my communication skills, and network. Through networking, I am now an adjunct professor teaching trial advocacy here at Loyola which I am so excited about. Had I not been a participant in this program, it just would not have happened..."
- Josephine "Jo" Heller, Assistant District Attorney, St. Bernard District Attorney
The WLA Alumni Scholarship was formed after WLA Cohort 1, Class of 2020, completed the program and felt the need to give back to those with financial hardships that would benefit from attending Loyola's Women's Leadership Academy.
If you would like to donate to the WLA Alumni Scholarship fund, please click here. You can click on "Make a Gift Now." Enter the amount that you would like to donate. Select "Other" for the Designation and type in "WLA Scholarship" or "WLA gifts" in the Other box.
Thank you for your contribution to Loyola's Women's Leadership Academy!

Transformative Speakers
Keynote speakers from past WLA Cohorts
President of Loyola University New Orleans Tania Tetlow, Chief Judge of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Robin Pittman, Executive Coach Myra Corrello, Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Tulane University School of Medicine Dr. Mary Killackey, Phelps Dunbar LLP Partner Kim Boyle, President and CEO of Corporate Playbook Deborah Elam, Author and Executive Coach Val Grubb, President and CEO of Children's Hospital New Orleans John Nickens IV, Emmy-winning Journalist Betsy Fisher-Martin, Loyola Professor of Management Dr. Michelle K. Johnston, Dean of Loyola Law School Madeleine Landrieu, Founder of Ellevate Louisiana Julie Stokes, CEO of The Ganon Group Bill Ganon, CEO of Gambel Communications Amy Boyle Collins and CEO of InclusivCare Dr. Shondra Williams.
Testimonials
from past WLA events

"I loved the living room style chat with Deb. She was an inspiration and a perfect time for her to share at this stage of the Academy.”
- Katie W

“Dr. K was impactful with her advice especially when she spoke about her opportunity to rise up came too soon, in her mind, but she got the job and is doing well. So get out of our heads and be open.”
– anonymous

“John Nickens! He was such a great speaker and I was furiously writing notes the whole time. Loved this session!”
-Hannah H
