Opelousas, La – April 24, 2024 The Women United of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way will host the 12th Annual Women With Heart Luncheon and Awards event on Wednesday, May 8th, at the Opelousas Civic Center. This popular event will be from 11:30-1:30, with registration required. The “Power of the Purse” purse auction, as a highlight each year, will create fun and excitement as attendees compete for over thirty purses stuffed with an array of items.
According to Ginger LeCompte, Executive Director of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, “We decided that this year’s program would focus on women business owners. The data tells us that one out of three entrepreneurs running successful businesses is a woman, generating more revenues and higher job growth every year. Aspiring women want, and need to hear from women business owners for insight and inspiration.”
Staying with the theme Bloom Where You’re Planted, Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations for South Louisiana Community College and Executive Director of the SLCC Foundation will lead a panel discussion on women entrepreneurs. Participating as panelists are Sarahi Sawtelle, owner of Hundredfold Coffee in Ville Platte; Courtney Pitre Dugas, owner of Courtney’s Thriftyway Pharmacy in Arnaudville and Boyers Thrift Pharmacy in Henderson; and Tracey Colson-Antee, owner of Maven Consultants in Opelousas. Women United President, Josie Frank stated, “Every year, we think we can’t top the last year, but we never seem to run out of outstanding speakers and inspiring stories.”
The “Woman With Heart” awards will be presented to two outstanding women representing St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes respectively, who have distinguished themselves as caring, compassionate community activists, volunteers and leaders. From St. Landry Parish, the nominees are Madelyn Rosette, Donna Baltakis, and Shawana Johnson. From Evangeline Parish, nominees are Melissa Gibson, Kimberly Bourgeois, and Katrina Ardoin.
Proceeds from this event will support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) and other programs and projects related to women and children’s issues.
Women with Heart Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Opelousas Civic Center
Tickets: $30 – Can be purchased online at https://www.uwsle.org/women-heart-2024 or by calling the United Way office at (337) 942-7815. For more information, contact Ginger LeCompte at glecompte@uwsle.org.
