Get to Know the Six Women Honorees for the Women Who Mean Business Awards

United Way of Acadiana recently announced the selection of six honorees for the Women Who Mean Business Awards presented by Home Bank. These honorees were chosen as finalists from over 63 nominations received from UWA’s service areas of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes. The women will be recognized during a ceremony on May 9 at The Jefferson, located on 1913 Kaliste Saloom Road.

The Women Who Mean Business Awards were established in 1999 to honor individuals who are prominent leaders in both their professions and communities. Additionally, the Trailblazer Award was introduced to recognize retired or semi-retired women who have paved the way for generations to come. This year’s Trailblazer Award recipient is Phebe Hayes, a retired professor and dean emerita at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, as well as the founder of The Iberia African American Historical Society.

Other honorees to be recognized include Missy Bienvenu Andrade, president and CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana; Roya Boustany, chief prosecutor at the 15th Judicial District Court; Diane Meaux Broussard, Vermilion Parish clerk of court; Ellen Nora, Solomon House executive director; and Fumy Rita, LAGCOE executive director.

Heather Blanchard, the President and CEO of United Way of Acadiana, expressed pride in honoring these exceptional women from the community as part of the Women United initiative. This year’s ceremony will feature a more intimate format with informal seating and stylish décor. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. KADN news anchor Marcelle Fontenot will serve as the emcee for the event.