Young Leadership Council Announces 2024 Role Model Awards Evening

NEW ORLEANS, LA, (August 21, 2024) – Young Leadership Council (YLC) announced its 2024 Role Model class earlier this year. Composed of 10 business, community, and civic leaders, the 2024 class will be honored at the YLC Role Model Awards Evening on Friday, October 11, at The Sazerac House New Orleans, located at 101 Magazine Street. There will be a Patron Party starting at 6:30 pm and the Award Presentation will begin at 7:30 pm. Cocktail attire is requested. This year’s event is chaired by YLC Board Members Morgan England and Katie Neeb.

Tickets for both the Patron Party and the Award Presentation are available for purchase with all sales going to support YLC and its community projects. The Patron Party will be held in The Sazerac House Museum with bar carts presented by Sazerac and additional pre-presentation passed hors d'oeuvres by Joel’s Catering available for party participants. The Patron Party will be an intimate networking hour with the Role Models. The Award Presentation will be held in the Sazerac House Imperial Cabinet Saloon with drinks presented by Sazerac, hors d'oeuvres by Joel’s Catering, and live entertainment from Harry Hardin New Orleans Classical & Jazz available until 9 p.m.

The Role Model Awards Evening has evolved over the years, first beginning as a gala and shifting during the pandemic. Today, the YLC Role Model Awards is a full spectrum leadership development and learning program where young professionals can engage with and learn key skills from the honoree class. YLC leaders host a number of events with the Role Models leading up to the Awards Evening.

“We’ve learned everything from the strategy and science behind the Louisiana Children’s Museum to how to better engage teams,” said Katie Neeb 2024 Role Model Co-Chair. “It’s been really insightful and interesting hearing from community leaders who have done so much and have a wealth of knowledge to share with a young professional like myself. We’re looking forward to not only celebrating the Role Models and the contributions they have made in their specific field, but continuing to gain insight from them.” 

Annually since 1986, YLC has selected a distinguished class of leaders that have shaped the city of New Orleans with their passionate and dedicated efforts. A person can only receive the honor of YLC Role Model once in their lifetime.

“Role Models are noted for promoting a positive attitude and an unyielding desire to enhance the quality of life in New Orleans,” said Morgan England, 2024 Co-Chair of the Role Model Awards Evening. “It’s someone who’s an admirable inspiration to young talent and someone we all want to rally behind because they’re working toward the future success of everyone in the community.” 

YLC Role Model nominations happen annually with an application/call to submit a Role Model nomination in the winter. The public can nominate anyone to be considered for a Role Model class. To be considered, a nominee cannot have already been honored as a Role Model in previous years.

The 2024 Role Model Class is as follows: Victoria Adams Phipps, Shannon Blady, Sarah Busch, Ana Castro, Jaimmé Collins, Kimberly Davis Reyher, Gerald Duhon, Heidi Kiesling, Nathalie Simon, and Tyronne Walker.

Role Model Award Evening tickets are now on sale with Patron Party Tickets at $125 and General Award Ceremony tickets at $80. Discounts are available for YLC members. Sponsorships are available and include table purchases, contact info@ylcnola.org or 504-585-1500 to learn more. To learn more about YLC and view a list of past Role Model Award recipients, visit www.ylcnola.org.

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About Young Leadership Council

Founded in 1986, Young Leadership Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic organization that develops young professionals into leaders through community projects. Composed of early- to mid-career adults (ages 21-42) interested in developing their leadership skills while bettering the community, YLC is committed to building a more equitable, inclusive New Orleans. YLC achieves its mission through leadership training, hands-on leadership experience, and the amplification of community leaders. YLC can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @ylcnola. Learn more about YLC at www.ylcnola.org