Somehow, they make it all look easy. The high-pressure careers. The growing families. The service on local boards and volunteer efforts at area nonprofits.
The 2017 Influential Women in Business balance all these demands, and more, with grace and humility. But, of course, it’s not easy—and it hasn’t been a leisurely climb for any of this year’s nine honorees. And while their personal and career paths are varied, there are a few common threads that emerge when speaking with the honorees about how they’ve reached this point in their lives.
They take risks. They persevere in the face of failure. They have strong support networks, both at work and home. They believe in themselves. They are compassionate. They pray. And at the end of a long day, they know how to decompress and recharge for the next challenge that awaits them.
As you’ll learn in the following profiles, this year’s honorees have already achieved much, but they’re not anywhere near the finish line. This year’s honorees are:
- Sarah Broome | Executive director, THRIVE Academy
- Camille Conaway | Senior vice president, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
- Helena Cunningham | Founder and CEO, National Housing Consulting Services
- Karen Holden | CEO, Providence
- Kelly Hurtado | Executive director, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation
- Julie Laperouse | Director of training, Emergent Method
- Sonia Perez | President, AT&T Louisiana
- Gaye Sandoz | Director, LSU AgCenter Food Incubator
- Monique Scott-Spaulding | Franchise owner, Jani-King of Baton Rouge
For 20 years now, Business Report has been honoring incredible women in our community who are making the Capital Region a better place to live, work and play. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at a special luncheon on May 17 at Crowne Plaza. Individual tickets cost $45 and tables of 10 are available for $450. Get your ticket now. You can also read a recent Business Report Q&A with Carolyn Rodz, who will deliver the keynote address at the luncheon.
