The Women in Leadership (WIL) Committee hosted a Networking Event at the Plimsoll Club high atop the New Orleans World Trade Center and overlooking the Mississippi River. Nearly 100 guests attended the event, enjoying cocktails and heavy hors d'ouevres in a beautiful setting with marble columns and crystal chandeliers and a breathtaking view of New Orleans.
The event was well attended by students, junior colleagues, more experienced colleagues, and many past presidents of NAN and others actively involved in NAN governance.
Donna Broshek, Chair of WIL, made introductions and announced the establishment of the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Fund and the WIL Educational Fund. Penelope Zeifert received a Certificate of Leadership and was recognized for her leadership in achieving full committee status for WIL and her unwavering support of the WIL mission.
One of the highlights of the evening was Dr. Laura Levy's presentation on her personal and professional path in academia. Dr. Levy gave a heartfelt and poignant presentation and many of those in attendance said that they felt like she had invited them into her living room and spoken directly to them. At the conclusion of Dr. Levy's remarks, winners of the raffle were drawn and everyone gathered together for dessert, drinks, coffee, and warm conversation and conviviality.
On the last day of the conference, WIL also sponsored a service project through Beacon of Hope (BOH).
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After hearing first hand how Hurricane Katrina devastated the neighborhood and still continues to haunt the residents both emotionally and financially, members of WIL and other NAN members worked shoulder to shoulder to paint the entire upstairs of a home belonging to a young woman who had faced a great deal of adversity during Katrina and after.
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Seeing the still present high water mark on the outside of the house and hearing the poignant story of the resident and the BOH volunteer brought tears to many eyes and for many of the NAN volunteers, working with BOH to provide practical support to a New Orleans family was the highlight of the conference.
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