Spring 2025 Contents
LAGNIAPPE STAFF
Editor: Megan Kurtz
Assistant Editors: Katie Odell and Erica Jackson
Writers: Cree Jourdain, Megan Kurtz, Katie Odell
Photographers: Ashley Bell, Carol O'Connor, Catherine Rigby, Delana Lynn
Photography, Mahjong Rouge, Sarah Howard
PUBLISHER STAFF
Art Director: Ali Sullivan
Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer
Production Designers: Ashley Pemberton and Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Tara Waldron
President-Elect: Michelle Clarke Payne
Secretary: Melissa Nunn
Treasurer: Paige Farrell
Assistant Treasurer: Genevieve Anderson
Business Council Director: Shelby Wynne
Communications Council Director: Carol O’Connor
Community Council Director: Catherine Rigby
Membership Council Director: Tabitha Mangano
Planning & Development Council Director: LeeAnn Moss
Ways & Means Council Director: Christine Rigamer
Nominating Committee Chair: Erica Washington
Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Brandy Whisnant
by Delana Lynn Photography
Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne
President's Message
Spring is a beautiful time of year for the Junior League of New Orleans So much is happening at once! March 31, 2025 marks 101 years of JLNO It is a time for renewal and new growth It is a time to spread our wings and try something new It is a time to connect with one another and celebrate our successes
Our committees and leaders are preparing for transitions while also organizing and promoting our Spring fundraisers and initiatives – and what diverse and colorful initiatives they are! Whether it be our 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Summit , our Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship Pitch Competition or Run , Walk , Give! , our organization is working hard on these and other engaging , fun and impactful programs as we close out our League year and continue to work toward creating opportunities and breaking down barriers so that women in our region can grow
We look forward to connecting with you , sharing the impact with you , and partnering with you as we move into a new year of service
Tara Waldron
JLNO President , 2024-2025
Photo
Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography
From Awareness to Action
The ABOLISH Movement’s Mission to End Human Trafficking
Each year in Louisiana, thousands of victims of all ages, genders and ethnicities have been identified as human trafficking victims Human trafficking is a hidden crime that is hard to track It is estimated that more than 27.6 million people (both adults and children) are victims of this crime worldwide The 2024 Louisiana Annual Human Trafficking report, created by the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, revealed a 57 percent increase in victims identified and served across the state in 2023 compared to 2022.
Since 2019, the ABOLISH Movement, a Junior League New Orleans (JLNO) committee dedicated to the issue of human trafficking, has been raising awareness and providing support to help end human trafficking. It is an unfortunate truth that human trafficking is more prevalent whenever large events occur Anticipating a full schedule of events in New Orleans throughout February 2025, JLNO stepped into action to bring attention to human trafficking, spearheading awareness of January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and hosting training and assistance events in preparation for February
In January, JLNO hosted a training featuring an interactive session presented by Sheri Combs, Director of Community and Youth Engagement at Covenant House Combs emphasized to JLNO members that "Human trafficking can exist where there lies a vulnerability and does not discriminate based on race, age, gender or religion."
As New Orleans prepared to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, JLNO also partnered with the Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution (SOAP) Project, along with other regional nonprofits including
the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Women United, Southern Mississippi University Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training and the Louisiana First Foundation/the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking to raise awareness and help end human trafficking
On Saturday, Feb. 1, JLNO Headquarters bustled with more than 85 volunteers, from men and women to teens and clergy members Attendees were trained on the signs of human trafficking and prepared 13,000 bars of soap and 14,000 makeup remover wipes labeled with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number, as well as folders with photos of missing youth Over the last 15 years, the SOAP Project has traveled to major events across the country to distribute these labeled soaps and makeup remover wipes to area hotels and motels ahead of the game, with the goal of helping those being trafficked and providing a resource for intervention These items give survivors of human trafficking safe access to help, the hotline number, without being confrontational. League members helped deliver these items to hotels across New Orleans The result of their efforts was that information was distributed to over 180 hotels/ motels in the area, and one missing child was recognized!
During the training, the SOAP Project team shared that the average age of entry into human trafficking is 12-14 years old, and that 77 percent of all prostituted adults report being trafficked as children. Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities, often leaving victims unaware that they are being trafficked Theresa Flores, founder of the SOAP Project, shared that she did not realize she had been a victim of human trafficking until decades later She later became a strong advocate for survivors, successfully pushing for changes to Michigan’s statute of limitations for trafficked victims
Together, over 50 Junior Leagues across the country have joined the fight to combat human trafficking and raise public awareness to pass more than 25 different pieces of anti-trafficking legislation at their state and local levels JLNO and the ABOLISH committee’s goal is to provide education about human trafficking, raise awareness about how to spot it and safely report it, and ultimately positively impact a life To learn more about human trafficking and recognize the signs of someone being trafficked, visit humantraffickinghotline org
If you witness a situation that you suspect may be human trafficking , here’s how you can help :
• Do not intervene directly with the situation While you may want to reach out and help, direct action may worsen the situation for the trafficked survivor and make the situation dangerous for you and them
• Take note of what you observe and report it to local law enforcement by calling 911 or calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888. Reports may also be filed online at humantraffickinghotline org
Meg Charbonnet
2025 Sustainer of the Year
“The cream always rises to the top,” they say, and for Meg Charbonnet, this sentiment perfectly encapsulates her unwavering dedication to community service and leadership Yet, Meg is quick to deflect the spotlight, preferring to focus on the bigger picture and the people who inspire her. When notified by Tara Waldron, 2024-2025 Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) President, that she would be honored as the 2025 Sustainer of the Year, Meg’s immediate reaction wasn’t about herself her first words were, “This is for my mom ”
Over the years, Meg’s dedication and expertise has led her to hold various leadership roles, from serving as JLNO Corresponding Secretary to serving on the board for Le Petit Salon in New Orleans and Milne Developmental Services in Covington And during her tenure as president of Milne Developmental Services between 2020 and 2022, Meg helped steer the organization through unprecedented challenges, building a legacy of resilience and care
Meg’s story is one of leadership, humility and family Her recognition as Sustainer of the Year isn’t just a reflection of her individual contributions, but also of a legacy of voluntarism and community impact deeply rooted in her upbringing Through her work, she reminds us that it’s often the small, meaningful acts that collectively create the greatest change a perspective passed down by her parents and one she actively instills in her children and grandchildren
A Journey Rooted in Service & Leadership
Meg’s dedication to the Junior League of New Orleans began at age 25, when she joined as a provisional member. Her first assignment was working at the JLNO Thrift Shop, where she discovered the power of connecting directly with the community While some saw this role as an obligation, Meg saw it as an opportunity to engage with people on a personal level.
“I loved it,” Meg recalls “Not only were we helping make money for JLNO, but we were actually getting to know the people we wanted to help We became friends with shoppers students, artists, local ladies, and even a few men I remember exchanging recipes with customers ” By the time her term ended, her passion had earned her the position of Thrift Shop Chair, where she even helped rebrand the shop to Bloomin’ Deals a twist on the widely known luxury department store chain Bloomingdales
Meg’s many contributions to JLNO include leading several initiatives aimed at education and community support But her work isn’t without its lessons Reflecting on one particular project where her team planned a parent meeting without realizing the language barrier for its primarily Spanishspeaking audience, Meg emphasizes the importance of adaptability “We regrouped and came back with a Spanish-speaking speaker,” she explains “If you fail, you come back from a different direction to achieve your goal My mom used to say, ‘A quilt is made from many different patches ’”
Her approach to leadership is refreshingly collaborative “I’ve learned that if you want to have a cohesive team, you need all types of people,” she says
Leadership with Grace and Positivity
Meg’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity and empowerment. Her mentors at JLNO, many of whom she notes have preceded her as Sustainers of the Year, taught her early on that a cohesive team requires diverse talents and perspectives. “A leader's role is to provide the tools their team needs to be successful,” she shares It’s advice she has taken to heart, empowering others while ensuring that no task no matter how big or small is insurmountable with the right approach. “JLNO gave me the skills and, more importantly, the self confidence to go out into the community And I hope that I can encourage others to do the same,” Meg explains Her daughter-in-law, Yvonne “Sibby” Charbonnet, who submitted the nomination for Sustainer of the Year, highlights how Meg’s enduring positivity and dedication inspire those around her “What’s truly unique about her is her ‘can-do’ attitude. No task is too big she’ll find a way to get it done. Her tenacity and grit are unparalleled,” Sibby says, emphasizing the energy and work ethic Meg brings to every project
“Volunteer work should be fun while making a difference. Don’t take yourself too seriously, stay committed and follow through. And remember—it’s not a popularity contest, and that’s okay.”
From her leadership roles within JLNO to her time as President of Milne Developmental Services a home for individuals with developmental challenges Meg cultivates spaces where people can thrive She leads by example, modeling resilience, creativity and a team-oriented spirit
Family Influence and a Legacy of Voluntarism
Meg’s dedication to service is as much a family affair as a personal passion. “My family has been with me every step of the way,” Meg shares “My children grew up with JLNO They joined me many times, whether they were helping out or just watching me work. ”
From the early days when her children helped her locate her calendar, affectionately nicknamed “Mom’s Life Book,” to her husband Hunter’s unwavering encouragement during her most demanding volunteer efforts, the Charbonnet family shares a legacy of service Meg’s siblings and parents played a formative role in instilling in her passion for community involvement something she now passes on to her eight grandchildren
Sibby reflects on this generational legacy “Meg’s recognition is a full - circle moment Her mother’s impact on her life has trickled down to her children, her grandchildren, and even me This legacy reminds us all of the value of leading by example ”
This commitment to family extends seamlessly into Meg’s personal and volunteer life A fond memory recalls Meg and her mother, Dottie, hosting a sewing camp at McGehee School for young girls each summer The classes, complete with hands-on sewing projects and end-of-summer fashion shows, were a testament to her passion for teaching and community For Sibby, who attended these camps as a child, this memory serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of Meg’s contributions on those around her even long before they became family
A “Homegrown” Volunteer
Despite all she has accomplished, Meg remains humble about receiving the Sustainer of the Year honor “Winning this award feels so far out of my wheelhouse; I am truly a homegrown volunteer,” she says “I’m not the CEO type I’m the one who will get my hands dirty and connect with people. A simple thank you for a job well done has always been enough for me ” Her preference for hands-on involvement has endeared her to countless collaborators throughout the years
To Meg, the most meaningful part of this recognition lies in encouraging others to push beyond their comfort zones and take on meaningful challenges “Stretch yourself,” she advises “You never know what you might learn or experience that could change your perspective and your life ”
More Than Voluntarism - A Life Filled with Joy and Growth
Voluntarism is just one piece of the quilt that makes up Meg’s life. Whether she’s spending weekends gardening with her husband, growing Louisiana irises from seed, or traveling to uncover inspiration from gardens across the globe, Meg embraces life with energy and curiosity. Her work with Milne Developmental Services is particularly close to her
heart The organization provides a home and education for developmentally challenged adults, and for Meg, it is a place where smiles and laughter abound even in the face of challenges “When you interact with our clients, you realize how alike we are They want to be loved and accepted like anyone else,” she says
A Message of Gratitude and Inspiration
Through every leadership role she has held, every project she has launched, and every connection she has fostered, Meg has shown that leadership isn’t about recognition it’s about intention
“Volunteer work should be fun while making a difference Don’t take yourself too seriously, stay committed and follow through And remember it’s not a popularity contest, and that’s okay ”
Her journey serves as an inspiration to every member of the JLNO family and beyond “Step outside your comfort zone,” she encourages “You’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of and the impact you can make ”
Meg’s unwavering commitment to service, her humility, and her dedication to creating meaningful change embody the heart of the Junior League of New Orleans Her recognition as the 2025 Sustainer of the Year is not just an acknowledgment of her achievements it’s a celebration of the legacy she has built She reminds us that true leadership is about leaving a lasting imprint, not just on communities, but also on future leaders who will follow
And as Meg so wisely shares, no act is too small Whether organizing a school committee, welcoming customers at a thrift shop, or simply planting seeds in your garden, every effort has the potential to grow into something greater Because the cream doesn’t just rise to the top it enriches everything it touches along the way
Run , Walk , Give!
The Crescent City Classic (CCC) is one of New Orleans’s most anticipated 10 K races The annual event takes place Easter weekend and is an exciting way to begin the holiday The Junior League of New Orleans’ Run, Walk, Give! is part of the CCC’s Run For It program and is a highly anticipated event for a good cause Run, Walk, Give! is one of the largest and most lucrative fundraisers for the League To ensure the success of this year’s event, JLNO is actively looking to recruit one hundred people to its team to participate as runners, joggers, or walkers, as JLNO continues to celebrate over 100 years of service to the Greater New Orleans community All funds raised will go directly into JLNO programs and initiatives such as the JLNO Diaper Bank League member Lindsey Hemmer has participated in Run, Walk, Give! for over a decade, and currently serves as co - chair for this year’s event with Caroline Nead “My favorite sights are the costumes and neighbors cheering on the participants. It is fun to see the support of the community. They make signs and hand out cold water as we make our way through,” she says With regard to their goal of 100 runners, Lindsay is confident that the organization will reach and likely surpass its goal.“The sky 's the limit! We are excited to offer a slew of fun prizes to award top finishers and fundraisers plus a few bonus awards ” League members enjoy this initiative for many different reasons Amanda
Credeur loves the sense of togetherness she experiences each year “There’s a positive feeling of community, and a lot of support from other JLNO runners to help you train, pace the race, and celebrate at the end It’s fun and for a great cause ”
Marcy Grant, another League member, is also looking forward to this year’s 10 K race She shared that her first time participating solidified her commitment to JLNO’s initiatives, fostered a love of community- building , and provided an opportunity for camaraderie and bonding with other like - minded members in the organization “I joined the League because its programming propels the community in the right direction and leaves a lasting imprint on the city,” explains Grant “I am not one to run, so I walked the entire race and had an amazing time doing so. I encourage people to just do it. You can walk or dance your way to the finish line ”
Esme Robert decided to run after hearing an inspiring presentation given by the Run, Walk, Give! committee. “I had never participated before, but I was compelled to give it a try My sister, who is also a League member, joined me Reaching the finish line and celebrating with fellow Junior League members at the post party was the icing on the cake!”
Interested in learning more or participating in the CCC as a JLNO charity runner? Visit the website at jlno org/run - walk- give for more information
League Faces
Active and prospective JLNO members gather at Ralph’s on the Park on Thursday, Jan 30, with proceeds from the New Orleans Sour benefiting the League Photo by Ashley A Bell
JLNO welcomes the 2025-2026 Board of Directors at the February General Membership Meeting Photo by Carol O’Connor
In January 2025, the JLNO Diaper Bank celebrated an incredible milestone, surpassing 10 million products distributed to community partners since its inception Photo by Catherine Rigby
The Tulane University Bowling Team joins JLNO members for a Day of Service to honor the legacy of Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr on Monday, Jan 20. At the JLNO Diaper Bank, 85 volunteers sorted and packed 68,085 products for distribution through community partners
Photo by Sarah Howard
Active and Sustaining Members enjoy learning to play Mahjong together during classes facilitated by Mahjong Rouge at JLNO Headquarters on Saturday, Jan 25. Photo by Mahjong Rouge
The Holly Jolly Market committee dons festive apparel for the inaugural Preview Party on Monday, Dec 2. The 2024 market offered two nights of shopping and featured over 30 local vendors Photo by Delana Lynn Photography