Women of Distinction is a community-wide annual celebration of purpose-driven female leaders across a 42-parish service area benefitting Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf. Women of Distinction is a unique event that highlights and honors the outstanding accomplishments local women have achieved through family, career, and community service. Each year, our council calls upon the public to identify women who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, community visibility, and professionalism. These women, like Girl Scouts, are dedicated to service and leadership and exemplify positive values. These role models inspire local Girl Scouts to achieve their own goals and dreams. Proceeds of this charitable event fund the Girl Scout Leadership Program, which helps Girl Scouts grow into the female leaders of tomorrow.
Women of Distinction 2024
Women of Distinction Lafayette
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
ULL Ballroom
Women of Distinction Shreveport
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
LSU Shreveport Ballroom
Women of Distinction 2024 Honorees
Lafayette Honorees
Heather Blanchard
Heather Blanchard is the President and CEO of the United Way Acadiana. Along with being deeply involved in the Acadiana community, Heather previously served as the Executive Director of CASA of South Louisiana. She is an incredible advocate for youth in the Acadiana area and beyond.
Dr. Gwendolyn Hollinger
Dr. Gwendolyn Hollinger is a school social worker within the Lafayette Parish School System and the Owner of SupaNova STAR Services, LLC. Dr. Hollinger is involved locally in Alpha Kappa Alpha and works to build courage in local girls through SupaNova STAR Services.
Charity Lewis
Charity Lewis is the President, Founder, and Owner of Magnolia Kids Club and Sweet Magnolia Kids Club. She also launched Maggie's Organic Market, a farmer's market that aims to provide a community meeting place for all. Free (ADA and sensory-friendly) STEM and art activities are hosted at the market to ensure everyone can be included.
Ayesha Martin
Ayesha Martin is the President of the Junior League of Lafayette and the Lead Trauma Registrar of the Trauma Services Department at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. She actively engages in community service projects that involve girls, helping them to understand the importance of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.
Stacey Knight Mejia
Stacey Knight Mejia owns Acadiana Karate and Stacey's Optimal Health. Stacey works with the Lafayette Parish School Board on their Just Say NO! program and with Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers. She was also previously recognized as the National Black Belt League Woman of the Year!
Karli Sherman
Karli Sherman owns Karli Sherman Productions, specializing in public speaking and women's professional development. She is an active volunteer with organizations including Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, United Way, the Lafayette Community Fridge, Acadiana Animal Aid, the Junior League of Lafayette, and the 705, and she participates in multiple mentor programs. She has also been involved with pageants for 20+ years. Karli has been a national and international titleholder as Ms. USA and Ms. World Universal.
Roslyn White
Roslyn White is the mayor of Abbeville, Louisiana. As the first woman mayor of Abbeville, she does her best to advocate for youth, especially girls through support. Mayor White has an incredible passion for her community and says the best form of advocacy is action.
Hilton Waits | Man Enough to be a Girl Scout
Hilton Waits is a 4-H Agent with the LSU AgCenter. He is also the Parish Chair of the Vermilion Parish LSU AgCenter. Hilton has been a 4-H Agent for over 34 years! Beyond his extensive work within Vermilion Parish 4-H, Hilton volunteers with CYT and throughout his community. He has a passion for working with youth and helping them grow!
Shreveport Honorees
Gisele Proby-Bryant
Gisele Proby-Bryant is the former Director of Special Education and Federal Programs within Bossier Parish Schools. Gisele is a licensed Speech Pathologist in the state of Louisiana and is incredibly involved in advocacy in her community. She is recognized for her expertise in special education law and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Dr. Heather Carpenter
Dr. Heather Carpenter is the Executive Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research at Louisiana State University - Shreveport. She has taught over 80 courses in nonprofit management, is incredibly involved in the Shreveport-Bossier community, and is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and a lifetime Girl Scout Member!
Dr. Tiffany George
Tiffany George is a Nurse Practitioner at Willis Knighton and owns Care Partners of Shreveport-Bossier. Dr. George is involved in a myriad of volunteer organizations in the Shreveport-Bossier region including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Jack and Jill of American, and more. She has a passion for the mental and physical health of young girls and encourages girls to value themselves!
Alex Person
Alex Person is the Director of Community Engagement at Volunteers for Youth Justice. She is involved in the Junior League, Bossier Youth Leadership, the Commission for Women Bossier City, and so much more! For over 12 years, she has worked to empower youth in the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Kristen Powers
Kristen Powers is the Executive Director at The Arc Caddo-Bossier. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Shreveport, Rotary International, the Shreveport Bossier Military Affairs Council, and more! Kristen works to empower women in her community every day.
LaToria Thomas
LaToria Thomas is the President and CEO of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana. She is deeply involved in her community. She is the chairman of several committees within Alpha Kappa Alpha, the service committee chair for the Rotary Club of Shreveport, and much more. LaToria is the first African American and woman to be appointed President and CEO of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana!
Dr. Regina Webb
Dr. Regina Webb is the Caddo Parish Tax Assessor. Dr. Webb is also the owner and chief accountant for Micro Accounting Services and is an Associate Professor at Southern University at Shreveport in the Business Department. Dr. Webb was the first woman and first African American to be elected as Caddo Parish Tax Assessor.
Felecia Williams
Felecia Williams owns and directs My Spa My Way and Spa Blu by My Spa My Way. Felecia is involved in Delta Sigma Theta, YWCA Northwest Louisiana, Dress for Success, the Sickle Cell Foundation, and much more! Felecia also founded a nonprofit, Gertrude's Gifts, to uplift and empower young women in her area.
Victor Thomas | Man Enough to be a Girl Scout
Victor Thomas is the Caddo Commissioner for District 3. He also serves as the online/distance learning coordinator for Southern University at Shreveport. He is deeply involved in the Shreveport community, including the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Initiative, Shreveport NAACP, Community Foundation of Northwest LA, and much more.
Sponsorship Information
Support Women of Distinction 2024: If you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 Women of Distinction events, please click the button below and a member of our Fund Development Team will get back to you.
Past Women of Distinction
Lafayette Women of Distinction 2023
Shreveport Women of Distinction 2023
