NEW ORLEANS – Young Leadership Council (YLC) announced its 2025 Role Model class. Composed of 10 business, community and civic leaders, the 2025 class will be honored at the 39th Annual YLC Role Model Awards on Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m., at The Sazerac House. Annually since 1986, YLC has selected a class of outstanding New Orleanians who serve as Role Models by actively contributing to the betterment of the Greater New Orleans region. These individuals are an inspiration to YLC’s young professional members and to the community at large. The 2025 YLC Role Model class is composed of the following individuals:
| Christopher Kane | Adams and Reese LLP | Partner and Global Trade, Transportation, and Logistics Team Leaders |
| Clara Baron-Hyppolite | College Beyond | Executive Director |
| Dr. Treva T. Brown | U.S. Naval Research Laboratory | Physical Scientist |
| Jim Cook | Sheraton Hotel/ Marriott International | General Manager |
| Leon Rittenberg III | Liskow Law Firm | Partner |
| Lisa D. Alexis | New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund/City of New Orleans | NOTCF-President/CEO, Office of Cultural Economy-Director of OCE |
| Lowrey Crews | The 18th Ward | CEO |
| Margaret Orr | N/A – Retired | Chief Meteorologist WDSU |
| Ruth Lawson | Jefferson Chamber of Commerce | President |
| Wayne Baquet | Imperial Trading Little Desi | CEO |
Each year’s class of honorees is selected by a committee including members of YLC’s Board of Directors and past YLC Role Model Award recipients. The committee reviews all nominations before selecting a final list of individuals. Honorees are selected based on significant contributions to their field of work and to New Orleans as a whole. Notably, a person can only receive the honor of YLC Role Model once in his or her lifetime.
“YLC is so proud to announce the 2025 Role Model class,” said 2025 YLC Board President Josie Delaune. “These leaders are doing amazing things in so many industries and areas across the greater New Orleans region, and they are making room for others to learn from them. We are excited to introduce our members to this group of community leaders throughout the year so they can share their passion and leadership and fulfill YLC’s mission to create the next generation of New Orleans leaders.”
The annual YLC Role Model Awards Evening will spotlight the accomplishments of the members of the 2025 Role Model class. This year’s event is chaired by YLC Board Members Brooke Laizer and Katie Neeb.
For information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Allison Hotard, Executive Director, at allison@ylcnola.org or call 504-585-1500. For more information about YLC and to view a list of past Role Model Award recipients, visit www.ylcnola.org.
YLC can be found on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @ylcnola.
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