OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)– The Women United of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way announced the nominees for the “Woman With Heart” awards, which will be given to two women who represent St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes and have established themselves as leaders and advocates in their communities.

The awards will be presented during the 12th Annual “Woman With Heart” Luncheon and Awards event on Wednesday, May 8, at the Opelousas Civic Center.

From St. Landry Parish, the nominees are:

• Madelyn Rosette

• Donna Baltakis

• Shawana Johnson

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From Evangeline Parish, the nominees are:

• Melissa Gibson

• Kimberly Bourgeois

• Katrina Ardoin

The theme of the event is “Bloom Where You’re Planted”, and along with a panel discussion on women entrepreneurs, there will also be a “Power of the Purse” purse auction, where attendees can compete for over thirty purses that will be stuffed with various items.

Lana Fontenot, vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations for South Louisiana Community College and executive director of the SLCC Foundation, will be leading the panel. The panelists include:

• Sarahi Sawtelle, owner of Hundredfold Coffee in Ville Platte

• Courtney Pitre Dugas, owner of Courtney’s Thriftyway Pharmacy in Arnaudville and Boyers Thrift Pharmacy in Henderson

• Tracey Colson-Antee, owner of Maven Consultants in Opelousas

“We decided that this year’s program would focus on women business owners,” Ginger LeCompte, executive director of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way said. “The data tells us that one out of three entrepreneurs running successful businesses is a woman, generating more revenues and higher job growth every year. Aspiring women want, and need to hear from women business owners for insight and inspiration.”

The money from this event will go towards the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) and other
programs and initiatives that focus on women and children’s issues.

“Every year, we think we can’t top the last year, but we never seem to run out of outstanding speakers and inspiring stories,” Women United President Josie Frank said.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Those interested in attending must register and can buy tickets on the United Way website.

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