The American Red Cross will honor Yvette Jones, executive vice president for university relations and development at Tulane University, and two Tulane alumnae at a Power of Women luncheon on Aug. 21. Along with Jones, Dr. Karen DeSalvo and Anne Milling will be honored.
The luncheon honors extraordinary female volunteers and community leaders who have made a significant contribution to the ongoing recovery efforts of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina.
The Power of Women luncheon will be Friday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Marriott New Orleans, 555 Canal St. Proceeds from the Power of Women luncheon will support the work of the American Red Cross in Louisiana.
Jones helped lead Tulane University’s rebuilding and recovery efforts after Katrina, as well as foster the social entrepreneurship spirit that sustains the university’s and the city’s recovery.
DeSalvo was instrumental in building an award-winning model of healthcare for low-income and vulnerable individuals in post-Katrina New Orleans. She is national coordinator for Health Information Technology and acting assistant secretary for health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Milling, a 1962 Newcomb College graduate, founded Women of the Storm in 2006 to rally national support for New Orleans and its people. She continues to be a leader in philanthropic efforts that support the restoration and flood protection of the Gulf Coast.
Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC’s “Today Show,” a “Dateline NBC” correspondent and a New York Times Best Sellers author, will be the keynote speaker for the event. Kotb covered the aftermath and one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. She lived in New Orleans while working as an anchor and reporter at WWL-TV from 1992–1998.
“The Power of Women luncheon is a reminder of the power of engagement and the power of service by so many in helping rebuild after Katrina,” said Kay Wilkins, regional chief executive of the Red Cross in Louisiana.
Additional honorees are Adrianne LeBlanc, Margaret Orr, Sally-Ann Roberts, Denise Thornton and Connie Uddo.
Proceeds from the Power of Women luncheon will support the work of the American Red Cross in Louisiana. Tickets are available online or by calling (504) 620-3176.
