Women’s Weekend

FestiGals returns to New Orleans with an exciting schedule of events.

June 1st, 2017 by: Misty Milioto

The 7th annual FestiGals leadership conference, taking place June 22-24 at the JW Marriott, is best known for its goal of inspiring, connecting and celebrating women, while supporting causes important to their well-being. This year’s theme is Passion, Purpose & Power. In that vein, local “Songbird of New Orleans,” Robin Barnes has been named the Grand Diva of the event, and she will lead the annual Stiletto Stroll through the Vieux Carre and across Canal Street for a fabulous After-Glow party. (Proceeds of fundraising marching krewes and newly formed groups will be donated to the New Orleans Family Justice Center, which helps families and individuals suffering from domestic violence.) She joins the ranks of past Divas, such as Angela Hill and Irma Thomas.

Taking center stage as the headliner of the Women’s Leadership Conference June 23 is Linda Alvarado, president and CEO of Denver-based Alvarado Construction, Inc., and the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball franchise. As an owner of the Colorado Rockies, her role is also significant because it was the first time that any woman was involved in a bid for ownership of a Major League Baseball team. She is a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for business issues, and she has been a commissioner of the White House Initiative for Hispanic Excellence in Education.

The event also features seminar tracks on professional development, personal enrichment Robin Barnes and New Orleans culture. Sessions include topics such as Negotiations, Next Generation of Leaders; Communicating Better, Smarter, Faster; EatFit FestiGals; New Orleans Ladies of Burlesque; and the Growing Louisiana Beer Culture & the Women Tapping into the Market.

Featured speakers will include Intentional Kate, Propeller’s Andrea Chin, acclaimed attorney Kim Boyle, local fitness pro April Dupree and other notables. There will also be FestiTalks (rapid-fire, dynamic presentations on a variety of topics); a keynote luncheon during which key women in the community will be honored for their contributions in various fields; and the Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch and Auction (proceeds benefit The Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, Inc.). Individual tickets, $150; Ultimate Diva Package, $399 (includes added perks such as a Culinary Demo/Dinner with Chef Sam Carroll at Sac-a-lait, private home tours and an opening reception at the Louisiana State Museum’s Presbytere). festigals.org