The Women’s Leadership Summit, held on October 20, 2020  featured a diverse line-up of speakers and sessions including an inspirational keynote speaker, an opening plenary, and nine breakout sessions. Breakout session topics had three focus areas — professional development, personal growth, and community engagement — with all sessions reflective of JLNO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Keynote Speaker Phyllis M. Taylor is Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor Enterprises L.L.C., a management company to oversee the various Taylor operations. A graduate of Tulane University School of Law, Mrs. Taylor served as law clerk for one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Louisiana and for Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Her career in the oil industry began in 1972, when she became in-house counsel for John W. Mecom, Sr. Mrs. Taylor also serves as Chairman and President of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation. This philanthropic organization was started in 1985 with its emphasis on benefiting education, law enforcement, the armed forces and other humanitarian efforts. As a champion for education, Mrs. Taylor continues her late husband’s legacy to ensure students have the opportunity to receive merit-based, state-paid college tuition scholarships. The scholarship program exists in 22 other states and is modeled after the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana. For over 35 years, Mrs. Taylor has served and continues to serve on the boards of numerous organizations, including Smithsonian National Board, New Orleans Business Council, Catholic Leadership Institute, Emeritus Board Member Tulane University and Congressional Medal of Honor. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her public service.

Opening Plenary Speakers

Investing in Your Career

Sandra Lindquist – Executive Vice President and COO, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce

Investing in Your Community

Jennifer Hale – Founder, Sideline Pass and FOX Sports Sideline Reporter. JLNO Sustainer

Investing in You

April Dupré – Founder, Footprints to Fitness and Traffic Anchor, WWL-TV

Breakout Session 1 Speakers

Investing in Your Career: Develop your Presence: How to gain credibility and get a seat at the table

Investing in Your Community: Make NOLA Last – How to impact sustainably and build resilience

Investing in You: Equip yourself with
financial knowledge to build wealth

Breakout Session 2 Speakers

Investing in Your Career: Crisis Leadership, How to lead in uncertainty

Investing in Your Community: Pay it forward – How to make the most impact with your time, talent, and treasures

Investing in You: Women’s Health – Taking charge of your health in Light of Covid-19

Breakout Session 3 Speakers

Investing in Your Career: Leadership Perspectives: hear from a diverse group of women on their unique experience with leadership

Investing in Your Community: Get Your Voice Heard – How to engage and activate others for positive impact

Investing in Yourself: Prioritizing Yourself – How to take care of your whole self

Entrepreneurial Session