NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans Athletics announces the 2nd Annual EmpowHer Privateers Brunch, being held Friday, May 12, 2023, at the InterContinental New Orleans. The EmpowHer Privateers initiative is in its first year of serving the women student-athletes of the University of New Orleans through providing additional scholarships, mentorship programming, and educational experiences through travel both locally and abroad.
Last year the brunch event raised just over $100,000 for the mission and an audience of over 300 community members experienced a "fireside chat" with Mrs. Gayle Benson. This year's keynote speaker will be university alumna, Christine Van Loo '91. Van Loo is an Olympic Female Athlete of the Year, author, international speaker, and aerialist performer.
"I was honored when the university invited me to speak because my story and message as a female gymnast are in great alignment with the mission of EmpowHer Privateers – to help women become the best version of themselves through sports," said Van Loo.
"As a mentor in the newly established EmpowHer LeadHership Academy, I see first-hand the impact that an initiative like EmpowHer Privateers has on creating women leaders for the New Orleans community," said Dr. Stacy Nicklow, committee chair. "Seeing this program take off from being a vision to truly making a difference in the lives of our women student-athletes has been remarkable." The EmpowHer LeadHership Academy is the mentoring piece of the initiative led by associate athletics director, Kim Gallow.
"It has been incredible to see the response our city has had to supporting our women student-athletes through this initiative." said?Tim?Duncan, University vice president for Athletics and Recreation. "It shows how the New Orleans community values women in leadership roles and I'm proud to be at a university that makes diversity, equity, and inclusion, a true priority."
For the second year in a row, the brunch event is presented by The Cheek Law Firm, a female owned Louisiana Mesothelioma Law Firm. April Dupre, WWL-TV Traffic Anchor and founder of Footprints to Fitness, will again be the event emcee. The EmpowHer Privateers Brunch will be in classic New Orleans style, featuring mimosas, Bloody Mary's, great local food, a jazz trio and more. To secure a table or sponsorship visit UNOPrivateers.com/EmpowHer.
For more information on EmpowHer Privateers contact Randi Bohler, assistant athletics director, at rbohler@uno.edu or (504) 280-6418 or visit: www.UNOPrivateers.com/EmpowHer.
EmpowHer Privateers Committee members include Dr. Stacy Nicklow, Committee Chair; Kim Boyle, Partner, Phelps Dunbar and Board Member, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation; Liz Broekman, Director of P.O.W.E.R., Fidelity Bank; Jamila Brown, Founder, Investor, FHL Investments; Lindsey Cheek, Founding Attorney, The Cheek Law Firm; Allie Shapiro Dandry, Director of PR, Krispy Krunchy Chicken; Dr. Michelle Douglas, Founding CEO, Hynes Charter School; Cheryl Forschler, Asst. Director of Events, UNO; Jennifer Hyde, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual; Dr. Kathy Keene, Deputy Commissioner, Sun Belt Conference; Rachel Massey, AVP for External Engagement and University Events; Chantelle Pierre, Development Consultant, Chantelle Pierre Consulting; Ashley Preston, Head Coach, Privateers Volleyball; Ty Salvant, author and speaker.
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The mission of New Orleans Athletics is to produce leaders who Achieve Academic Excellence, Win Championships and Serve the University and the Greater New Orleans community with pride and humility. Its values include integrity, accountability, teamwork, transparency, grit, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The department is led by Tim Duncan, University Vice President of Athletics and Recreation.
