NEW ORLEANS, LA. – University of New Orleans Athletics announces Dr. Robin Martin as the keynote speaker for the 3rd annual EmpowHer Privateers Brunch, being held April 12, 2024, at the InterContinental New Orleans.
The EmpowHer Privateers initiative is to serve 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.
This year's speaker, Dr. Martin embodies the EmpowHer initiative in every way.
As a published author and the President/CEO of Navigating Courage, Martin has more than 20 years of experience leading people and organizations in social impact investment-making and higher education.
Martin, a former Privateer basketball student and two-time University of New Orleans alumna, earned her doctoral degree in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Cincinnati.
"We are excited to have such a dynamic leader as our keynote speaker for our annual fundraising brunch as we continue to raise efforts of promoting and supporting our women athletes," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration and Senior Woman Administrator Kimberly Gallow.
"Dr. Martin will provide a unique perspective from her experiences working in corporate as well as in higher education and athletic administration. We look forward to a day of empowering, educating and uplifting women and especially our women athletes."
Last year's brunch raised over $80,000 with 250 people in attendance. Community leaders and friends of Privateer Athletics enjoyed an aerial performance and keynote message from former Olympic Female Athlete of the Year Christine Van Loo '91.
For the third consecutive year, April Dupre, former WWL-TV Traffic Anchor and founder of Footprints to Fitness, will be the event emcee.
The EmpowHer committee is also being led by new chairperson Hynes Charter Schools CEO Dr. Michelle Douglas. Douglas is also a University of New Orleans graduate with a doctorate in executive leadership in education from the University of Holy Cross.
"I remain deeply committed to the University of New Orleans as a proud alumna ('90 and '95,) and I am especially excited to be involved with the EmpowHer initiative," said Douglas.
"This event's impact extends far beyond the day as it is intended to elevate the experiences of our female student-athletes by providing mentoring from community leaders, leadership development, and off-campus cultural and educational experiences as they travel around the country to compete as UNO team members."
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, or to donate an item to the silent auction held during the event, visit UNOPrivateers.com/EmpowHer.
For more information on EmpowHer Privateers contact Director of Athletics Special Events Jean-Preston Lucius at jlucius1@uno.edu or (504) 280-6418 or visit www.UNOPrivateers.com/EmpowHer.
EmpowHer Privateers Committee members include Dr. Michelle Douglas '90, Founding CEO, Hynes Charter Schools; Lindsey Cheek, Founding Attorney, The Cheek Law Firm; Kelsey Cheek, Paralegal, The Cheek Law Firm; Claire Cummings '12, Search Engine Marketing Specialist, Power Equipment Direct; Kimberly Gallow, UNO Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration and Senior Woman Administrator; Jennifer Hyde, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
