40th Anniversary

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NEW ORLEANS (September 17, 2025) – Young Leadership Council (YLC) announced its 2025 Role Model class earlier this year. Composed of 10 business, community, and civic leaders, the 2025 class will be honored at the YLC Role Model Awards Evening on Friday, October 24, 2025 at The Sazerac House New Orleans, located at 101 Magazine Street. There will be a Patron Party starting at 6:30 p.m. and the Award Presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Cocktail attire is requested. This year’s event is chaired by YLC Board Members Brooke Laizer and Katie Neeb. Annually since 1986, YLC has selected a distinguished class of leaders that have shaped the city of New Orleans with their passionate and dedicated efforts. A person can only receive the honor of YLC Role Model once in their lifetime. The 2025 YLC Role Model Honoree Class includes: Lisa D. Alexis, Wayne Baquet, Jr., Dr. Treva T. Brown, Jim Cook, Lowrey Crews, Clara Baron-Hyppolite, Christopher Kane, Ruth Lawson, Margaret Orr, and Leon Rittenburg III. “This is an especially impactful group of change-makers across New Orleans that have redefined various industries in our city,” said Brooke Laizer, 2025 Role Model Co-Chair. “Each Role Model’s legacy of success carries forward for young professionals as their mentorship efforts help emerging leaders maximize career development and full potential.” Tickets for both the Role Model Award Evening Patron Party and the Award Presentation are available for purchase, with all sales supporting YLC and its community projects. The Patron Party will be held in The Sazerac House Museum with bar carts presented by Sazerac and additional pre-presentation passed hors d'oeuvres by Messina’s Catering available for party participants. The Patron Party will be an intimate networking hour with the Role Models. The Award Presentation will be held in the Sazerac House Imperial Cabinet Saloon with drinks presented by Sazerac, hors d'oeuvres by Messina’s Catering, and live entertainment from Harry Hardin New Orleans Classical & Jazz available until 9 p.m.