Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women

Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women To facilitate an awareness of the status and needs of women by serving as a clearinghouse for information and services available to women in this community.

To provide input at the local level regarding the concerns of women by making recommendations for

2026 Women of Excellence Awards Honorees The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women is proud to announce the honoree...
09/10/2026

2026 Women of Excellence Awards Honorees

The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women is proud to announce the honorees of the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we commemorate 50 years of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Sarah Brabant, a founding force of LCNW. Her vision and commitment to women helped shape the Commission, and the color purple featured throughout this year’s celebration is a tribute to her enduring impact.

Under this year’s theme, “50 Years Forward: Honoring Legacy. Inspiring Generations.”, we celebrate extraordinary individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, courage, and impact continue to strengthen Acadiana and inspire the generations that follow.

2026 Women of Excellence Honorees:

Julie LaFleur | Non-Profit Award
Captain Sallie Spears | Public Service Award
Shantale Miller | Professional Award
Melissa Crow | Be Brave Award
Safe Havynn Education Center | Outstanding Organization Award
Faryal Atif, The Language Cafe | Founder’s Award
Mandi Mitchell | Presidential Award

Join us as we honor these remarkable leaders and celebrate 50 years of legacy, progress, and purpose at the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon.

Friday, October 16, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Petroleum Club of Lafayette

Tickets are available now:
https://WOE2026.eventbrite.com

50 Years Forward: Honoring Legacy. Inspiring Generations.

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Sarah Brabant 🕊️The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women mourns the passing of Dr. Sara...
09/01/2026

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Sarah Brabant 🕊️

The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women mourns the passing of Dr. Sarah Brabant, a remarkable woman, educator, advocate and the last living founder of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women.

Today, we pause to honor the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.

Dr. Brabant understood that when women are given a voice, communities become stronger. Through her work with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women and throughout the state of Louisiana, she dedicated herself to bringing greater awareness to the experiences, challenges, needs and contributions of women.

Her work helped create spaces where women could be heard, respected, represented and empowered. She understood the importance of asking difficult questions, listening to women’s lived experiences and turning those conversations into meaningful action.

As one of the founding women behind this Commission, Dr. Brabant helped lay the foundation for an organization whose purpose remains just as important today: to facilitate an awareness of the status and needs of women and to help ensure that women’s voices are part of the conversations that shape our communities.

The Commission we serve today exists in part because women like Dr. Brabant had the courage and vision to begin the work.

As we continue our efforts to listen to women across Lafayette, amplify their voices, identify the issues impacting their lives and advocate for meaningful change, we do so standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.

Dr. Brabant, your work did not end with you. It lives on in every woman whose voice is heard, every barrier that is challenged, every opportunity created, and every conversation that moves our community forward.

We are grateful for your vision.
We are grateful for your courage.
We are grateful for your service.
And we are grateful for the foundation you helped build.

May we honor your memory not simply with words, but by continuing the work.

Rest well, Dr. Brabant. 🕊️

Your voice helped make room for ours.
And we will continue making room for those who come after us.

With deepest sympathy and gratitude,
The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women

Who is a Woman of Excellence in your life?There’s still time to nominate an extraordinary woman for the 31st Annual Wome...
08/25/2026

Who is a Woman of Excellence in your life?

There’s still time to nominate an extraordinary woman for the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards!

As the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women celebrates 50 years of advocacy, leadership, and impact, we are proud to continue honoring the women whose service, courage, leadership, and commitment are shaping Acadiana.

This year’s theme is:

50 Years Forward: Honoring Legacy. Inspiring Generations.

Nominations are being accepted in four categories:
• Business / Industry / Professional
• Public Service
• Nonprofit
• Be Brave Award

📅 Nomination Deadline: August 29, 2026

🔗 Submit your nomination:
https://forms.gle/aijaAcXNYNWZJ7RC8

Take a look at the graphics below to learn more about each award category, then help us recognize a woman whose impact deserves to be celebrated.

Tag her. Nominate her. Celebrate her. ❤️

⏰ Deadline ReminderThere’s still time to nominate an extraordinary woman! 💫The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Wome...
08/20/2026

⏰ Deadline Reminder

There’s still time to nominate an extraordinary woman! 💫

The Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women is accepting nominations for the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards but the deadline is quickly approaching!

📅 Nominations close August 29, 2026

Help us recognize women in Acadiana who are making a meaningful impact through:

✨ Nonprofit & Community Service
✨ Public Service
✨ Business / Industry / Professional Excellence
✨ Be Brave Award — honoring women who have overcome adversity, broken barriers, championed justice and inspired others.

If you know a woman whose leadership, service, courage or accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, nominate her today!

https://forms.gle/aijaAcXNYNWZJ7RC8

Nominations Are Now Open for the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards! This year is especially meaningful as the Lafay...
08/10/2026

Nominations Are Now Open for the 31st Annual Women of Excellence Awards!

This year is especially meaningful as the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women celebrates 50 years of advocacy, leadership, and impact in our community.

In honor of this historic milestone, our 2026 theme is:

50 Years Forward: Honoring Legacy. Inspiring Generations.

For 31 years, the Women of Excellence Awards have recognized extraordinary women whose leadership, service, resilience, and vision have made a lasting difference in the lives of women, families, and communities throughout Acadiana.

Who is the Woman of Excellence in your life?

She may be a leader who creates opportunities for others. A mentor who inspires the next generation. An advocate who gives a voice to those who need one. A volunteer whose service transforms her community. Or a woman whose courage and determination have opened doors for others to follow.

This is your opportunity to honor her legacy and celebrate her impact.

Nomination Categories:
• Business / Industry / Professional
• Public Service
• Nonprofit
• Be Brave Award

Submit a 2026 Women of Excellence Nomination:
https://forms.gle/aijaAcXNYNWZJ7RC8

Help us celebrate the women who have brought us this far and recognize those who are leading us 50 Years Forward.

Starting Mental Health Awareness Month with a beautiful reminder of what happens when women come together with intention...
05/05/2026

Starting Mental Health Awareness Month with a beautiful reminder of what happens when women come together with intention, honesty, and a shared commitment to growth.

The Whole Woman: Women’s Wellness Summit, hosted by the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women, created a space where mind, body, and purpose were all part of the conversation not just individually, but as a whole.

From powerful breakout sessions to an engaging and insightful panel, every moment was centered on equipping women with real, practical tools to navigate life with strength and clarity. The conversations were honest, the expertise was undeniable, and the environment was filled with encouragement and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panelists:
• Sonya Antoine, LPC
• Toscana Navas, LPC
• Aureyon Connor, PLPC
• Amanda Fuselier, LCSW
• Dr. Arial Moore PhD
• Dr. Navita Gupta, MD

for sharing your knowledge and pouring into every woman in the room. And to our moderator and Chair of the Health Committee, Natalie Bunner,LCSW-BACS for guiding such a meaningful and impactful discussion.

We’re excited to see you today at the The Whole Woman Wellness Summit presented by Lafayette Commission on the Needs of ...
05/02/2026

We’re excited to see you today at the The Whole Woman Wellness Summit presented by Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women!

Be one of the first 50 attendees and enjoy a special welcome treat. See you at 9:00 AM!

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Robicheaux Recreational Center

✨ Join Us This Saturday ✨The Whole Woman: Women’s Wellness Summit is almost here, and we invite you to be part of this i...
05/01/2026

✨ Join Us This Saturday ✨

The Whole Woman: Women’s Wellness Summit is almost here, and we invite you to be part of this impactful experience, presented by the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women (LCNW).

This is your opportunity to hear directly from trusted medical and mental health professionals, engage in meaningful conversations, and walk away with valuable insight to support your overall well-being.

💚 A morning dedicated to YOU—your health, your growth, your wellness.

📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
📍 Robicheaux Center
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

🎟️ This event is completely free, but registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-whole-women-wellness-summit-tickets-1986444932266

Seats are limited—secure your spot today and bring a friend.

We look forward to seeing you there.

✨ Moderator Spotlight ✨Natalie Bunner, LCSW-BACS brings depth, experience, and heart to the conversation around women’s ...
05/01/2026

✨ Moderator Spotlight ✨

Natalie Bunner, LCSW-BACS brings depth, experience, and heart to the conversation around women’s mental health and well-being.

If you’ve been pouring into everyone else… this is your reminder to pour back into YOU.

💚 You deserve this space.

🎟️ Join us (FREE):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-whole-women-wellness-summit-tickets-1986444932266

📅 May 2, 2026
📍 Robicheaux Center
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Address

P. O. Box 52082
Lafayette, LA
70501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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