The Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman and Young Woman Award Honorees have been selected and are set to be recognized at the 10th Annual awards luncheon on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at East Ridge Country Club. The event, sponsored by The Shreveport Times and Red River Bank, honors women making significant contributions to our community by sharing their expertise, time, and resources. This prestigious award is named after civic leader, businesswoman, and philanthropist Virginia K. Shehee, whose legacy of service continues to inspire Northwest Louisiana.
Each year, numerous outstanding women are nominated, and a select group is chosen for their remarkable impact on the community. A total of twelve women will be honored across two categories: six for the Most Influential Woman Award and six for the Most Influential Young Woman Award. One honoree from each category will be named the Most Influential Woman and Most Influential Young Woman of 2026.
The 2026 Most Influential Woman honorees are:
- Stacy Brown, President & CEO, Visit Shreveport-Bossier
- Dorothy Anne Gremillion, (posthumously)
- Lisa Friday Johnson, President/CEO, Bossier Chamber of Commerce
- Valencia Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor/Founder, Valencia MHP Counseling/Social Therapy Project
- Judy Madison, Vice President, Community Outreach, Mortgage Lender, Red River Bank
- Jayda Spillers, PhD, Chancellor, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
The 2026 Most Influential Young Woman honorees are:
- Elizabeth Briery, C.E. Byrd High School
- Elissa Bryant, C.E. Byrd High School
- Averil Martinez, Bossier High School
- Caroline Schoonover, C.E. Byrd High School
- Maya Trutschl, Caddo Parish Magnet High School
- Katherine (Kate) Tynes, Airline High School
This is the 10th year of this Northwest Louisiana honor, and proceeds will benefit Holy Angels, an independent, nonprofit organization serving approximately 185 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Angels provides love, support, and empowerment through job and skills training, education, and community and social integration. Learn more at https://www.laholyangels.org/.
Tickets are on sale now for this incredible event. Patrons can support the event by purchasing individual tickets for $75 and table sponsorships for $1,000, which include luncheon tickets for eight, recognition in the program, and on social media and the Holy Angels website. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available here: https://www.laholyangels.org/events/most-influential-woman/.