The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation (Louisiana Blue Foundation) is proud to announce the 2026 honorees for The Angel Award®. For the past 32 years, this annual honor recognizes everyday Louisianians who have distinguished themselves by improving the health and well-being of our state’s children.
Too often, the extraordinary efforts of those serving children go unnoticed. The Angel Award honors these acts with recognition and resources, empowering honorees to continue making a lasting impact. This year, the Foundation will make a $30,000 grant to a local nonprofit chosen by each honoree.
“Across Louisiana, there are people who see a need in the lives of children and choose to do something about it,” said Michael Tipton, president of the Louisiana Blue Foundation. “Our 2026 Angels have turned personal experiences and a commitment to their communities into meaningful action. We are honored to recognize the important work they are leading across our state.”
The Angel Award Honorees:
• Julia Bourgeois of Sulphur co-founded Families for Inclusion after her son was born with spina bifida and now works to ensure children with disabilities have opportunities to fully belong through greater access to inclusive education, play and everyday experiences.
• Tara Detiveaux of Houma leads Hope Extreme, providing holistic support to children and families in the same under-resourced community where she grew up, creating a place where children feel seen, valued and supported.
• Toccara Huckaby of Shreveport founded Girls Empowered for More Society (GEMS) to expand opportunities for girls, including those in group homes and the juvenile justice system, through hands-on experiences in STEM, leadership and entrepreneurship.
• Terrence Jones of Lafayette founded Believe Institute, investing in young people through scholarships, mentorship and hands-on workforce experiences that help students build the skills and confidence to create futures of their own.
• Kristen Powers of Shreveport leads The Arc of Caddo-Bossier, expanding opportunities and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from childhood through adulthood while strengthening services for children and families across the region.
• Melanie Richardson of New Orleans co-founded TrainingGrounds to give families access to early intervention, developmental screenings, resources and support during the earliest years of a child’s life, helping build a stronger foundation for lifelong success.
• Jordan Tabor of Baton Rouge founded Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation after losing his 15-year-old son, Owen, to suicide and now works through schools and communities to increase awareness, reduce stigma and help young people and those around them recognize when support is needed.
• Joey Vining of Houma founded Children’s Water Safety Awareness, working to prevent childhood drownings by expanding water safety education and access to lifesaving resources such as swim lessons and life jackets across the Bayou Region.
The Foundation also recognizes a Blue Angel each year, honoring a Louisiana Blue employee who has made a difference in the lives of children through volunteer service outside of their professional role.
This year’s Blue Angel is Desiree Robertson of St. Gabriel, a senior communications strategist in the Strategic Communications division. Robertson co-founded Family First Youth Initiative, where she provides mentorship, resources and consistent support to children in her community, from helping students access school essentials to creating opportunities that support their education, well-being and sense of belonging.
Celebrate and Support Angel Honorees on Oct. 19
The Louisiana Blue Foundation will recognize and celebrate the 2026 honorees of The Angel Award at a special ceremony on Monday, Oct. 19. The event will be streamed live starting at 6:30 p.m. on the Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
Members of the public can watch the broadcast, learn more about each Angel and share their stories.
“Our Angels show us what’s possible when people choose to turn compassion into action,” Tipton said. “We invite everyone to tune in, celebrate their service and learn more about the work they’re doing. Just by sharing their stories, we can help their impact reach even further.”
To learn more about The Angel Award, visit LABlueFoundation.org. Follow Louisiana Blue on social media (@MyLouisianaBlue) and the Louisiana Blue Foundation’s Facebook page to see photos, short videos and stories of our 2026 honorees of The Angel Award.
About the Louisiana Blue Foundation
The Louisiana Blue Foundation makes grants to improve health outcomes for Louisiana’s people. Its grant programs are particularly focused on the social determinants of health, which are the everyday circumstances that influence a person’s health.
Since 2020, the Foundation has made more than $45 million in grants to nonprofits addressing public health, COVID-19 response, and natural disasters. The Foundation also facilitates connections between the communities, leaders, and everyday people who are working to make life better for their friends, families, and neighbors. We invite you to learn more by reading our most recent annual report.