The 10th Annual Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Awards will return on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at East Ridge Country Club. Nominations for the Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman and Young Woman Awards are open now through Friday, October 31, 2025. The event, sponsored by The Shreveport Times and Red River Bank, honors women who have made significant contributions to our community by providing their expertise, time, and resources.
This prestigious award is named for civic leader, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Virginia K. Shehee, who passed away in 2015 after decades of service to Northwest Louisiana. It honors women who have made significant contributions to our community and who may do much of their work behind the scenes. A total of twelve women will be honored at this event in two categories: six for the Most Influential Woman Award and six for the Most Influential Young Woman Award. One from each category will be recognized as the Most Influential Woman and Most Influential Young Woman for 2026.
The credentials for recipients of the Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Award include women who have shown a commitment to philanthropy by helping children, the elderly, those in need, the arts, business development, education, or other acts of caring through unpaid positions. Nominees must demonstrate influence in their business or organization(s); have a solid reputation based on their experience, leadership, and integrity; exhibit significant professional and/or community accomplishments; and build recognizable and lasting initiatives or changes in and for their business or organizations. Nominees may not hold a paid position with a non-profit organization or receive payment for services they perform for the entity.
The Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman award will be given to a female who is a high school junior or senior whose leadership, poise, and determination are demonstrated through meaningful acts of philanthropy for her fellow students or her community. Nominees must be a high school junior or senior in Northwest Louisiana; demonstrate influence in their school and/or community; and have a solid reputation based on their experience, leadership, and integrity.
Nominations will be accepted through October 31, 2025. To review the criteria and nominate someone, please visit https://www.laholyangels.org/events/most-influential-woman/.
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/.