101 Women in Business Conference Spotlights Women Entrepreneurs Across Louisiana
Tribune Publisher Beverly S. McKenna among the honorees, recognized with the Legacy Award
By Danielle Coston
The New Orleans Tribune
New Orleans Tribune publisher Beverly S. McKenna was among those recently honored at a statewide conference held in Baton Rouge celebrating women entrepreneurs and leaders across Louisiana, receiving the 2026 Legacy Builder Award for her decades-long contributions to culture, media, and economic development in New Orleans.
The recognition came during the annual 101 Women in Business Conference, an event that brought together women from across industries to highlight achievement, foster connections, and promote business growth. McKenna’s honor placed her among a group of leaders whose work has made a measurable impact not only in their respective fields but in the communities they serve.
“I am truly honored to be recognized alongside such a stellar slate of women entrepreneurs and leaders from across our state,” said Beverly McKenna. “While accolades like this are certainly appreciated, the real reward is found in the work itself—in building capacity, creating opportunity, and seeing meaningful gains take root in our communities. That’s the impact that matters most.”
The 101 Women in Business Conference is a relatively new but rapidly growing statewide initiative designed to support, connect, and elevate women entrepreneurs across Louisiana. Launched around 2021, the conference is organized in partnership with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center, which focuses on small business training, access to capital, and economic development.
Now in its sixth year, the conference has become a signature annual event held during Women’s History Month, bringing together hundreds of women from across industries for workshops, networking, and mentorship. Its mission centers on equipping women with the tools and relationships needed to build sustainable businesses while highlighting their contributions to Louisiana’s economic growth. Over time, it has expanded into one of the state’s most impactful gatherings for women in business, offering not just recognition through awards, but also direct access to resources, funding opportunities, and professional development aimed at long-term success.
For McKenna, that impact has been both broad and deeply rooted. Alongside her husband, Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Dwight L. McKenna, she helped shape and sustain The New Orleans Tribune. Under their leadership, the publication has remained a vital voice for the city’s Black community, covering issues of equity, education, culture, and public policy. Beyond journalism, the McKennas expanded their vision into cultural preservation through The McKenna Museums, which highlight African American history and heritage. Their work also extended into economic development, particularly along historic Bayou Road, where they supported small business growth and helped reestablish the corridor as a hub for Black entrepreneurship and community life.
McKenna’s recognition as a Legacy Builder reflects that long-standing commitment to institution-building and community investment—work that continues to shape New Orleans’ cultural and economic landscape.
Other honorees recognized at the 2026 101 Women in Business Conference reflected a diverse cross-section of leadership and impact across Louisiana. Among them were Macie M. Smith of Lookz Beauty Supply LLC, who received the Young Resilient Entrepreneur Award; Ciara Finley of Desiderata Kitchen, honored with the Innovation & Impact Award; Fox Rich of the Participatory Defense Movement, recognized for Community Impact in Shreveport; Valencia and Michelle Anderson of Crafted Nibbles, recipients of the Rising Star Award; Klassi Duncan of the Urban League of Louisiana, who earned the Economic Empowerment Award; Vera Warren-Williams of Community Bookstore, recognized for Community Impact in New Orleans; and Blaine Smith of Louisiana Economic Development, who received the Founder’s Award.
Organizers of the conference emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women—particularly women of color—can access resources, share knowledge, and build networks that support long-term success. Through panels, networking opportunities, and awards, the event highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing women in business today.