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Acadiana Lifestyle

Women Making A Difference

05/29/2015 09:51AM ● Published by Aimee Cormier

By Shanna Perkins

Photos by Fusion Photography


Acadiana abounds with remarkable and inspiring individuals who dedicate their time and resources to bettering and empowering their community. This is Acadiana Lifestyle’s ode to the local women who work tirelessly to enhance all aspects of South Louisiana. This serves as the 12th Annual Women Making A Difference feature. Each year, the honorees prove that they are perpetuating the gracious and giving nature exhibited by those honored the previous years. Our 10 honorees are a potpourri of humanitarians, philanthropists, environmentalists and animal activists. Their paths are varied, but their end goals are the same – to create a strong community foundation that will be upheld by future generations. Here’s to you ladies.  

Pick up a magazine today to read their full stories!


Meri Thibeaux Girls On The Run

“I knew that this was a program that could change girls’ lives. I knew I had to pursue bringing the program to the Lafayette area.”



Leigh Petersen Rachal Director of St. Joseph Diner & the Stella Marris Center

“Every time a person experiencing homelessness takes the next step toward housing, I get excited.” 



Mary-Kay Rath Developmental Manager, Second Harvest Food Bank

“It’s a humbling experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the solution.”



Sarah Todd Schoeffler Lafayette Volunteer

“I do spend a lot of time with all of my different organizations. There’s always something to do. It’s a lot of work and time, but it’s fun.”  



Coatney S. Raymond Active Breaux Bridge Volunteer

“I wanted to be part of bringing beautification to a lovely city.”



Kim Monroe Iberia Performing Arts League

“I simply can’t imagine my life without Ipal. And what we do for others and what Ipal does for me, is amazing.”



Kim Breaux, Kathy Melancon & Janice Fuchs Spay Neuter Iberia Project

The women of SNIP have seen the positive results of trapping, neutering and returning colonies of cats.



Tracy Mouton Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women

“Community service feeds your soul and makes you appreciate all the little things in life.”










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