Allie Shapiro Dandry selected as featured speaker for Tulane University’s 2026 Alberto-Culver Lecture Series

Written By Alicia Vial

Hosted by the Newcomb Institute, the series connects students with leading voices in business and leadership

NEW ORLEANS – Allison “Allie” Shapiro Dandry, executive director of the Shapiro Family Foundation,  has been selected to speak at the 2026 Annual Alberto-Culver Lecture at Tulane University Wednesday, April 22.

Drawing from her career in business, philanthropy and community impact, Shapiro Dandry will explore how purpose and strategy can work together to build careers that are not only impactful, but sustainable.

Established by alumna Carol Lavin Bernick (NC ’74), the Alberto-Culver Lecture Series at Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute is an annual event that brings nationally recognized, accomplished professional women to campus to discuss women in business. Hosted by the Newcomb Institute, it connects students with experts in marketing, leadership and entrepreneurship.

“I am deeply honored to return to my alma mater as part of the Alberto-Culver Lecture Series,” said Shapiro Dandry. “Many students feel pressure to follow a linear path, but meaningful careers are often shaped by intention, adaptability and a willingness to take thoughtful risks. I’m excited to share a perspective that empowers them to define success on their own terms.

Through personal stories and practical frameworks, Shapiro Dandry’s forward-looking lecture will challenge students to evaluate opportunities, encourage them to take meaningful risks and build careers aligned with both their values and their ambitions. This talk invites students to rethink success, take up space before they feel ready and begin designing a future that reflects who they are—not just what looks good on paper.

The Alberto-Culver Lecture will take place Wednesday, April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Newcomb Archives Reading Room, Malkin Sacks Commons at Tulane University. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.events.tulane.edu/content/culver-lecture-allie-shapiro-dandry. 

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About the Shapiro Family Foundation:
Founded in 2025, the Shapiro Family Foundation is committed to fostering a more equitable and thriving community in New Orleans by addressing disparities in hunger relief and championing education access and equity. The foundation partners with local nonprofits with deep connections to the communities they serve to help expand their reach, strengthen their programs, and ultimately create lasting positive change throughout New Orleans. To learn more about the Shapiro Family Foundation and upcoming grant cycles visit shapirofamilyfoundation.com.

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Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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