Five finalists announced for JLNO’s 2026 Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship Pitch Competition

Written By Alicia Vial

A yearlong program that supports female business owners

‍ ‍NEW ORLEANS – The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is pleased to announce the five finalists competing in its Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship Pitch Competition Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m. - Raven Ancar, Megan Murphy, Stephanie Blue, Coco Howe and Gaby Hazelhoff. The competition will be held at JLNO headquarters located at 4319 Carondelet St. in New Orleans and is open to the public.

The JLNO WE Fellowship Pitch Competition, presented by Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R., kicks off a yearlong program designed to support and invest in women entrepreneurs as they grow their solo careers and businesses through mentorship, resources and community. The finalists will pitch their businesses and share their vision for growth for a chance to be selected for the fellowship which includes finical backing, hands-on mentorship and in-kind services designed to help early-stage businesses grow with intention. 

“Approximately 39.2% of U.S. businesses are majority-owned by women and gaps in access to capital, mentorship and visibility continue to limit how far many women-owned businesses can grow,” says Michelle Clarke Payne, JLNO President. “Our WE Fellowship program aims to provide greater access to female mentors, resources and role models which are vital to fostering entrepreneurial success for the women entrepreneurs who contribute to our local economy.” 

The WE Fellowship demonstrates the JLNO’s commitment to empowering women through mentoring, training and support. Launched in 2016, the program celebrates women-owned businesses and highlights the dynamic impact of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.

2026 WE Fellowship finalists

  • Short for $avage (Ancar) is a New Orleans-based record label and consulting company built by an artist, for artists. They specialize in empowering independent Black hip hop artists through music development, brand strategy and business education.

  • 3 Pillars HR (Blue) is a veteran-owned strategic human resources consulting firm dedicated to helping small to mid-sized organizations strengthen their workforce. With a consultive and personalized approach, they partner with employers to build strong foundations, streamline operations and drive measurable results.  

  • PropelHER (Hazelhoff) is a creative strategy studio that brings bold ideas to life through brand identity, digital marketing, launch execution and smooth-as-can-be project management.

  • Kits Footwear (Howe) is a children’s footwear line that believes childhood is where style begins. Each pair of Kits is designed in New Orleans and handmade in Leon using washable cotton canvas and lightweight soles that move naturally with every step.  

  • BodyFlow Hydration (Murphy) is a liquid electrolyte concentrate designed to support the body’s natural sodium. It restores the minerals your cells need to properly hydrate, delivering deep, long-lasting hydration with every sip.

Past JLNO WE Fellowship winners include Chateau Sew & Sew (2025), Lagniappe Bakehouse (2024), Pillar Homecare (2023), Bomb Ass Fro (2022), Water Block Kids (2021), Cocktails and Sons (2019), Greek Girls Rice Pudding (2018), Two Girls One Shuck (2017) and Windowsill Pies (2016).

Support for JLNO’s WE Fellowship program include Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R,  Jones Walker, Padgett, trepwise, Jillian Marie Photography and It’s the Impact.

The public is invited to attend the WE Fellowship Pitch Competition to learn about these companies, cheer on these incredible women and be part of an evening celebrating innovation, ambition, and entrepreneurship. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 6 p.m. Visit www.jlno.org to learn more.

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About Junior League New Orleans
Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org.

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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