MONROE, Louisiana – On March 5, 2025, United Way of Northeast Louisiana honored outstanding volunteers and corporate partners during its annual Celebrating Excellence event. The event, recognizing achievements across nine of the organization’s 12 parishes, took place at Bayou Pointe Event Center on the University of Louisiana Monroe’s campus and was sponsored by Monroe Housing Authority.
“The success of the United Way campaign is driven by the collective generosity of our community,” said William Smart (Monroe Housing Authority), 2025 United Way NELA Campaign Chair. “This year, we once again witnessed the power of partnership and dedication as individuals and organizations came together to create lasting impact. I’m so proud to have been a part of this year’s campaign, and I’m in awe of the comradery of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.”
During the event, it was announced that the overall 2024 United Way campaign raised an impressive $2,790,426, demonstrating the unwavering support of Northeast Louisiana’s businesses, volunteers, and donors.
This year’s keynote speaker was Janet S. Durden, current President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, who is slated to retire on March 31, 2025, after an impressive 40+ years of leading the organization.
Honoring Leadership and Impact
The event recognized the top 10 corporate partners whose generosity and commitment helped shape the success of the 2024 campaign:
- Platinum Award: Origin Bank – $161,243
- Gold Award: Advancion – $123,487
- Silver Award: Mid South Extrusion – $75,012
- Bronze Award: Argent Financial Group – $71,252
- 5th Place: Strauss Interests – $57,095
- 6th Place: Ouachita Parish School Board – $56,852
- 7th Place: Progressive Bank – $54,124
- 8th Place: Forth Insurance – $47,415
- 9th Place: Century Next Bank – $46,197
- 10th Place: alli Management Solutions – $46,047
Additional awards presented included:
- Outstanding Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Jenny Wills, The Woman’s Clinic
- Outstanding Campaign Coordinators of the Year: Sara Carlson, Bria Small, and Matt Dickerson, Mid South Extrusion
- Outstanding Campaign Coordinator & Team Award: Aline Smead, Maribeth Holzer, Emily Lincecum, and Haley Holley, Ouachita Parish School Board
- VolunteerUNITED Award: Entergy Louisiana
- LIVE UNITED Award: Dean Morris, LLC
- Bank On Northeast Louisiana Award: Cadence Bank
Other special recognitions, including New Campaign Awards, Going the Extra 10% Awards, Special Achievement Awards, and Circle of Honor Awards, were also presented to organizations who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to United Way’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer, corporate partner, and donor who contributed to this year’s campaign,” said Ashley West (Progressive Bank), UWNELA Board Chair. “Your passion and generosity continue to drive lasting impact in our community, and we look forward to an even brighter future for Northeast Louisiana.”
To watch the recorded event, visit United Way NELA on Facebook at @UnitedWayofNortheastLouisiana.