12 honorees announced for 2025 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Awards

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Six women and six young woman are to be honored for the 9th Annual Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Awards.

According to a press release, the event will be held at East Ridge Country Club on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Officials say this prestigious award is named after civic leader, businesswoman, and philanthropist Virginia K. Shehee, whose legacy of service continues to inspire Northwest Louisiana. Each year, numerous outstanding women are nominated, and a select group is chosen for their remarkable impact on the community.

A total of twelve women will be honored across two categories: six for the Most Influential Woman Award and six for the Most Influential Young Woman Award. One honoree from each category will be named the Most Influential Woman and Most Influential Young Woman of 2025.

The 2025 Most Influential Woman honorees are: 

• Vivian Andrews, Former Senior HR Consultant, AEP/SWEPCO
• Krystle Beauchamp, Director of Communications, Caddo Parish
• Tamara Crane, Executive Director, Bossier Council on Aging
• Zazell Dudley, Director of Economic Development, The Port of Caddo-Bossier
• Dr. Sweettie Williams Lars
• Jessica Milan Miller, CEO, Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center

The 2025 Most Influential Young Woman honorees are: 

• Cassie Donaghey, Northwood High School
• Katie Green, Plain Dealing High School
• Michelle Hood, Bossier High School
• Olivia Ostendorff, Loyola College Prep
• Shelby Owens, Captain Shreve High School
• Elizabeth Watts, Captain Shreve High School

Patrons can support the event by purchasing individual tickets for $75 and table sponsorships for $1,000, which include luncheon tickets for eight, recognition in the program, and on social media and the Holy Angels website. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available here.

This is the ninth year of this Northwest Louisiana honor, and proceeds will benefit Holy Angels, an independent, nonprofit organization serving approximately 185 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Angels provides love, support, and empowerment through job and skills training, education, and community and social integration. Learn more at their website.

For more information, please contact Audrey Robinson at 318-218-1845 or at audrey@idea-path.com or Emerie Eck Holtzclaw at 318-469-5642 or emerie@lagniappeprime.com.