Remarkable Women Finalist: Margarita Bergen

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — You might recognize her from one of New Orleans’ many iconic parties.

“A party is not a party until I show up,” said Margarita Bergen. She’s one of WGNO’s finalists for New Orleans Most Remarkable Woman of 2025. “I was able to go to three or four parties a day – the most I ever did was 15.”

Margarita is known for her lively spirit, but there’s much more to her than what meets the eye.

Born in the Dominican Republic in 1946, Margarita immigrated to the states when she was 16. Spending much time in New York gaining two masters degrees. She was a pioneer for implementing Hispanic heritage and bilingual education into our school system.

“All my life I have been very proud of my heritage,” said Bergen. “I worked very hard in establishing bilingual education to be required and I was very fortunate to be invited to be a witness when President Regan declared the Hispanic week in the United States.”

Hispanic Heritage Week eventually evolved into Hispanic Heritage Month. In 1978, she moved to the Big Easy, integrating herself into the culture, finding a particular passion for jazz – especially at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

“I donated art and art equipment. This place actually holds my jazz collection,” Bergen told WGNO’s Amy Russo.

For about 20 years she’s hosted monthly luncheons with New Orleanians to connect and collaborate with one another.

“I started with 10 people. What we would do is invite everyone we thought would have something to contribute or something that is happening in New Orleans. Now, sometimes we have 200 people,” said Bergen.

She also knows how to have a little fun – getting down Carnival-style. She’s even served as queen of several krewes over the years.

Margarita Bergen is a New Orleans staple – colorful, playful and embodies the spirit of the Big Easy.

“I love being a queen and once you’re a queen you’re always a queen.”

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