The Shades of Success calendar does more than count off the days, weeks and months in the year — it inspires people to dream.
That's the word from Valentina Wilson, who for a second year is part of the project to recognize a dozen distinguished women of color with ties to Louisiana.
Renada W. Deschamp
In addition to being featured in the 2024 calendar, the women will be honored at a Saturday, Feb. 24 banquet at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant, 3482 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge.
"It's just a remarkable evening where women are uplifted not only by other women, but also the men in the audience, and just giving them their kudos, the recognition they deserve, and having a really good time," Wilson said.
Wilson herself was one of those featured in the inaugural 2023 calendar. A longtime Baton Rouge TV news anchor, she's continued her career in North Carolina. Wilson and veteran videographer Virnado Woods established V Squared Visuals, LLC, as a means to publish the calendar. More of their African American media friends form the team that selects each year's honorees from about 50-60 applicants.
Gracing the 2024 calendar are:
Tonya McGill
- Renada W. Deschamp, senior vice president of health equity and inclusion, chief diversity officer at Woman’s Hospital
- Charlotte Claiborne, executive director of The Bridge Center for Hope
- Tonya McGill, pastor
- Anya Jones, attorney
- Katrina Pitre, sales director
- Twahna Harris, executive director of The Butterfly Society
- Alva Lemon, insurance broker and attorney
- Cecily Holland, project analyst and marketing director
- Denella Ri’chard, TV personality and producer
- Lebra Bias, attorney
- Army Major Dr. Ashley Cesar, board-certified adult psychiatrist
- Anne Arceneaux, author and education TV technology specialist
Alva Lemon
A thousand calendars have been printed and can be purchased for $20 (plus $5 shipping and handling) at https://theshadesofsuccess.net/. On that same site, banquet tickets are available for $75; tables of eight, $540.
Anne Arceneaux
"The ladies will be further honored with an award, and we'll enjoy an evening of food and entertainment. We have dancing at the end," Wilson said.
Also at the banquet, the group will make a donation to its charity of choice for 2024, Women Working with Women Empowerment, a nonprofit based in Baton Rouge and spearheaded by Angela Turner.
"Anyone who picks up this calendar can look at it and see someone and say, 'Hey, I was thinking of going into that industry, or I didn't know there was a woman of color leading this particular program or company," Wilson said. "We want these ladies to be encouraged in their careers and to shine and to inspire others."