They shine as leaders in our community. The work they’re doing isn’t just noteworthy — it has a profound impact on the industries at the heart of our mission: hospitality, service and food justice.

Join us in honoring Carla Briggs and Mina Seck, the local community leaders receiving a Leading from the Heart award and grant.

March 25, 2025
9 am - 11 am
Alma Cafe - Mid-City (301 N. Carrollton Ave.)
Ticket includes plated breakfast
Cash bar

Carla Briggs, 2025 Award Recipient

Carla, the founder of Viola’s Heritage Breads, is a chef, educator and entrepreneur committed to uplifting others through food, community and education. Her $2,500 grant will fund an immersive, educational experience for junior high school girls, including a hands-on baking workshop and walking tour highlighting The People’s Bakery, a black-owned cooperative in post-Civil War New Orleans, and other Reconstruction-era stories of entrepreneurship, resilience and community.

Mina Seck, 2025 Award Recipient

Mina is the Community Food Director of SproutNOLA, a non-profit that supports established and developing small-scale and sustainable farmers, community gardeners and farm workers in Louisiana with technical and social support. The organization’s $2,500 grant will fund new community classes focused on the arts, herbalism and cooking, including teacher stipends, materials and supplies.