NEW ORLEANS — A roundup of recent award winners:
Accent New Orleans President Diane Lyons has received the 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Award.
“This recognition by Smart Meetings, an authority in the meeting industry, underscores Diane’s ability to navigate challenges and serve as a source of inspiration within the event sector,” said a spokesperson. “The global meetings landscape, predominantly composed of women, often faces a lack of female representation in leadership roles. The Smart Women in Meetings Awards, spanning seven distinct categories, recognize 100 women leaders for shaping the events industry in new and exciting ways.”
Lyons won in the entrepreneur category.
“I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to receive the Entrepreneur Award from Smart Women in Meetings,” Lyons said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team at Accent New Orleans, and I am privileged to share it with them. It inspires me to continue pushing boundaries in our industry.” …
The University of Holy Cross will bestow the “Spes Unica” (One Hope) Award to Mayra Pineda, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, on April 10 at the Higgins Hotel.
“Over the years, Pineda has worked tirelessly to develop strong and long-lasting business relationships between Louisiana, the Hispanic community, and Latin America,” said a Loyola spokesperson.
Pineda is a former consul general of Honduras in New Orleans, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. She has received multiple recognitions over the years. …
Ochsner Health cardiologist Salima Qamruddin has been named a 2024 “Women in STEM” honoree by the American Heart Association and Entergy. This annual award recognizes six local female leaders who have “demonstrated an exceptional commitment and made an impact in the field of science, technology, engineering and math across New Orleans.” …
Ochsner Health has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
“This recognition underscores Ochsner’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and promotes career advancement for women,” said a spokesperson. …
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center has earned a Gold Badge in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels rankings. This acknowledgment places the Higgins among the top 25% of ranked luxury hotels, resorts, or all-inclusive resorts within its category.
U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, recently revealed its 14th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2024 rankings highlight more than 37,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs.
