NEW ORLEANS — A roundup of recent awards and honors:
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity received the 2024 Best in Climate Resiliency Award earlier this month at the Habitat for Humanity International Affiliate Conference. The award recognizes the innovative design of its climate-resilient affordable homes in Jean Lafitte. The contest was open to over 1,500 Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide and consisted of four categories: accessibility, climate resiliency, sustainability, and durability. “We’re honored to have been selected for this award out of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country,” said New Orleans Habitat Executive Director Marguerite Oestreicher. “This home design represents the future of affordable home building, bringing it to the forefront of climate resilience and investing in families and sustainable communities.”
Corey Miller, Pontchartrain Conservancy’s community engagement director, was recently named the 2024 Professional Conservationist of the Year by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. The Professional Conservationist of the Year award is given to an individual whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution to the management, enhancement or protection of Louisiana’s fish, wildlife, air, water, soil or forest resources, or related recreational opportunities. A panel of independent judges, with a wide range of conservation fields, selects the awardee. “Working to protect Louisiana’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them is something that truly motivates me every single day,” said Miller. “We all have the responsibility to help make sure that environment of our great state is protected and remains resilient for future generations.”
Armand Parvazi, chief administrative and development officer of New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union, has been selected to participate in the Filene i3 program. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Filene i3 is a two-year innovation leadership program for credit union professionals. “I am deeply honored to be chosen for the program,” said Parvazi. “This is an opportunity to contribute to advancing the credit union movement. I am excited to collaborate with other industry leaders and explore innovative solutions to benefit our members and communities.”
LSU Health New Orleans’ ALS Clinic has been recognized as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. “With an annual estimate of 5,000 ALS diagnoses in the United States, the LSU Health New Orleans ALS Clinic is committed to providing exemplary interprofessional care to individuals facing the challenges of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” said an LSU Health spokesperson. “Under the leadership of medical directors Rima El-Abassi and Stephen Kantrow, the experienced and compassionate team works closely with patients and their families to maximize their health, functioning and ability using available therapy, equipment, exercise and nutrition.” The ALS Clinic brings together neurologists, social workers, a registered dietitian, occupational and physical therapists, a respiratory therapist, a speech-language pathologist, and a patient care representative from the ALS Association.
Operation Restoration has been certified by Great Place to Work for 2024. The award is based on what current employees say about their experience working at Operation Restoration. “Great Place to Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “By earning this recognition, it is evident that Operation Restoration stands out as one of the top companies to work for and provides a great workplace environment for its employees.”
