NEW ORLEANS – FestiGals, the first and only New Orleans festival that celebrates, empowers and connects women in a safe environment, announced that nationally-renowned investment expert Carla Harris is the keynote speaker for the 2016 New Orleans Women’s Conference at FestiGals.
Harris is Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley; a decorated author known for “Carla’s Pearl’s” which provide insight to financial success and stability; an international motivational speaker and a soulful gospel singer who has performed for sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and has released several albums.
FestiGals, New Orleans Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway, is slated for July 28 – 30, 2016, at the JW Marriott. Festival reps said the popular weekend event was created by women for women, and it combines a powerful, day-long Women’s Conference with bodacious festivities that offer many unique New Orleans experiences.
This year’s celebrated downtown Stiletto Stroll, which offers women the opportunity to participate in an authentic New Orleans walking parade, is gearing up to become the world’s largest all women’s second line complete with live music, entertainers and dance groups. The crowds will saunter from the JW Marriott through the CBD and the Warehouse District to Mardi Gras World where party-goers will enjoy the tunes of Rockin’ Doopsie at the fabulous After-Glow Party. FestiGals is donating all proceeds of the event to the New Orleans Family Justice Center which helps families and individuals suffering from domestic violence.
The expanded FestiGals schedule kicks into high gear on Friday, July 29, with the New Orleans Women’s Conference which includes the keynote address by Harris as well as relaxed networking sessions, inspirational seminars and informative workshops led by eminent speakers. New this year are FestiTalks, rapid-fire, dynamic presentations on a variety of topics which are delivered in small segments that are easy to retain.
On Saturday, July 30, FestiGals is hosting its cherished Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch and Auction where the top fundraising bras from the Bodacious Bra Challenge are sold to the highest bidders. The Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, Inc. will receive all proceeds from the auction which is preceded by the Thriver Fashion Show where models “thriving in their cancer recovery” sport fabulous summer attire from Stein Mart on the catwalk.
The Bodacious Bra Challenge, which premiered last year, is now accepting entries from company, organization or individual interested in decorating a bra to participate in the Challenge here: www.FestiGals.org
FestiGals’ single event tickets are available; but for the true festive ladies, the FestiGals Diva Package is available.
Founded in 2011 and produced by Diane B. Lyons and ACCENT- DMC, FestiGals, Inc. has collectively raised more than $95,000 through the highly acclaimed Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon & Auction (now a brunch event) and the Bodacious Bra Challenge which benefit the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, Inc. Endorsed by the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, FestiGals annually attracts more than 2,200 women from around the U.S. and Greater New Orleans area to the summer event.
