New Orleans. It’s more than a city; it’s a living, breathing testament to the fierce, unwavering spirit of its women. To walk its streets is to feel their presence, to hear their voices echoing through time. This isn’t just a tribute; it’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of the very essence of New Orleans—an essence forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by the gentle hands of its daughters.
New Orleans is a city of resilience, yes, but it’s a resilience woven from the threads of countless untold stories. It’s a city that carries the weight of history, a history etched in the sweat and tears of women who dared to defy the odds. It pulses with a rhythm born not just from triumph, but from the raw, unyielding determination to survive, to flourish, to create beauty in the midst of chaos.
This isn’t just their story; it’s our story. It’s the story of New Orleans, a city built on the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of its women. It’s a story that deserves to be told, to be celebrated, to be remembered, not just in Women’s History Month, but every single day.
Their names echo through the streets, not just as figures of history, but as the architects of our present. From the Voodoo Queen who healed the forgotten, to the activists who reshaped laws, these women carried the city on their backs. Here are just a few of the countless women whose spirits still move through New Orleans
The Matriarchs: Entrepreneurs
Before the Civil War, New Orleans stood as a beacon of relative freedom for people of color, boasting one of the largest populations of free people of color in the South. Within this unique social landscape, women emerged as formidable forces. They defied the oppressive constraints of their era, building wealth, establishing educational systems, and launching businesses in the face of societal norms that sought to deny them these rights. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community upliftment laid the groundwork for future generations.
- Marie Laveau (1801–1881) – The legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, a healer, spiritual leader, and advocate for the poor and imprisoned. Her influence endures in the city’s folklore, with devotees still leaving offerings at her tomb.
- Suzette Bosque (1776–1853) – A philanthropist and entrepreneur who invested in schools for free children of color.
- Josephine Beignet (1855–1910) – A businesswoman who owned multiple brothels in Storyville, demonstrating women’s power in unexpected spaces.
- Thomy Lafon’s Mother – The uncredited force behind the success of Thomy Lafon, a wealthy Black philanthropist. It is important to remember the women who facilitated the wealth of men. His mother, a free woman of color, made Lafon’s success possible.
- Ida Weis Friend (1868–1963) – A suffragist and philanthropist, the first Louisiana woman delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
- Raynell “Supa Cent” Steward – Entrepreneur and founder of The Crayon Case, a multimillion-dollar beauty brand.
- Jesseca Harris-Dupart – CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, a multimillion-dollar beauty brand.
- Kimberly Dilosa – Known as “The Gawd mother of NOLA,” founder of FION Productions and Youthanasia.
- Ruth Fertel (1927–2002): Founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fertel transformed a small New Orleans restaurant into a globally recognized chain, earning her the title “First Lady of American Restaurants.” Wikipedia
- Janee Michelle (b. 1946): Originally an actress and model, Michelle became a successful businesswoman in New Orleans. She co-founded Tucker and Associates, a management consulting company, and later owned and operated Sophie’s Gelato, a popular ice cream parlor on Magazine Street. Wikipedia
- Keiana Cavé (b. 1998): A chemical engineer and entrepreneur, Cavé gained recognition for her research on oil spill remediation. She secured $1.2 million in research funding from Chevron in 2016, leading to the acquisition of her company in 2017. Wikipedia
- Leslie Jacobs (b. 1959): An insurance executive and education reform advocate, Jacobs expanded her family’s small insurance agency into one of the largest in the South. She also played a pivotal role in creating the Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation and co-founded the New Orleans Startup Fund, supporting local entrepreneurs. Wikipedia
- Margaret Haughery (1813–1882): Known as the “Bread Woman of New Orleans,” Haughery was a philanthropist and entrepreneur who established a successful bakery. She used her profits to support orphans and the needy, becoming a beloved figure in the city’s history. Wikipedia
- Ti Adelaide Martin: Co-proprietor of the 131-year-old Commander’s Palace, Martin leads a hospitality revolution in New Orleans. She emphasizes heartfelt service and community spirit, upholding the restaurant’s legacy while embracing modernity. foodandwine.com
- Ana Castro: Chef and owner of Acamaya, Castro offers traditional and innovative Mexican seafood dishes. Her restaurant was recognized as the Best New Restaurant in the 2024 Eater New Orleans Awards. nola.eater.com+1vogue.com+1
- Kaitlin Guerin: Founder of Lagniappe Bakehouse, Guerin connects Southern and African diaspora food traditions through her bakery. Her innovative approach earned her bakery the title of Best New Bakery in the 2024 Eater New Orleans Awards. vogue.com
- Angela L. Young – Founder of ALY Media Relations.
The Resistance: Civil Rights, Politics & Education
Throughout New Orleans’ history, women have been the driving force behind progress, standing boldly in the fight for racial equity, civil rights, and education. From the classrooms where they fought for equal access to learning, to the streets where they led protests, to the legislative chambers where they enacted change, these women have shaped the city’s social and educational landscape.
- Dorothy Mae Taylor (1928–2000) – The first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, she dismantled segregation within Mardi Gras krewes.
- Oretha Castle Haley (1939–1987) – A leader of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), she orchestrated sit-ins and boycotts to desegregate businesses in New Orleans.
- Ruby Bridges – At just six years old, she became the first Black child to integrate an all-white school in the South, forcing America to confront its racism.
- Judge Bernette Johnson – The first Black woman Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, ensuring fair representation in Louisiana’s legal system.
- LaToya Cantrell – The first female mayor of New Orleans, leading the city through hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a housing crisis.
- Sybil Morial (b. 1935) – – A civil rights activist and First Lady of New Orleans, advocating to improve literacy and educational opportunities for Black communities in New Orleans
- Diana Bajoie – The first African American woman elected to the Louisiana State Senate and the first woman to serve as Senate president pro tempore.
- Jackie Clarkson – A dedicated public servant who served on the New Orleans City Council and in the Louisiana House of Representatives, contributing significantly to the city’s political landscape.
- Helena Moreno – The current President of the New Orleans City Council and a former state representative, known for her advocacy on public health and criminal justice reform.
- Ida Weis Friend (1868–1963) – A suffragist and philanthropist, Friend was the first woman delegate from Louisiana to the Democratic National Convention in 1920. She served as president of the National Council of Jewish Women from 1926 to 1932 and was a lifelong community leader in New Orleans.
- Sarah Towles Reed (1882–1978) – An educator and labor activist, Reed founded the first teachers’ union in New Orleans. She advocated for equitable pay for women and Black teachers and lobbied the Louisiana State Legislature for over five decades on behalf of educators.
- Elizebeth Thomas Werlein (1883–1946) – A preservationist credited with saving the French Quarter, Werlein founded the Vieux Carré Property Owners Association in 1930. Her advocacy led to the recognition of the French Quarter as a valuable part of national heritage.
- Eleanor McMain (1868–1934) – A progressive reformer and head resident of Kingsley House, the largest settlement house in the South. McMain transformed it into a focal point for progressive movements in New Orleans and furthered women’s causes during the suffrage movement.
- Henriette Delille (1813–1862) – Founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, providing education and care for Black children when formal schooling was denied to them.
- Sylvanie Francoz Williams (c. 1849–1921) – Principal of Thomy Lafon School and advocate for African American education, she also founded the Phillis Wheatley Club to support community health and education.
- Sophie B. Wright (1866–1912) – An educator and philanthropist who established schools for working adults and contributed to prison reform and public playgrounds.
- Fannie C. Williams (1882–1980) – A leader in early childhood education who introduced nursery and kindergarten programs into New Orleans public schools.
- Sarah Towles Reed (1882–1978) – An educator and labor activist who fought for equitable pay for women and Black teachers.
- Elizebeth Thomas Werlein (1883–1946) – A preservationist credited with saving the French Quarter.
The Culture Keepers: Music, Art & Literary Icons
The vibrant and unique cultural landscape of New Orleans is a direct reflection of the women who have poured their hearts and souls into its creation. They have shaped the city’s iconic sounds, its visual expressions, and its literary traditions, preserving the soul of New Orleans. From the soulful melodies of jazz and gospel to the captivating narratives of literature and art, these women have woven a tapestry of creativity that defines the city’s identity.
- Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) – The Queen of Gospel, whose voice became the soundtrack of the civil rights movement.
- Irma Thomas – The Soul Queen of New Orleans, an R&B legend with an enduring career.
- Big Freedia – The Queen of Bounce, taking New Orleans’ signature sound to the world.
- Charmaine Neville – Jazz and R&B vocalist, part of the legendary Neville family.
- Tarriona “Tank” Ball – Lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Tank and the Bangas.
- The Pinettes Brass Band – The world’s only all-female brass band, breaking gender barriers in the city’s rich music scene.
- Mykia Jovan – A jazz and soul singer, celebrated for her powerful performances.
- Kayla Jasmine – A rising voice in R&B and jazz, bringing new energy to the city’s music scene.
- Vegas Cola – A powerhouse singer blending jazz, funk, and soul, a staple on Frenchmen Street.
- Blanche Blanchard (1866–1959) – A painter known for landscapes, portraits, and genre paintings.
- Josephine Crawford (1878–1952) – A modernist painter incorporating Cubist influences.
- Tina Girouard (1946–2020) – A contemporary artist blending visual storytelling and cultural identity.
- Mia X – The First Lady of No Limit Records rapper and cookbook author, blending music and food culture.
- Stacey Muhammad – A filmmaker and director amplifying Black stories.
- Angela Watson, known as Uptown Angela – A longtime radio personality on Q93, shaping the sound of New Orleans and influencing generations of listeners.
- Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson (1875–1935) – A poet, journalist, and activist whose work explored race, gender, and social justice.
- Grace King (1851–1932) – A pioneering author who wrote extensively about Louisiana’s Creole culture and the post-Civil War South.
- Shirley Ann Grau (1929–2020) – Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose novels explored race and gender in the Deep South.
- Fatima Shaik – An author and journalist documenting Creole identity and Black history.
- Andrea R. Canaan – Writer and poet addressing themes of Black womanhood and identity.
- Cleo Wade – Contemporary poet, artist, and activist known for her inspirational and empowering work.
- Alice Dunbar-Nelson (1875–1935) – A poet, journalist, and political activist whose work remains influential.
- Lolis Eric Elie – A journalist and author writing about New Orleans culture and food.
- Pamela D. Arceneaux – A historian and author specializing in New Orleans’ Storyville era.
- Teri Woods – Urban fiction author with strong ties to New Orleans’ literary scene.
- Chris Owens – The ‘Queen of Bourbon Street,’ a legendary performer, nightclub owner, and cultural icon who embodied the glamour and spirit of New Orleans nightlife.
- Mamie Marie Francois – Known as the “Queen of Bourbon Street,” she is a beloved street performer who rides her bike through the French Quarter, dancing and taking pictures with tourists, embodying the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.
- Sunny Patterson – A renowned poet and spoken word artist, whose work reflects the resilience, history, and power of New Orleans culture and Black identity.
The Mardi Gras Queens & Baby Dolls: Guardians of Tradition
Mardi Gras is more than a celebration in New Orleans; it’s a living, breathing expression of the city’s soul. Women have played a pivotal role in preserving and shaping its traditions, from the intricate beadwork of the Mardi Gras Indian Queens to the defiant joy of the Baby Dolls. These women are the keepers of cultural memory, ensuring that the spirit of Mardi Gras continues to resonate through generations.
- Big Queen Kim “Cutie” Boutte (1964–2020) – A revered Mardi Gras Indian Queen, celebrated for her leadership and cultural preservation.
- Big Queen Rita Dollis – One of the first female Big Queens of the Mardi Gras Indians, paving the way for women in the tradition.
- Big Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson – A Mardi Gras Indian cultural activist, historian, and co-founder of the Guardians of the Flame.
- Aldonia Lockett – A pioneer Baby Doll performer, redefining women’s roles in Mardi Gras celebrations.
- Antoinette K-Doe (1943–2009) – A Baby Doll and cultural preservationist, best known for keeping the tradition alive at the Mother-in-Law Lounge.
- Dianne Honoré – A historian, educator, and leader of the Black Storyville Baby Dolls, ensuring the continued legacy of the tradition.
- Tahj “Queen Tahj” Williams – A cultural artist and Baby Doll performer dedicated to the preservation of Black Masking traditions.
- Cinnamon Black – A longtime performer and advocate for the Baby Doll tradition, known for her role in bringing historical accuracy and artistry to the forefront of Mardi Gras culture.
The Power Players: Sports & Leadership
In the realms of business, sports, and leadership, women in New Orleans have shattered glass ceilings and redefined what’s possible. They have demonstrated exceptional skill, strategic vision, and unwavering determination, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s economic and athletic landscapes.
- Florieda Batson – A pioneering hurdler who captained the U.S. team at the 1922 Women’s Olympics.
- Sandra Hodge – A former UNO basketball star and one of the first women to play for the Harlem Globetrotters.
- Kristen Nuss – A professional beach volleyball player making waves on the international stage.
- Gayle Benson – Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, a powerhouse in professional sports.
- Kim Mulkey – Hall of Fame basketball coach, elevating Louisiana women’s basketball to national prominence.
Culinary Innovators
New Orleans’ culinary heritage is a rich tapestry woven with the flavors and traditions passed down through generations. Women have been at the heart of this culinary legacy, shaping the city’s iconic cuisine and pushing its boundaries with innovation and creativity.
- Lena Richard (1892–1950) – Richard’s 1939 cookbook, “New Orleans Cook Book,” brought Creole cuisine to a wider audience. In 1949, she became the first Black woman to host a television cooking show, bringing the flavors of New Orleans into American homes.
- Leah Chase (1923–2019) – The Queen of Creole Cuisine and owner of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a cultural and civil rights landmark. More than a chef, she was a civil rights activist who fed leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., making Dooky Chase’s Restaurant a safe haven for movement strategists.
- Ms. Linda Green – The Yaka Mein Lady, famous for her legendary New Orleans dish.
- Madame Bégué (1831–1906) – A 19th-century chef credited with inventing brunch.
- Rose Nicaud (1758–c. 1815) – One of the first Black women entrepreneurs in New Orleans, she ran a successful coffee stand in the French Market, showcasing the early entrepreneurial spirit of Black women in the city.
- Loretta Harrison – The first Black woman to own a praline company in New Orleans, preserving the city’s sweet traditions. She also owned a successful restaurant, further cementing her legacy in New Orleans’ culinary scene.
- Melissa Martin – Chef and author, preserving Cajun culinary heritage at Mosquito Supper Club.
- Kaitlin Guerin – Founder of Lagniappe Bakehouse, merging Southern and African diaspora food traditions.
- Nicole Cabrera Mills – Chef de cuisine at Pêche Seafood Grill, specializing in Gulf seafood with global influences.
- Huong Tran – Co-owner of Dong Phuong Bakery & Restaurant, renowned for her acclaimed bánh mì and mooncakes.
- Tanya Dubuclet – Owner of Neyow’s Creole Café and Neyow’s XL, known for authentic Creole cuisine, expanding from New Orleans to Houston and Atlanta.
- Lenora Chong – Co-owner and chef of Morrow’s Restaurant, blending Korean and New Orleans flavors.
- Trinese Duplessis – Known as Dat Gumbo Lady, a culinary preservationist keeping New Orleans food traditions alive.
Community & Healthcare Leaders
The strength of any community lies in the dedication of those who serve its most vulnerable members. In New Orleans, women have been at the forefront of efforts to improve healthcare access, promote economic empowerment, and advocate for social justice. Their tireless work has strengthened the city’s social fabric and improved the lives of countless residents.
- Gladys T. Tillary – The first female president of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, a leader in economic empowerment and civil rights.
- Dr. Monica Monica (1950–2022) – A dedicated physician who worked to improve healthcare access and outcomes in New Orleans.
- Dr. Elizabeth D.A. Cohen (1820–1921) – The first woman licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, serving women and children in the French Quarter for decades.
- Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet (1868–1946) – The first African American woman to graduate from medical school in Louisiana, opening a medical practice in New Orleans.
- Dr. Elizabeth Bass (1876–1956) – A pioneering female faculty member at Tulane University’s medical school, co-founder of the New Orleans Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children.
- Dr. Sara T. Mayo (1869–1930) – A physician and humanitarian reformer, co-founder of the New Orleans Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children (later Sara Mayo Hospital), ensuring medical care for underserved communities.
The Heart of New Orleans: Women Beyond the List
This list is a glimpse; countless women, seen and unseen, have shaped New Orleans. From the unsung matriarchs who fortified families to the visionaries who redefine our culture, their impact is immeasurable. This tribute honors both the celebrated and the silent architects of our city’s soul.
For every name recorded, legacies simmer in gumbo pots, resonate in porch-side blues, and manifest in the strength of hands that braid hair, craft feasts, and impart wisdom.
They are the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters—the heartbeat of New Orleans—whose influence permeates our city.
They nurtured generations. They built foundations. They prayed over the city, ensuring its endurance
They are the backbone, the silent force that sustains us. Without them, our city would lack rhythm, depth, and resilience.
Their legacies are etched in Tremé’s streets, the Ninth Ward’s kitchens, Frenchmen Street’s melodies, and the laughter of children.
We Honor Them, Deeply.
We honor the grandmothers who created extended families, the mothers who ignited movements, the aunties who taught dignity, the sisters who shielded us.
Their stories may not fill history books, but they built this city with love, resilience, and spirit.
And as long as New Orleans stands, as long as the Mississippi flows, as long as the music plays—
We will honor them, deeply. Eternally.
Source Credits
- Wikipedia – Biographical details for historical and contemporary figures:
- 64 Parishes – Historical profiles and contributions:
- Eater New Orleans – Culinary influences and emerging chefs:
- Food & Wine – Hospitality industry contributions:
- NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune – Local business spotlights and cultural preservation:
- The Urban League of Greater New Orleans – Social and economic leadership:
- Black Storyville – The preservation of Baby Doll traditions:
- Commander’s Palace / Restaurant Websites – Contributions to New Orleans dining and culture:
- IHeartRadio & Local News Affiliates – Media and entertainment influences:
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