Taylor Center for Young Leadership Grand Opening

Liberty’s Kitchen held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Taylor Center for Young Leadership Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at their North Broad Street location. (Dinah Rogers Photo)

On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the grand opening of Liberty’s Kitchen’s Taylor Center for Young Leadership. Nearly 100 Attendees were able to see firsthand the impact that the center strives to achieve by interacting with program trainees, alumni and staff.

The event included addresses from a mix of Liberty’s Kitchen’s alumna, executives, board members and staff. Andryan LaGarde, a 2015 alumna, lead the program and had the honor of cutting the ribbon. Executive Director, David Emond spoke about the organization’s growth and the vision of the center allowing for an even greater impact on New Orleans’ youth. Board Chair, Matthew Schwartz and Dennis Bagneris, Director of Youth Success, both echoed these sentiments and expectations during their addresses at the event. Phyllis Taylor of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation gave an inspirational talk about the overall mission along with a need to continuously be empowering and compassionate to others.

The Taylor Center for Young Leadership’s namesake comes courtesy of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, whose $250,000 donation was the cornerstone of the expansion. Additional sponsors and project leaders include the  Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Steve Rosenfeld & Margot Botsford, the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Foundation, the Ella West Freeman Foundation, Domain Companies, the Goldring Family Foundation, the Woldenberg Family Foundation, Woodward Design + Build, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, Frischhertz Electric, and AOS Interior Environments.

Attendees enjoyed touring the new space that is equipped with a technology lab, classroom and work space, along with an event space that is open for rental.

– Letrece R. Griffin, Marketing Specialist