Meet our awardees at the 2026 Leading from the Heart breakfast on March 18 at Nole.
ASHLEY WEBB (BARCELO GARDENS), CHEF MARTHA WIGGINS (CAFE RECONCILE), AND CHASSIDY WALKER (FRITAI) TO RECEIVE LES DAMES D’ESCOFFIER NEW ORLEANS LEADING FROM THE HEART AWARDS
Each Recipient Will Receive a $2500 Grant at Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Ashley Webb, Company Award Recipient
Ashley Webb, co-founder of Barcelo Gardens, transformed access to fresh food in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward by turning an abandoned lot into a thriving community garden, educational hub, and farmers market in one of the city’s largest food deserts. Through pop-ups, partnerships with farmers, and free gardening classes, she brings fresh, affordable produce directly to families in need. Support from the Leading from the Heart Award will strengthen farm infrastructure, expand community distribution, and ensure her work continues to nourish and empower the neighborhood.
Chef Martha Wiggins, Individual Award Recipient
Chef Martha Wiggins, Executive Chef and Chief Culinary Officer at Café Reconcile, transforms lives through hospitality by mentoring young people facing barriers to employment. The Leading from the Heart Award will help expand her impact by strengthening program infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for New Orleans youth to build sustainable culinary careers.
Chassidy Walker, Individual Award Recipient
Chassidy Walker, lead bartender at Fritai NOLA, is a hospitality professional and mentor dedicated to uplifting New Orleans’ service industry community. Through the Leading from the Heart Award, she will further her education and support local organizations to expand access and opportunity for the next generation of bartenders and hospitality leaders.
DOWNLOAD GRAPHICS & IMAGES HERE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Colleen Rush, Vice President of Communications