Celebrating the Brightest at the 19th Annual City Stars Soirée!

This year’s City Stars Soirée was an unforgettable evening under the stars at Il Mercato on Magazine Street, celebrating the achievements and leadership of Greater New Orleans’ brightest young innovators. Presented by SUSCO Solutions, the Soirée highlighted the vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and ethical commitment of this year’s Rising Stars: Jarrett Cohen, Meghan Donelon, Lauren Gibbs, Neil Jolly, and Ralph Mahana. Each of these exceptional honorees, all under 40, is not only excelling in their fields but also making a profound impact on our community, setting a standard for the future of business in our region.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Co-Chairs, Karen and Perry Eastman and Bridget and Karl Senner, whose leadership made this night possible. Special thanks also goes to our event committee, including Pepper Baumer, Sara Brennan, Pike Howard, Chase Mullin, Brett Perrier, Brandon Smith, Neel Sus, and Townsend Underhill for their hard work in creating a truly magical evening.

The evening featured an exciting silent auction, where attendees bid on exclusive items ranging from extraordinary art to one-of-a-kind experiences, all in support of Junior Achievement’s mission, followed by a live auction hosted by our city’s beloved Margaret Orr. Live music, delicious food, and drinks created a lively and festive atmosphere, while guests enjoyed valuable networking opportunities, connecting with fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members—all united by a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this night such a success. Together, we are building a stronger future for New Orleans by empowering the next generation of young entrepreneurs and leaders. Here’s to another inspiring year ahead!