ATHENA Leadership Award

Alison Cuevas

ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award

Dr. Treva Brown

Arena Collective is sponsoring this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award.

ALISON CUEVAS

Alison Cuevas is the retired owner of Cuevas Insurance Agency, the first woman-owned branch of The Woodlands Financial Group in Louisiana. Her insurance career spanned 40 years in the Life, Health, Property, Casualty and Investment lines of business. She served on the Board of the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana, President of North Shore Chapter, and was a State Chapter Board Member.

Alison is on the Board of Project Christmas, serving as Shopping Chair for East St. Tammany (supporting over 1400 children) and co-coordinator for distribution at St. Lukes Church. She served in leadership roles in numerous community organizations including Project Graduation and Junior Auxiliary of Slidell.

She is a member of Rotary Club of Slidell North Shore; in her first year was recognized as Rotarian of The Year. She s held many committee leadership roles and is Vice President, in line for President in 2027. Alison’s love for Mardi Gras is evident in her dedication as a float lieutenant for Krewe of Iris; she fulfilled a lifelong bucket list dream as a Maid in the 2024 Royal Court. In 2025, she will ride in the Mystical Order of the Phoenix and honored as a maid in the Krewe of Slidellians.

MEGAN HAGGERTY

Megan Haggerty embodies dedication and compassion in her dual roles as Director of Development for the Northshore Humane Society and President of the Slidell City Council. With a fervent commitment to improving the lives of both animals and constituents, Megan is a driving force for positive change in her community.

Megan works to secure funds for homeless animals across the Southeast region and to realize the organization’s vision of a new, state of the art facility. Her advocacy ensures these vulnerable dogs and cats receive the care and support they desperately need.

As President of the Slidell City Council, Megan channels her passion for community service into action, championing initiatives to enhance children’s safety and the overall quality of life for her constituents.

Beyond her professional and civic duties, Megan supports a diverse array of organizations including the United Way, East Habitat for Humanity, Bring it Home Northshore, Hometown Heroes, Steel Mimosas, Slidell Pickleball Association and Shop with a Cop.

Megan also finds joy and fulfillment in her role as wife and mother of four. Balancing family life with professional and civic responsibilities, she cherishes moments spent with her loved ones, recognizing them as a source of strength and inspiration.

Mike Rich and Steve Kernahan are sponsoring the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

DR. TREVA BROWN

Dr. Treva Brown is a Physical Scientist at the United States Naval Research Laboratory at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, where she contributes to ongoing corrosion science research in the Ocean Sciences division.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at LSU and a doctoral degree in chemistry at the University of New Orleans as a Board of Regents Graduate fellow.

SAMANTHA CAPDEBOSCQ

Samantha Capdeboscq is the Marketing Director and Personal Lines Producer at Ace Insurance Agency. In addition to her professional role, she serves on the board of Hospice House and volunteers with the Krewe of Dionysus and the St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter. Dedicated to both her career and community service, Samantha is deeply involved in helping others through her work and volunteer activities.

TIA FRIEL

Tia Friel is a dedicated CPA and Partner with Taylor Willis CPAs and Advisors. After graduating from LSU in 2009, she opened the firm’s Slidell office in 2017 and became a partner in 2022. Tia is passionate about giving back to her community, actively supporting organizations like East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity and STARC of LA. She and her husband, Connell, have been happily married for 15 years and are the proud parents of two children, Liam and Cassidy.

LAUREN KAUFMANN NAVARRE

Lauren Kaufmann Navarre is the COO and Co-Founder of Arena Collective, a law firm and title company. Lauren serves on multiple boards and is an active member of several organizations in the community. When Lauren isn’t negotiating deals or mentoring the next generation of leaders, you can find her cheering on her two daughters at the pool, doting on her dog Pierre, in a boat on Lake Pontchartrain, or relaxing in the woods.

ATHENA recipients were announced at the ATHENA luncheon.