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

Nominees are presented in alphabetical order. The summaries presented represent a small highlight of each nominee’s many achievements and contributions.

WENDY BOUYELAS

Wendy Bouyelas is a distinguished leader whose career and service embody the ATHENA Leadership Award’s highest ideals. As a Community Outreach Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wendy was recognized for forging collaborative partnerships among schools, community organizations, civic leaders, and law enforcement. She played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for women through FBI Women’s Recruitment initiatives and leadership development programs, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and empowerment in public service.

As Founder and President of Our Friends Closet, Wendy transformed a grassroots hygiene initiative into a comprehensive nonprofit serving more than 60 schools across six Louisiana parishes. Her vision and leadership have removed barriers to education for thousands of vulnerable children, providing essential resources, emergency assistance, and support that foster dignity and opportunity.

Wendy is also a passionate champion for women’s leadership development. She organizes and facilitates the annual Women in Law Enforcement Career Panel for the Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy, inspiring young women to pursue careers in public safety. In her role as Vice President of the Slidell Chapter of P.E.O., she advances women’s education, leadership, and personal growth, empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Through every endeavor, Wendy exemplifies authentic leadership, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to uplifting others and strengthening her community.

COURTNEY ELZEY

Courtney Elzey is an accomplished entrepreneur, business strategist, mentor, and community leader committed to creating opportunities for others. As Principal Owner of MCDS, LLC, she provides strategic planning, operational management, and business development support to public and private organizations.

With more than 18 years of government-sector experience, Courtney brings expertise in project management, contract administration, and public funding. Community service is central to her leadership.

She is Founder and CEO of the Elzey Foundation, supporting literacy and holiday giving. Courtney has also served through East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, Smooth Jazz for Cancer, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Rotary Club of Slidell. She is a dedicated mentor to women, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals.

ROBIN MARQUEZ

Robin Marquez is a project manager, entrepreneur and community leader whose career and service have centered on building stronger people, projects and communities. She has served E.C.O. Builders, Inc. since 2001 and is the sole owner of The Painted Robin, a custom-creations and Paint & Pour business. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience: surviving cancer, raising two sons, rebuilding after adversity, developing a long-term career in construction and responding personally when her community needs help. She brings honesty, accountability, compassion and follow-through to every role.

Robin Marquez leads with openness, consistency and a willingness to keep growing. She leads and mentors other women with faith, wisdom and courage.

Robin is a founder and longtime leader of Notes for Education Northshore, supports East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, leads the Hometown Heroes banner program and helps direct Cards of Compassion SOS outreach to communities affected by natural disasters. A 2017 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Robin was recognized in 2026 as Woman of the Year by Professional Women of St. Tammany and selected as Slidell Women’s Civic Club Queen Samaritan LXXV.

Robin is the mother of two sons, Douglas and Antonio, and believes leadership is measured by the people we encourage, the opportunities we create and the community we leave stronger.

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

TIA FRIEL

Tia Friel, CPA, CGMA, is a Partner at Taylor & Willis CPAs and Advisors and leads the firm’s Slidell practice, serving individuals, families, and businesses across the Northshore. Since beginning her career with Taylor & Willis in 2011, Tia has helped establish and grow the firm’s local presence, including its Slidell office, which opened in 2017.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tia is deeply committed to financial literacy, mentorship, and community service. She regularly provides financial education to Northshore students, teaching practical skills such as budgeting, saving, spending, and credit. She also leads tax education seminars through East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity and partners with local organizations to expand financial literacy opportunities for youth.

Tia is passionate about helping young people discover career possibilities and has created internship opportunities for local high school students. Her mentorship continues well beyond the internship, as she remains connected with former interns throughout college and into their careers.

A longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer and Rosie Team Leader, Tia also serves on the STARC of Louisiana Board of Directors and Finance Committee. Her leadership reflects a genuine commitment to investing in people and strengthening the Northshore community.

TAYLOR FRISARD PETRUSKA

Taylor Frisard Petruska is a dedicated professional and community leader whose career and service reflect a genuine commitment to helping others. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and has built her professional career around supporting individuals, particularly those with special needs. As a QIDP/Case Manager at STARC of Louisiana, Taylor works closely with individuals, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners to help ensure the people she supports receive the care, services, and opportunities they deserve. Her work requires patience, communication, organization, advocacy, and compassion—qualities she demonstrates every day.

Taylor is also deeply committed to her community. She is a founding member and Vice President of the Krewe of Antheia, where she has helped build an organization from the ground up and dedicates countless hours to planning events, preparing for the annual ball, supporting parade-day activities, and bringing people together. Her commitment to service began in childhood and continues through volunteer work with the Hospice Crawfish Cook-Off, Chief Fandal’s Wild Game Cook-Off, Riley’s Bikes and Habitat for Humanity’s Rosie program, where she served as a Team Leader. Known for her kindness, positivity, dependability, and generosity, Taylor leads by example. She encourages and supports the women around her and consistently gives her time and talents to me her community stronger. 

JESSICA PIGOTT

Jessica Pigott is a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer with BankPlus in Slidell, Louisiana, where she has built a career centered on leadership, relationship development, and service to her community. Since joining BankPlus in 2021, Jessica has advanced from Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer to Vice President, managing a loan portfolio totaling approximately $43 million. She was selected as a BankPlus Culture Leader, a role focused on helping shape workplace policies, strengthen employee culture, and develop strategies that positively impact the communities the bank serves. Jessica also serves on The Source, a BankPlus-sponsored women’s initiative dedicated to promoting and supporting strong women in business.

Jessica’s banking career spans more than 15 years and includes leadership and lending roles with Community Bank of Mississippi, Southern First Bank, and Bank of Montgomery. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated initiative through business development, employee training, community lending programs, financial education, and client service.

Her professional accomplishments are complemented by a commitment to mentorship and community impact. Her leadership, creativity, confidence, and dedication have earned strong recognition from colleagues and senior banking leaders, who describe her as an emerging leader and positive influence for others.