Lexi Hartmann

Northshore Woman of the Month: Mercy Jones Jacob

Northshore Woman of the Month: Mercy Jones-Jacob

Mercy Jones-Jacob is a woman of resilience, purpose, and healing. She is the founder of The Merciful Hands, with locations in both Mandeville and Gonzales, where she cares for her clients as a licensed massage therapist. But her work goes far beyond the treatment room.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Mercy has turned her fight into fuel for advocacy. She has stood before Congress to fight for cancer rights, worked to expand access to IVF, and helped pass the Medically Necessary Fertility Preservation Act in Louisiana. Her journey blends healing with action, using both her hands and her voice to create change.

A Life of Service and Advocacy

At The Merciful Hands, Mercy brings compassion and expertise to every client. Her mission is not only to relieve physical tension but to nurture the spirit. That same heart for healing drives her community work. She advocates for patients navigating the realities of cancer treatment, reproductive health, and wellness—giving hope where it’s needed most.

This October marks five years cancer-free, a milestone that Mercy celebrates as both a survivor and a fighter. She embodies what it means to move forward with strength while lifting others along the way.

Finding Sisterhood in EHL

When Mercy joined EmpowerHER Life, she was looking for women who shared her mindset—driven, uplifting, and joyful. What she found was a community that exceeded expectations.

“From the very beginning, I felt surrounded by strong, inspiring women who not only pushed me to grow but also celebrated every milestone with me,” she shares. “EHL has given me so much more than I expected… it has truly been life changing.”

For Mercy, EHL isn’t just a network. It’s a sisterhood. It’s support, encouragement, and real friendship through every season of life.

Beyond Work and Advocacy

Outside of her career and advocacy, Mercy loves camping, movies, obstacle course racing, and even Tudor dynasty lore. She laughs about enjoying “trash TV” but also loves studying the human body and finding joy in life’s little escapes.

She’s married to Blane Jacob and is mom to their three-year-old son, Chester (Remi), who keeps their family full of laughter and love. Mercy is also a registered member of the Quechan Native American Tribe in Arizona, carrying her heritage proudly.

Why We Celebrate Mercy

Mercy is a reminder that healing and strength can exist side by side. She has faced unimaginable challenges and turned them into opportunities to serve, fight, and empower others. Through her business, her advocacy, and her story, she is building a legacy of compassion and courage.

Mercy, we are proud to honor you as our Northshore Woman of the Month. You are proof that resilience can spark change, and that true healing is as much about the spirit as it is the body.

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Lexi Hartmann

Houma Woman of the Month: Holly Edgar

Meet Holly Edgar — teacher, diagnostician, innovator, and changemaker in education and brain health in Houma.

From Classroom to Community Impact

Holly began her career in public schools. Over time, she saw too many students slip through the cracks—especially children struggling to read. Fourteen years ago, she launched The Learning Center of Houma to address exactly that.

She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s +30 in Education from Nicholls State University. She’s certified as an Educational Diagnostician and Reading Specialist.

Through The Learning Center, Holly works one-on-one with students, offering interventions, tutoring, and support tailored to learning needs.

A New Chapter: Brain Train Center

When Holly noticed rising cases of attention issues, anxiety, and learning challenges—especially post-COVID—she knew she needed another tool. That’s how Brain Train Center Houma was born.

Brain Train offers neurofeedback therapy, a drug-free, noninvasive method that helps the brain self-regulate. The goal is to improve attention, emotional control, and overall focus.

Holly believes combining her background in education with brain training gives children and adults stronger tools to succeed—not only academically, but in life.

Achievements & Accolades

  • Holly has been nominated for Teacher of the Year and Inspirational Teacher of the Year by the Terrebonne Parish School District.

  • Under Holly’s leadership, The Learning Center has ranked in the Top 3 in Best of the Best for multiple years.

  • Brain Train Center Houma is certified as part of a national network of neurofeedback centers.

  • She contributes to public awareness: she wrote about how neurofeedback supports students with dyslexia.

More Than Work—Life & Heart

Holly is married to Keith Edgar, and together they share a blended family. Her children, Raegan and Cullen, and her bonus kids Ashley and Brian, plus grandchildren, fill her world with purpose.


She loves reading, learning, traveling, and music. And she jokes that she’d secretly like to be a DJ someday.

Her connection to EmpowerHER Life keeps her grounded. She joined seeking community and found encouragement, empowerment, authenticity—and women who truly understand the joys and struggles of life. Her belief is that shared stories and support spur growth.

Why We Celebrate Holly

  • She acts on what she sees: turning gaps in education into new services.

  • She blends heart and science—educator and brain health advocate.

  • She stays real, honest, and open about growth, not perfection.

  • She supports her community, helps children find their voice, and leads with empathy.

Holly, thank you for using your gifts to change lives. Your dedication to both learning and healing reminds us that growth isn’t just academic—it’s holistic.

We’re proud to name you our October Woman of the Month for Houma.

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Lexi Hartmann

Northshore Woman of the Month: Ali Laborde

Northshore Woman of the Month: Ali LaBorde

Ali LaBorde is the owner of HOTWORX Covington and a woman who brings energy, humor, and heart into everything she does.

She describes herself as sweeter and funnier than she looks and admits she’d happily wear a costume every single day if she could. That playful spirit shines through not only in her personality but in the way she builds connections, supports her community, and leads with purpose.

Community Involvement

Over the past three years, Ali has been an active leader and volunteer across St. Tammany Parish. She has:

  • Served on the Chamber of Commerce event committee for the Southern Nights Soirée

  • Been a member of the Professional Women of St. Tammany, where she was nominated for the Women’s Choice Awards

  • Co-chaired the Carnival Couture fundraiser through the Junior League of Greater Covington

Through HOTWORX Covington, Ali has also sponsored or donated to organizations including:

  • Miracle League Northshore

  • Crawfish & Roses

  • Helping Hearts Foundation for Children’s Hospital

  • St. Tammany Parish Fire District 12

  • First Responders Never Forget 5K

  • Northshore Food Bank

  • Multiple local school drives

This year, HOTWORX Covington was also the presenting sponsor for EmpowerHER Life’s anniversary party, a celebration that brought hundreds of women together.

Why EHL Matters to Ali

Ali is passionate about EmpowerHER Life because it gives women a space to bond, network, learn, and grow. She says EHL has been a blessing both personally and professionally, and she loves being part of a group that supports each other in every season of life.

Life Beyond Business

When she’s not in the studio, Ali enjoys travel, concerts, fitness, and, of course, costumes. She’s also mom to six-year-old twins, Presley and Ledger, who she calls the coolest kiddos around.

Fun fact? Ali is an arcade basketball champ and once won contests for poetry. That mix of competitiveness and creativity pretty much sums her up—a woman who’s always ready to show up, step up, and make it fun along the way.

Ali, thank you for the way you lift others, give back, and bring joy to every space you enter. We’re proud to celebrate you as our Northshore Woman of the Month.

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Desiree Allums

Houma Woman of the Month: Christina Castillo

Christina Castillo is the founder of ShredSkiz Nutrition, a business built from loss, faith, and a deep desire to help others feel strong again.

Her journey changed after the passing of her brother Jo. That moment forced her to slow down and ask herself what really mattered. She stopped chasing numbers and started focusing on impact. ShredSkiz became a way to serve, to connect, and to help others heal—starting with herself.

Christina is a single mother to two girls, Elena and Araceli. They are her reason for everything. She builds with them in mind. She wants them to see what strength looks like, not just in words, but in action.

Through ShredSkiz, Christina helps clients find energy, rebuild confidence, and learn how to care for themselves again. For her, it’s never just about food or fitness. It’s about accountability, honesty, and showing people what they’re capable of when they feel supported.

She leads with realness. Her story has sharp edges, and she doesn’t try to smooth them out. She’s been through things that could have broken her. Instead, she turned them into something useful. Her client Cherie is one of many who remind her why she keeps going.

Outside of work, her life is full. Church. Gym. Kids. She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of balancing everything, but she keeps showing up.

Christina found EmpowerHER Life during a season when she needed a reminder that she wasn’t alone. What she found was a group of women who move through life with depth, not performance. A community that celebrates effort as much as success. A space where showing up as you are is enough.

“I’m still becoming,” she says. That honesty is what makes her stand out. Christina isn’t trying to be perfect. She’s committed to being real, doing the work, and lifting others while she does it.

Christina, thank you for building something with meaning. Thank you for choosing purpose over pressure. You remind us that healing is ongoing, but showing up with heart is always enough.

Connect with Christina

If you want to learn more about Christina or ShredSkiz Nutrition, here’s where to find her:

Whether you’re looking to improve your nutrition, reset your mindset, or connect with someone who leads with heart, Christina is someone worth knowing.

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Desiree Allums

Northshore Woman of the Month: Marci Clines

If you’ve met Marci Clines, you know she doesn’t just walk into a room—she fills it with purpose.

As the Community Engagement Manager at Xplore Federal Credit Union, Marci leads with heart, service, and a deep commitment to impact. She connects people with opportunities, resources, and each other—and does it with a rare mix of grace, grit, and joy.

Marci’s work in the community is expansive. She’s:

  • A member of the 2025 Leadership St. Tammany class

  • Chairwoman of the Sponsorship & Donations Committee for the Professional Women of St. Tammany

  • An active member of NetworkONE Mandeville, ABWA, EmpowerHER Life, and the Circle of Red – American Heart Association

  • A regular organizer of food drives, donation campaigns, and local impact events

She’s also a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), helping families—especially women—navigate financial decisions with confidence.

But Marci’s leadership doesn’t stop at the edge of her desk or the end of a workday.

She’s a devoted wife to her husband Charles, who works in the oil field, and a proud mom to five incredible children. Her oldest daughter Ariana is a sophomore at LSU, while Emori and Skyla—both juniors—shine on the track and softball field. Brielle, in fourth grade, is already making moves in both softball and volleyball. And Kyri, the youngest, is starting kindergarten and full of energy for all things outdoors. Their dog, Chano, rounds out the crew as the family’s beloved sidekick.

Born and raised in Utah, Marci’s Mexican Filipino heritage is a cornerstone of her identity. It taught her to value faith, family, and resilience—and those lessons show up in everything she does.

Her favorite place? The sidelines. Whether it’s cheering on her kids at the ball field, supporting a local cause, or mentoring another woman through a financial crossroads—Marci shows up.

And that’s exactly why she was chosen as Woman of the Month.

She doesn’t just represent community—she builds it.

She joined EmpowerHER Life for connection and found something deeper: “This is more than a network. It’s a sisterhood. A place where we pour into each other and grow together.”

Marci, thank you for leading with love. For serving with integrity. For reminding us that when women support women, incredible things happen.

You are a force—and we’re proud to celebrate you.

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Desiree Allums

Northshore Woman of the Month: Pemmie Sheasby

Pemmie Sheasby is the kind of woman who makes you feel like you belong the moment you meet her.

She’s warm, grounded, and full of wisdom earned through decades of experience—as a professional, a mother, a grandmother, and now, a new business owner.

After more than 30 years in advertising and publishing, Pemmie is stepping into a bold new chapter. She’s teaming up with her bonus son, Michael, to open Courtyard Bistro and Food Lovers Marketplace—a space built around great food, local connection, and the joy of gathering.

It’s a full-circle moment for someone who’s always believed in community.

A resident of St. Tammany Parish for over 20 years, Pemmie has poured her time and energy into causes that matter. She’s been hands-on with Habitat for Humanity, helped raise funds through the Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soirée, and supported the next generation of culinary leaders through the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s ProStart Program.

She knows the power of showing up—for others, and for yourself.

At home, she’s the matriarch of a beautiful, blended family that includes 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She’s been married to her husband Reynolds for 43 years, and together they’ve built a life full of love, tradition, and Sunday dinners that probably belong in a Hallmark movie.

But don’t let the resume fool you—Pemmie is still growing, still learning, and still chasing new dreams.

That’s what brought her to EmpowerHER Life.

She joined looking for community, not competition. What she found was a group of women who inspired her to stay curious, open, and connected. Women who reminded her that no matter what season of life you’re in, it’s never too late to evolve.

Her favorite part of the group? The genuine friendships. The realness. The way women show up for each other—not just when things are going great, but in the messy, hard, everyday moments too.

Pemmie, thank you for being a voice of grace and strength in this community. Your journey reminds us that leadership doesn’t always look loud—and that sometimes, the best kind of power is the quiet kind that lifts others as it rises.

We’re proud to celebrate you.

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Desiree Allums

Houma Woman of the Month: Haley Tivet

Haley Tivet believes in saying yes—to her faith, her family, her community, and the kind of work that makes a real difference.

A third-generation notary public, lifelong Houma resident, and former emergency room nurse, Haley has built her career around one mission: helping others through life’s big moments with confidence, care, and clarity.

After graduating from Nicholls State University in 2008, Haley served in the ER before taking a leap of faith in 2013 to join her family’s business. That leap turned into a purpose-filled path.

Today, she owns and operates Toups Notary Public Service & Public Tag Agency (with locations in Houma and Thibodaux) and Toups & Associates Insurance Agency. Whether she’s helping someone file for power of attorney or walking a new entrepreneur through starting their LLC, Haley shows up with heart and intention. She’s taken what can feel like overwhelming legal or insurance processes and made them more human—more accessible—for families and small businesses in South Louisiana.

But she doesn’t stop there.

Haley is Vice President and Interim Treasurer of the Louisiana Public Tag Association and a corporate member of the Louisiana Notary Association. She’s also an active member of Mulberry Baptist Church, and her faith is the foundation of everything she does.

She leads the Parents and Teachers in Christ (PTC) at Houma Christian School and stays deeply involved in youth sports alongside her kids—cheering from the sidelines at Alpha Omega Sports, Louisiana Lady Bulls, and Bayou Soccer Club games.

Family is at the center of it all.

She’s been married to her husband Jeremy for 15 years. Together they’re raising two incredible children, Cora and Reid, along with their doodles Banx and Moss, who bring a little extra chaos and a lot of joy to their home.

If you know Haley, you know she’s a “yes girl”—the first to volunteer, to organize, to step up and support. She believes in rising by lifting others, and she uses her knowledge and experience to create lasting impact for the people around her.

Joining EmpowerHER Life felt like a natural extension of everything she already believes: women showing up for themselves and each other, choosing growth, and leading with faith. In her words, “EmpowerHER Life speaks life into the roles I hold—and reminds me that I can do this, and I’m not alone.”

Haley, thank you for showing us what it looks like to live boldly, serve fully, and lead with love. You are a powerful example of grace in action, and we’re proud to honor you.

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Desiree Allums

Houma Woman of the Month: Leslie Terrebonne

Leslie Terrebonne knows how to build something beautiful from the inside out.

She started as a cosmetologist—one-on-one, helping women feel their best. That passion grew into something bigger. Now she’s the founder of Bloom West Boutique, a mobile fashion experience that brings confidence, connection, and community straight to women across Louisiana.

You’ll find her behind the wheel of her boutique on wheels, visiting small towns and big cities, meeting new faces, and uplifting women everywhere she goes. She’s now designing her own clothing line, Love, Leslie, full of signature styles meant to celebrate individuality and strength.

But fashion is just one part of her story.

Leslie is a businesswoman through and through. Alongside Bloom West and her clothing line, she also runs Gengatorz Power Systems and Buzz Off Home Mosquito Control with her husband, Travis Terrebonne. Together, they’ve built a life centered on faith, creativity, and family.

That family is her heart.

Her husband is her rock. Their blended crew is full of talent and energy—from Sloane’s creative spark and charm necklace designs, to Ryleigh’s drive, to Lane’s love of sports, to Sebastian’s dedication as a father raising two young sons. Each of them inspires Leslie to keep dreaming big and showing up with purpose.

She joined EmpowerHER Life in Houma looking for inspiration—and found a sisterhood.

Now she’s one of the women helping others rise. Leslie shows us that we don’t have to chase dreams alone. Her life is proof that you can mix business with love, faith with drive, style with service—and do it all with heart.

Leslie, thank you for showing up fully—for your customers, your family, and this community. You remind us that success isn’t just what you build—it’s who you bring with you.

We’re honored to celebrate you.

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Desiree Allums

Northshore Woman of the Month: Angelle Jeansonne Cherry

Some people wait for the right time to chase their dreams.

Angelle created hers when the world stood still.

When the pandemic shut everything down, Angelle found herself furloughed and unsure of what came next. She picked up a paintbrush—just to pass the time. But something sparked. Her art began to sell. Commissions rolled in. A waitlist formed.

And when her corporate job came calling again, she said no.

She chose to say yes to something bigger.

Today, Angelle runs a thriving business, Angelle Victoria Studio, where she creates, teaches, mentors, and gives back—constantly.

Art may be her career now, but service is her purpose.

She’s the kind of woman who uses her platform to lift others—especially young artists. Her junior internship program is already making waves. Just ask Giuliana Mandina, her 11-year-old protégé, who’s been published in three magazines, featured on Fox 8, and named Artist of the Month by the Mandeville Artist Guild.

Angelle isn’t just teaching art. She’s teaching girls what’s possible.

She’s also a force in the community. Through donation drives, she’s helped:

  • Give 75 kids painting kits for Christmas

  • Collect 60 teddy bears for children at Hope House

  • Donate 38 toys to St. Jude

  • Raise $1,700 for Take Paws Rescue and Mardi Paws

She’ll tell you it wasn’t just her—it was God working through others. But make no mistake: her energy, her heart, and her willingness to act are what bring these efforts to life.

Angelle is also a proud dog mom to Larry and Coco. Larry, who was once a street pup, is now a cover model and Mardi Gras royalty. Together with her husband, Angelle celebrates the little joys—farmers markets, biking the lakefront, and never missing a chance to wear a costume.

When she joined EmpowerHER Life, she was just hoping to meet a friend or two.

What she found was a tribe.

That support helped her business soar. But more than that, it helped her feel like she belonged. Like she was seen. Like her work—and her heart—mattered.

Angelle, thank you for choosing courage over comfort. For using your talent to open doors for others. And for pouring beauty, laughter, and love into everything you do.

We see you. We’re cheering for you. And we’re so proud to call you one of our own.

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Desiree Allums

Northshore Woman of the Month: Robin Terrebonne

Meet Robin Terrebonne—a woman whose life’s work is rooted in healing, heart, and human connection.

For nearly three decades, Robin has helped others reconnect to their bodies as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She spent five years running Ascani’s Massage Therapy & More on the South Shore of New Orleans before moving to the North Shore and rebranding her practice to Embrace-ably ME. The name says it all—Robin’s work is about embracing your full self, inside and out.

She’s not just a skilled therapist. She’s a lifelong giver.

Robin served for five years in The Vagina Monologues to raise money for women and children in crisis in St. Bernard Parish—often ranking as one of the top fundraisers. She also advocates for children with dyslexia and sensory processing disorder and educates others on the connection between gut health and overall well-being.

You’ll often find Robin surrounded by succulents, flying kites, decorating for the seasons, or connecting with her daughters, Emma and Maria. Her love for her girls is fierce, and her gratitude for her mother, siblings, and extended family shines through every conversation.

She’s no stranger to loss, having lost her sister to breast cancer. But she carries that grief with grace and turns it into fuel for service. Her purpose is to uplift. To care. To help others feel seen and worthy.

Since joining EmpowerHER Life, Robin says something inside her has shifted. The sisterhood helped her reconnect with her identity as a business owner—and reminded her just how valuable she is.

If you’ve met Robin, you’ve felt her warmth. Her kindness is contagious. Her spirit is steady and grounded. She brings joy into every room she enters.

Robin, we’re honored to know you. Thank you for living your life in service of others—and for showing up with so much love. You are a true force, and we’re so glad you’re here.

 

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