The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation (Louisiana Blue Foundation) honored its 2026 Angel Award recipients on October 19 in Baton Rouge. For the past 32 years, this annual honor recognizes everyday Louisianians who have distinguished themselves by improving the health and well-being of our state’s children.
Too often, the extraordinary efforts of those serving children go unnoticed. The Angel Award honors these acts with recognition and resources, empowering honorees to continue making a lasting impact. This year, the Foundation will make a $30,000 grant to a local nonprofit chosen by each honoree.
“Across Louisiana, there are people who see a need in the lives of children and choose to do something about it,” said Michael Tipton, president of the Louisiana Blue Foundation. “Our 2026 Angels have turned personal experiences and a commitment to their communities into meaningful action. We are honored to recognize the important work they are leading across our state.”
The Angel Award Honorees:
- Tara Detiveaux of Houma leads Hope Extreme, providing holistic support to children and families in the same under-resourced community where she grew up, creating a place where children feel seen, valued and supported.
- Joey Vining of Houma founded Children’s Water Safety Awareness, working to prevent childhood drownings by expanding water safety education and access to lifesaving resources such as swim lessons and life jackets across the Bayou Region.
- Julia Bourgeois of Sulphur co-founded Families for Inclusion after her son was born with spina bifida and now works to ensure children with disabilities have opportunities to fully belong through greater access to inclusive education, play and everyday experiences.
- Toccara Huckaby of Shreveport founded Girls Empowered for More Society (GEMS) to expand opportunities for girls, including those in group homes and the juvenile justice system, through hands-on experiences in STEM, leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Terrence Jones of Lafayette founded Believe Institute, investing in young people through scholarships, mentorship and hands-on workforce experiences that help students build the skills and confidence to create futures of their own.
- Kristen Powers of Shreveport leads The Arc of Caddo-Bossier, expanding opportunities and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from childhood through adulthood while strengthening services for children and families across the region.
- Melanie Richardson of New Orleans co-founded TrainingGrounds to give families access to early intervention, developmental screenings, resources and support during the earliest years of a child’s life, helping build a stronger foundation for lifelong success.
- Jordan Tabor of Baton Rouge founded Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation after losing his 15-year-old son, Owen, to suicide and now works through schools and communities to increase awareness, reduce stigma and help young people and those around them recognize when support is needed.
The Foundation also recognizes a Blue Angel each year, honoring a Louisiana Blue employee who has made a difference in the lives of children through volunteer service outside of their professional role…