Sophisticated Woman’s Hats Off Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 14 at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville. The annual event honors each Enterprising Woman who appeared on the magazine’s cover in 2020 and culminates with the presentation of the Enterprising Woman of the Year award. This year’s charity beneficiary is Token of Love Foundation, a non-profit serving at-risk and abused women. Representing the foundation at the luncheon will be Star Rooney, Founder and Executive Director and Melissa Cavalier, Texas Regional Director.
Star Rooney — Founder & Executive Director
I am a wife and mother of five children and currently foster a six year old. New Orleans is my birthplace, and I moved to the Northshore in 2001. I have an extensive background in business, advocacy, compassion and fundraising. I’m the founder and Executive Director of Token of Love Foundation since 2013 — a nonprofit that helps women who are hurting. My level of empathy for these precious women comes from a real place of pain in my past.
I spearhead foundation initiatives, direct all fundraising efforts and oversee the “New Life Program” while walking alongside these women. I’m a successful real estate broker on the Northshore with services extending to Greater New Orleans. My passion for humanitarian causes has propelled my work with the Token of Love Foundation. Once I became a Christian and found my healing through Jesus, I vowed to give back to women in my community.
Melissa Cavalier — Texas Regional Director
I came to Token of Love Foundation in 2017 and served as the Foundation’s Education and Workforce Development Director. I lead initiatives to ensure at-risk women in our local communities received access to job force training programs and educational scholarships to further their vocational advancement after coming out of recovery. From 2018-2020 I served as the Foundation’s Executive Director and oversaw operations, all fundraising and event planning.
However, in true 2020 fashion, I was relocated to Dallas, Texas in July for my husband’s job. But when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, and the decision was made to expand Token of Love Foundation to Texas. I now serve as the Texas Regional Director. In partnership with the Dallas Dream Center, Token of Love Foundation will now be able to expand its mission of helping women realize their purpose after abuse and addiction.Â
