LAPLACE – Parish President Natalie Robottom was recently honored by the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women at their annual Torchbearer’s Awards Program celebrating “African American Women on the Move.” 

Robottom was recognized for her achievement as the first African-American woman elected and re-elected as parish president of St. John the Baptist Parish and in the state of Louisiana. Also accepting honors were Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre, national president of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. and the Honorable Stephanie A. Finley, United States attorney of Louisiana’s Western District.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Greater New Orleans Chapter, is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to community service, leadership development and the enhancement of career opportunities through networking and programming.

The chapter was chartered in 1988 and incorporated in 2000 as an advocacy organization seeking to empower black women to meet their diverse needs through programs and services. 

Sabrina Wilson, a news anchor with WVUE-TV, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the program that included presentation of awards, presentation of the 2010 scholarship recipients, dinner, music and a silent auction to benefit educational scholarships and programs. Robottom expressed gratitude for the award and reiterated her commitment to being a torchbearer for generations to come. 

“Education played a huge role in my success, and as a former educator I know that education is the key to our children’s future,” Robottom said in response to the award. “I support the efforts of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in providing scholarships and programs to improve educational opportunities for our youth.”