Senior Communications Consultant Michelle Marcotte shown during the LSU-Shreveport Health System's inaugural celebration of women in the community who help tell other women's stories.
Phenomenal women — including Southwestern Electric Power Company Senior Communication Consultant Michelle Marcotte — were celebrated during a recent LSU Health Shreveport program that spotlighted women who tell other women’s stories.
“At LSU-Shreveport, we’re proudly recognizing these phenomenal women and the importance of celebrating telling our stories. When women tell their stories it makes it easier for others to see you are not alone,” explained Dr. Markey Pierre, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, and Chief of Staff, LSU Health Shreveport.
The inaugural event “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” awarded nine female leaders, including Marcotte, whose stories helped give voice to other women; advocate for improved health outcomes; champion female leaders and celebrate how their unique stories made a difference in the lives of countless women across the Ark-La-Tex.
“We’re so proud to see her earn this recognition for the work she led,” said Brett Mattison, SWEPCO President and COO. “We’ve very proud of you and thank you for the way you represent yourself and our company!”
From left Dr. Toni Thibeaux, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Diversity Affairs, LSU Health Shreveport; Misty Castile, Shreveport Times Editor; Marquel Sennet, Caddo Parish Public Schools, Director of Communications & Marketing; Elizabeth Beard Deal, SB Magazine, Executive Editor; Tabatha Taylor, North Louisiana advocate for special needs, Governor's Advisory Council and Shreveport City Councilwoman; Lisa Babin, LSU Health Shreveport, Executive Director of Communication & Public Affairs; Dr. Markey Pierre, Vice Chancellor for External Affairs, and Chief of Staff, LSU Health Shreveport; 2nd row from left Michelle Marcotte, SWEPCO, Senior Communications Consultant; Domonique Benn, KSLA-TV, Anchor/Reporter; Krystle Beauchamp, Parish of Caddo, Communications Director & Spokesperson and Sonja Bailes, Bossier Parish Schools, Public Relations Liaison.
The celebration, hosted by LSU Health Shreveport’s Office of Diversity, was a feature during Women’s History Month.
“These women, they inspire us every day as we read their articles or see their work,” said Dr. Toni Thibeaux, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Diversity Affairs, LSU Health Shreveport.
Marcotte received an award for her work showcasing SWEPCO employee stories that helped raise awareness for early detection of breast cancer and encouraged women to take charge of their health. Read the Shine A Light on Health series here.
“Each October, as the pink ribbon emerges in recognition of breast cancer awareness, it’s accompanied by stories of courageous battles, inspiring survivors, and community support. These stories can motivate and encourage people to screen for early detection and rally toward finding a cure,” Marcotte said "… Because I knew there were powerful stories that could encourage employees and the community to take control of their health, I leaned into my expertise as a journalist to reveal their stories and spark meaningful conversation.”
Marcotte's communication campaign featured several SWEPCO employees, and her stories touched on different aspects of their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“Each story had an important message that fostered water cooler conversations and sparked dialogue on social media and SWEPCO’s external blog. Through the series, I hope I empower women to listen to their bodies and know the available resources to them to detect breast cancer early,” she added.
Marcotte is a senior communications consultant at SWEPCO, a role she has been in since February 2019, and routinely works on everything from graphic design to social media, regulatory communications and helps highlight the unique stories behind SWEPCO’s people and operations.
“Michelle is a gifted writer who draws on her past work as a journalist for several newspapers including the Shreveport Times. It’s such a treat to witness her creativity and joy for creating content that connects,” said Amanda Keeney, SWEPCO Corporate Communications Director.