Events

Michelle Clarke Payne is the driving force behind United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s strategy, storytelling, and resource development, ensuring the organization’s mission mobilizes people to action. As Chief Strategy & Resiliency Officer, she leads the charge in crafting initiatives that make a measurable difference, from disaster response to donor engagement.

When crisis strikes, Michelle is on the front lines, mobilizing resources at the speed of need. Whether securing emergency aid for families after a hurricane, launching rapid financial assistance programs for hospitality workers during the pandemic, or standing alongside victims’ families and survivors of the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street attack, she ensures help arrives when it’s needed most. In addition, she spearheaded United Way’s effort to launch the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Resiliency Center founded by Rebuilding Together. Under her leadership, United Way has raised nearly $10 million for immediate relief and long-term recovery, proving that strategic giving can be a lifeline in the toughest times.

Beyond disaster response, Michelle is shaping the next generation of cause-driven marketers. As an adjunct professor at Tulane University, she brings real-world expertise into the classroom, mentoring students and inspiring them to turn passion into purpose-driven careers. Her impact on education has earned her recognition as the American Advertising Federation’s 2023 Educator of the Year and a spot among Loyola University’s "40 Under 40."

Her leadership extends well beyond the workplace. She currently serves as the immediate past president of the Junior League of New Orleans, board of directors for New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, a member of the Women United Global Leadership Council, and an advocate for women’s leadership in philanthropy and community impact. She most recently was named by New Orleans Magazine as a 2025 Top Female Achiever, New Orleans City Business’ Power 50 Leaders, Icon Award Honoree and Women of the Year honoree. She is also a proud graduate of New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, the Women Leadership Academy at Loyola University New Orleans, and United Way’s Advanced Leadership Program, reinforcing her commitment to lifelong learning and service.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University New Orleans and her Master of Public Administration from the University of New Orleans. She and her husband are raising their two children in the city she loves. You’ll find them most often on the parade route, festival grounds, and playing fields, cheering on the teams they love.

Please RSVP no later than Friday, to ensure we have a proper headcount for the upcoming luncheon.

There is free parking available around the corner on Terpsichore Street behind the Tulane Family Dentistry building. 

Thursday, November 19th

at First Grace United Methodist Church

3401 Canal Street

2:30 - 6:30 PM

The Thanksgiving Basket Project is a joint venture with the Rotary Club of New Orleans, First Grace United Methodist Church and the Warren Easton Interact Club.  Participants will pack and distribute baskets to 150 needy families in the New Orleans area.  

Each basket is designed to help feed a family for the week of Thanksgiving, especially considering that children will be out of school during that time.

This year’s event distribution will take place on Thursday, November 19th at First Grace.  The sorting and packing of food items will take place from 2:30 – 4:30 PM.  The distribution of baskets to recipients will be from 4:30 – 6:30 PM.

**It is recommended that volunteers bring a pair of work gloves.

**As has been the case for the past years, we will not be asking for physical food donations from our membership.  Monetary donations will be appreciated.  Link to Donate

**Please volunteer to help with this extremely worthwhile project by clicking the orange volunteer box on the left. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Jay Aronson 504-799-9610

We are looking forward to joining with you to create another successful event with First Grace United Methodist Church.  This project truly does MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our community!

Yours in the Spirit of Rotary,

Jay Aronson

Mary L. Bonfanti