New Orleans’ leaders unite around a bold vision for healthier workplaces, stronger communities, and a new model for civic wellbeing.
By Stevi Gable Carr, Co-Founder, WellNXT
There are very few conversations where the people shaping a city’s health, workforce, economy, tourism, education, and community wellbeing all gather around the same table.
NOLA Talks was one of those moments. Hosted in advance of Fit Fête Weekend 2026, the evening brought together leaders whose work touches hundreds of thousands of New Orleanians every day—from public health and workforce development to economic mobility, tourism, performance, and community engagement.
Representing organizations including the City of New Orleans, New Orleans & Company, the Urban League of Louisiana, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the New Orleans Marathon, and internationally renowned performance expert Mackie Shilstone, the discussion centered around a single question:
What will it take to make New Orleans one of the healthiest cities in America?
What emerged wasn’t another conversation about wellness. It was a blueprint for the future.
Wellness Is No Longer a Healthcare Issue
For decades we’ve talked about wellness as though it’s something individuals pursue on their own: Exercise. Nutrition. Sleep. Stress management.
Those matter. But the panel challenged us to think much bigger.
Health is also determined by the policies we create, the cultures we foster, the neighborhoods we design, the jobs we provide, the leaders we elect, and the opportunities people have to thrive.
In other words: Wellness has become economic infrastructure.
The City’s Leaders Shared a Common Message
Although each panelist represented a different sector, their perspectives aligned around one unmistakable truth: No single organization can build a healthier New Orleans.
Dr. Jennifer Avegno
Deputy Mayor, Health & Human Services | City of New Orleans
Dr. Avegno reminded us that meaningful public health progress begins with the fundamentals.
From smoke-free workplaces, paid family leave, safe transportation, and healthy public spaces- these aren’t simply policy decisions—they’re investments that shape health outcomes for generations.
Her message reinforced that the healthiest cities don’t happen by accident. They’re intentionally designed.
Tim Tumminello
Senior Director of People Services & Innovation | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Tim challenged employers to stop thinking about wellness as an HR initiative. Instead, he described wellness as a leadership responsibility.
“Change starts at the top. It requires consistent, persistent ownership from leadership. Wellness can’t be something we do—it has to become part of who we are.”
When leaders consistently demonstrate that wellbeing matters, culture follows.
Judy Reese Morse
President & CEO | Urban League of Louisiana
Judy focused on one of the biggest barriers to better health: Access.
Community events become transformational when they bring screenings, education, trusted organizations, and resources directly to residents.
She emphasized that initiatives like Fit Fête aren’t simply celebrations—they become gateways to better health for people who need it most.
More importantly, they create partnerships that continue serving communities long after the weekend is over.
Mackie Shilstone
Few people have influenced performance, health, and wellness in New Orleans more than Mackie Shilstone.
His closing remarks challenged every person in the room.
“I’ve been doing this work for decades. We’ve made progress, but we’ve still got a long way to go. It’s going to take every one of us digging deeper and committing to something bigger than ourselves. Together, we can build a healthier New Orleans.”
It was a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen because of one organization. It happens because communities decide they’re ready.
Why Fit Fête Matters
Fit Fête Weekend was never intended to be another wellness festival. It’s designed to become a catalyst.
By bringing together Community Games, the New Orleans Marathon, WellNXT programming, employers, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community leaders, we’re creating something much larger than an event.
We’re creating a platform where organizations that rarely work together can begin solving the same problems together.
This movement is about far more than encouraging healthier habits. It’s about creating the conditions for people to thrive. That means investing in workforce wellbeing, addressing health disparities, expanding access to preventive care, supporting mental health, and designing workplaces and communities that make wellness part of everyday life. When we strengthen the health of our people, we strengthen the fabric of our city. We cultivate a more resilient workforce, more connected neighborhoods, and a stronger economy—because healthier people build healthier businesses, and healthier businesses build healthier cities.
Four Ideas That Defined the Evening
The healthiest cities don’t treat illness—they intentionally design wellbeing.
The communities that thrive don’t wait until people become sick. They invest in the policies, environments, and partnerships that make healthy choices easier, more accessible, and part of everyday life.
Wellness is no longer an employee benefit. It’s economic infrastructure.
Organizations that prioritize wellbeing aren’t simply supporting their people—they’re strengthening their workforce, enhancing business performance, and contributing to the long-term vitality of their communities.
Leadership starts the movement. Communities sustain it.
The most successful wellness initiatives begin with leadership, but lasting change happens when employees, families, neighborhoods, and community organizations become active participants
The future of New Orleans will be built through partnership.
The future of New Orleans won’t be shaped by any one organization or sector. It will require government, healthcare, businesses, educators, nonprofit leaders, and residents to recognize that they each own part of the solution. Lasting change happens when we stop working in parallel and begin working together around a shared vision for the health of our city.
This Is Bigger Than One Weekend
✓ Whether you’re an employer investing in your workforce…
✓ A healthcare organization committed to improving community health…
✓ A nonprofit expanding access to care…
✓ Or a brand looking to make a measurable impact…
There is a place for you in this movement.
Get involved by:
✓ Becoming a Fit Fête Weekend Sponsor
✓Registering your organization for the Community Games
✓ Applying for the $100,000 Community Impact Grant for nonprofit organizations
✓ Register for the New Orleans Marathon
Because we’re not simply hosting another event. We’re building the blueprint for a healthier New Orleans. And perhaps, a healthier America.
