Feature presentation
All Roads Lead to NOVA
The feature presentation created for the 2026 luncheon follows NOVA's employer-driven approach to removing barriers, building career pathways, and connecting people with purpose.
Event archive
2026 community update
NOVA's 10th Annual Luncheon
Paving the way to a better and brighter future.
Event date
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Location
Monroe Civic Center, B.D. Robinson Conference Hall
With gratitude
Because of you, our 10th Annual Luncheon was a tremendous success.
To every sponsor, community leader, employer, training partner, participant, and guest who joined us: thank you. Your presence, support, and belief in NOVA's mission help bring Hope, Help, and Opportunity to people across Northeast Louisiana.
Thank you for moving the mission forward.
The annual update
A year of progress, shared with the community.
Thank you to every guest, sponsor, employer, training partner, participant, and community supporter who helped make NOVA's tenth annual luncheon a success.
The milestone gathering brought NOVA's workforce mission into one room: removing barriers, building career pathways, and connecting people with the education, support, and employers that can help them move forward.
10th
annual update to the community
One region
connected by pathways to opportunity
Featured speaker
10th Annual Community Luncheon
Henry Thornton
Community Development Regional Manager, Meta
Henry leads local community development for Meta's data centers in Alabama and Louisiana. He connects community priorities with investments, partnerships, and public-sector collaboration.
Millions invested in education and charitable giving across Meta's data center communities.
Stories from the luncheon
The mission, told by the people moving it forward.
Watch the films shared with the community during NOVA's annual update.
Participant success story
Rolanda Rone's story
Rolanda shares how NOVA helped her choose a career path, stay focused through financial hardship, and move toward a lasting career.
Participant success story
Kentasia Burkes's story
Kentasia shares how NOVA supported her through five semesters with funding, books, scrubs, and encouragement as she pursued her goal of becoming an LPN.
Event gallery
A look back at the day.
Browse all 98 photographs from the luncheon, then open any image full screen to move through the complete collection.
Photo 1 of 98