Congratulations to the nine associates who have been named "Hancock Whitney Change Champions" for their commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace and the community.
Following a recent call for nominations, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council selected these associates from the list of submissions. In addition to being recognized by their peers, these Change Champions will join the ranks of our Hancock Whitney DEI thought leaders and our DEI Council in ongoing discussions and activities in 2021 as we continue to shape a workplace culture that appreciates our differences and perspectives and promotes these initiatives in our communities.
2020 Change Champions:
Ashley Aubrey Harrison
Community Affairs CRA Manager, New Orleans
Ashley demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by looking beyond the surface. She works to connect the bank and communities we serve through education, lending an attentive ear and showing empathy. She leans into the long term value and importance of equity in our community and country as shown by her involvement in diverse organizations focused on housing, minority business owners and financial literacy in New Orleans and Baton Rouge as well as other markets across the Bank's footprint.
Julie Nosser
Director, Credit Risk Administration, New Orleans
Julie’s passion of paying it forward is reflected in her active board service and years of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the business community. She uses her professional skills and talents to serve the non-profit arena in varying capacities, and recognizes and appreciates the differences of those around her. She currently serves as a board member for the YMCA, as well as Lighthouse Louisiana, an organization that empowers people with disabilities through services, employment, and advocacy.
Rite Moisio
Private Banker, New Orleans
Marguerite “Rite” Moisio has always believed in diversity, equity and inclusion. Rite has always sought to work with associates, clients and non-profits of diverse backgrounds and has developed many trusting relationships. Rite’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is evident by her volunteerism and philanthropic efforts with organizations that benefit those less fortunate in our community. Rite is the board president of Young Audiences of Louisiana, a nonprofit that inspires, empowers, and unites children and communities through education, arts, and culture, as well as a member of the organization’s national board. Rite served as a board member, event chairperson and in other roles for Project Lazarus, a non-profit that helps heal and empower people living with HIV-AIDS through housing and other important support services.
Guy Helmsing
Market President, Mobile, AL
Guy manages a diverse team and it is apparent that he supports and recruits associates with diversity of race, age and gender. He also supports and encourages recognition and advancement of his diverse team. He encourages all to distinguish themselves as leaders in their careers. Guy is active in the community and participates in initiatives supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. He served as 2019 United Way Campaign Chair and 2020 United Way Chairman of the Board. He is a board member of Salvation Army, Finance committee chair of the Government Street Presbyterian Church, and board of trustees member of St. Paul’s Episcopal School. He is a past director of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.
Paula Duplantis
Retail Sales Leader, Kenner, LA
Paula serves not only as a Hancock Whitney associate, but as a Hancock Whitney ambassador in our local communities. She’s passionate about her Hispanic heritage and works closely with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana. She takes the lead with local economic development agencies and works closely to onboard new members to support growing new businesses, especially those run by women and people of color. Paula leads a diverse team that lends itself to a more inclusive environment for everyone. She spearheaded a project working closely with the Housing Authority of New Orleans to teach financial education to residents in the Treme neighborhood.
Stephen Morgan
Director, Wealth Portfolio Management
Steve demonstrates a commitment to inclusion by recognizing and seeking to learn from the differences of those around him. He works to build an environment of belonging among his team and partners across the bank. As the lead portfolio manager of our socially responsible investment strategy – Diversity Leaders Investment Strategy, focused on gender and equality, he recognizes the value and importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in all companies, including our own.
Renee Cooper
Supervisor, CCA, Houston, TX
Renee leads by example and goes above and beyond for all, regardless of roles, titles or departments. She listens and makes sure everyone is included in the conversation. Her honesty, friendly and considerate nature make her a natural leader. A description of her includes these tangibles: intelligence, vision, tact, diplomacy, leadership, decisiveness and responsibility. Of greater importance are the intangibles: caring, respect, humility, commitment, dedication, humor, honesty, integrity, empathy, transparency, hard work and resiliency. Renee makes sure Hancock Whitney is always represented in a professional way while showing true compassion for those that need our help.
Jamie Bator
Supervisor, Customer Service, Tallahassee, FL
Jamie has worked to maintain a team as diverse as possible and be inclusive of all. She has fostered togetherness among staff of varying races, ages, creeds and sexual orientations. She supports associates as a mentor and to help them achieve their career goals and success. She has mentored associates and helped others get ahead when opportunities arise, even if it means she will lose a valued employee on her team. She supports associates in their career development. She always welcomes and treats all associates with respect.
Carlos Bello
Diversity and Inclusion Program Specialist, New Orleans
Carlos brings passion to all his efforts supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). His objectives are always to be inclusive and create a sense of belonging for associates He will bring his knowledge of DEI programming, the latest in industry research, and a deep passion to the role of diversity champion. He has also collaborated with various local colleges/universities and community organizations with a focus on furthering diverse and inclusive partnerships. In addition to what he brings to DEI, this is an opportunity for him to gain knowledge from others.
About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to the spirit of Hancock Whitney’s purpose. We pledge exceptional service to our clients and communities, and believe we can best serve them by resembling the communities where we do business. We believe in attracting, retaining and promoting quality talent and recognize that our diversity makes us a stronger company. To find out more about the company’s commitment to DEI, visit: https://www.hancockwhitney.com/diversity-equity-and-inclusion. For more information or if you have questions, email DiversityandInclusion@hancockwhitney.com.
Equal Housing Lender. All loans and accounts subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.