Meet the Honorees: NeShana Bilbrew

Where did you grow up? 
Plaquemine, Louisiana

Name a hobby, or your favorite sport.
I love cooking and spending time with people who make me laugh until my stomach hurts. I’m a true Louisiana girl; it's only natural my favorite moments involve food and family.

Name someone that has been influential in your life.
My mother, Linda, has taught me that helping others shine in no way dims your light. She likes to say, “What’s meant for you is for you”. She is smart, supportive, resourceful, trusted, loving and gives without expectation. I hope people see in me all that I see in her.

What does being a Great Futures Gala Honoree mean to you? 
Navigating the ups and downs of life can make it easy to question your value. What do I have to give? What have I done that’s so great? I hope people will relate to a regular, hard-working mom with a love for people and community. I hope they will see that progress is less about what you’ve done and more of what you are going to do next. For me, this recognition is a declaration that regardless of your station in life, despite any obstacles you face, your future is always as great as you dare to believe it can be.

Why do you feel it's important to give back? 
I get lost in the count when I think of all the people that have shared their time and talents with me. I know firsthand that the right interaction can create a spark and change the trajectory of a person’s life. So it’s important that each of us is out there pouring our best into others, and teaching them to do the same. That’s what makes the work of the Boys & Girls Club so impactful.

What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a singer; Teena Marie to be exact. Sadly I was not given the gift of song. I was, however, blessed to earn degrees in both physics and nursing. Now I get to work in a position where I develop innovative solutions that help physicians and nurses provide the best possible care for our patients and their families. So, I guess I’ll say it all worked out.