George H. Wilson Jr., left, accepted this year's Tulane Distinguished Entrepreneur Award from John Elstrott.
The Wilson family, owners of Barriere Construction Co., received the Tulane Distinguished Entrepreneur(s) of the Year Award and Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, founding director of Birthing Project USA, received the Tulane Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2010 Tulane Council of Entrepreneurs Awards Gala.
The gala, an annual event organized by the Levy-Rosenblum Institute for Entrepreneurship, took place on April 16 at the Westin New Orleans at Canal Place.
The Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award was established to honor individuals who exemplify true entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic generosity, while the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes individuals dedicated to improving the community through entrepreneurial initiatives. John Elstrott, clinical professor of entrepreneurship and executive director of the Levy-Rosenblum Institute, presented the awards.
Barriere Construction is a third-generation family-owned highway and heavy construction asphalt company. The company was founded in 1949 by Gaines Wilson and is today led by his three grandsons. George H. Wilson Jr. (A&S ’75, MBA ’86) serves as president and CEO of the company, Bertrand A. Wilson serves as president of Barriere’s South Shore Division, and Peter A. Wilson serves as president of Barriere’s North Shore Division.
Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, recipient of the Tulane Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Kathryn Hall-Trujillo is founding director of Birthing Project USA, an international organization and resource center for improving birth outcomes for women of color. The Birthing Project model has been replicated in almost 100 communities in the United States, Canada, Central America and Africa.
The Levy-Rosenblum Institute for Entrepreneurship trains and inspires prospective entrepreneurs through coursework, community service projects and internships. Freeman School students are provided the opportunity to work with experienced faculty members, network with a regional board of entrepreneurs and participate in a student-based entrepreneurial association which provides a training ground for business development.
