UNCF honors Caroline Wanga, 11th Annual New Orleans UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball

UNCF continues to strive to change the HBCU narrative across the nation by equipping more historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their students with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate, and ultimately establish careers that will build better futures for our society.

This year's premier New Orleans UNCF fundraising event is the 11th annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball, occurring Saturday, March 2, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This social event is hosted by a diverse group of corporate partners, educators, celebrities, dignitaries, UNCF HBCU presidents, civic leaders, alumni, and community influencers.

Caroline Wanga, president and CEO of Essence Ventures and co-founder of WangaWoman LLC, will receive the MASKED Award for her steadfast commitment to purpose, equity, and authenticity, as well as her proclaimed love for the community and city of New Orleans - the forever home of the Essence Festival of Culture, which will celebrate its 30th birthday this summer.

Wanga earned her bachelor's degree from Texas College, a historically Black college, from which she also earned an honorary doctorate and earned her second honorary doctorate from another HBCU, Dillard University. Both are UNCF-member institutions. She also formerly served as a member of the board of trustees at Talladega College, another HBCU and UNCF-member institution. Her connection and passion for UNCF have deep roots, including a scholarship from Minnesota UNCF when she was pursuing her bachelor's degree.