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By AnaMaria | VIVA NOLA Magazine
In the corporate world, where figures and results often prevail, Patty Riddlebarger has proven that the most powerful leadership is that exercised with human sensitivity, cultural pride, and an honest commitment to the community. As Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy Corporation, Riddlebarger has elevated the name of the Latino community in Louisiana and opened doors for Hispanic youth to dream without limits.
The daughter of a Mexican mother and a Honduran father who arrived in the United States on a banana boat with no fortune other than his desire to work—and who later served this country for twenty-seven years in the Air Force—Riddlebarger grew up under a discipline of continuous self-improvement. Her mother instilled an unshakeable rule in her and her siblings: “We needed to achieve something every day; we couldn’t say we had done nothing.” From that upbringing, she inherited an exceptional work ethic and a deep pride in her heritage: “We are a resilient people with a work ethic like no other.”
Throughout her distinguished professional career, Riddlebarger has been key in directing philanthropy and volunteer work toward the most noble causes. Under her leadership, Entergy employees contribute nearly 170,000 hours of community service per year. Furthermore, Riddlebarger recognized the crucial role of Hispanics in the region’s recent history: “This community would not have recovered after Hurricane Katrina without the help of the Latinos who came and rebuilt the city.”
Her passion for Hispanic representation led her to co-found VIDA, an employee resource group for Latino professionals at Entergy that connects employees across four states to celebrate Latino culture, overcome corporate challenges, and support one another. She also actively supports the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana and participates in cultural groups such as the first salsa parade krewe in the history of Mardi Gras and other celebrations across the state.
For young people and emerging professionals seeking to carve out their career paths, Riddlebarger’s advice is a beacon of empowerment and faith in the future: “If you can dream it, you can do it. Yes, you can. There are no limits or borders when you expand your mind and work hard with your heart.”
Patty Riddlebarger is a clear reflection that success gains its true value when put at the service of others.
Also in this Impactful Leaders in Louisiana edition: Deacon Martin Gutierrez: thirty years of faith and service.
