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By AnaMaria | VIVA NOLA Magazine
A legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to the New Orleans community
There are lives that become living bridges between cultures, generations, and hopes. Ana Ester Gershanik's trajectory is a testimony of resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the New Orleans community. Born in Argentina to a family with roots in Ukraine that fled European persecution, Gershanik grew up steeped in the values of hard work, culture, and philanthropy. From her grandfather Salomón—a community leader in Rosario and co-founder of cultural and philanthropic institutions—to her father, a doctor dedicated to caring for those most in need, and her mother, a devoted social worker, her family's example defined her life's calling: serving others without reservation.
Upon emigrating to the United States with her husband, Gershanik faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture with the strength inherited from her ancestors. An educator by profession, she was quick to transform her vocation into community leadership that transcended the classroom. For 29 years, as a columnist for the Nuestro Pueblo section in The Times-Picayune newspaper, Gershanik became the voice and journalistic heart of Hispanic heritage in Louisiana. With her pen, she gave visibility to thousands of Latino families and documented the growth of the Latino community. As she herself recalls with deep emotion: "I felt like I was expressing the voices of those who were not heard".
Her impact on New Orleans has been transformative. A tireless pioneer, she drove the creation of the first Hispanic committee through the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA), offering mentorship and guidance to young students and immigrants. Likewise, her constant work in organizations such as Puentes has raised the standard of community service, promoting pride in our identity. "I identify with all my Latin American brothers and sisters, with the obstacles they face every day and with their achievements", she affirms with the warmth that defines her.
Ana Ester Gershanik embodies the essence of authentic leadership. Her story inspires us to honor our roots, raise our voice for our Latino community, and build, with love and dignity, a lasting legacy in New Orleans and beyond.
