SoPA student earns spot on list of women empowering their communities

Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from a New Orleans Magazine article titled, “Top Female Achievers.” Link to full article below.

At any given time, you can find Sarah Manowitz serving the New Orleans community. That service has taken many forms over the years—public policy advocacy, civil law notarizing, community organizing and managing Oz New Orleans, the Gulf South’s largest LGBTQ+ dance and show club.

“Seeing the combined efforts of so many inspires me to continue being a part of community organizing efforts...”

However, Manowitz’s recent endeavors have taken her service to new heights. In 2020, Manowitz helped to establish the Crescent City Meal Assistance Program to assist those suffering from food insecurity as a result of the pandemic. The program quickly saw its efforts and resources magnified through strategic partnerships with the Neighborhood Engagement Office, New Orleans City Council, World Central Kitchen, Crescent Care and several others, ultimately distributing more than 500,000 meals throughout the region.

“We started with no budget and an aggressive mission,” Manowitz said, “but through the passion and commitment of our volunteers and the mutual aid provided to us by the community, we were able to provide a safety net for thousands of New Orleanians.”

Next on Manowitz’s to-do list is to graduate from Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement [with a degree in General Legal Studies] and complete the additional education necessary to launch her law career. Manowitz says she feels called to advance civil rights protections and to fight for social and economic justice, particularly for the hospitality, entertainment and small-business communities and workers of all identities and backgrounds.

“Seeing the combined efforts of so many inspires me to continue being a part of community organizing efforts, not only around food security issues, but all issues which affect people at their most basic level,” Manowitz said. “The weight cannot fall on the shoulders of the few, but on the many. Together, we can create the support structures and changes that we seek.”

Upon completion of SoPA's general legal studies program, Manowitz aspires to enter law school through the 3+3 joint degree program.

Read the full article at MyNewOrleans.com.