mom about town
RENA JOLLY
By Madison Voorhies
14 OCTOBER 2025 | NOLAFAMILY.COM part of it. I love empowering women around me and making sure we all feel like we have a place so we can be stronger together. CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM A PHILANTHROPIC EVENT YOU’VE CHAIRED? Rena Jolly radiates both structure and spontaneity as a mom who thrives on her early-morning “brain purge” lists but also embraces the chaos of family life with laughter and grace. A former ICU nurse from New York turned healthcare consultant and community leader in the Crescent City, she balances polished professionalism with playful energy, whether she’s chairing a gala, traveling the world with her daughters, or diving into a DIY project at home. Grounded yet vibrant, Rena embodies the mix of determination, compassion, and joy that makes her this month’s Mom About Town. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK IN HEALTHCARE AND PHILANTHROPY? RENA: [The special part about] working in healthcare is that you’re making a difference in people’s lives. I love creating systems that help patients receive care better—incorporating AI and giving more compassionate care. In philanthropy, I find joy in bringing people together. That’s what got me into it in the first place. I love the spirit of community, and I think it’s really rewarding to be a
Husband: Neil Jolly Children: Maya (7) and Sona (6) Occupation: Healthcare Consultant, Philanthropist, and former Director of Operations at Louisiana Pain Specialists Hobbies: DIY Projects, Traveling Abroad, and Community Involvement
RENA: One of the most powerful moments was at the American Cancer Society’s Cure by Design Gala in 2024. We have an award we present to someone in our community called the Heart and Soul Recipient. Jessica Honeycutt, a yoga instructor for the Saints, has a very public story on her battle with cancer, and she was about to walk on stage to deliver her speech. The room of 800 people was getting loud, and I couldn’t stand it. I ran to the stage [in my ballgown], took the mic, and I (politely) told everybody in the room to quiet down. I said, “You have to give my girl these five minutes,” and I promised them they wouldn’t regret it. When she started speaking thereafter, the whole energy shifted. She talked about her journey with cancer and how time is precious, and everybody was hanging on to her every word. By the end, she got a standing ovation. Her message was unforgettable, and I think it’s a reminder to us all that what we’re doing
really makes a difference in the community. HOW WOULD YOU
DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE? RENA: I’m very structured; I try to give my kids guidance and clear expectations. To be a successful parent, you have to have the other side of that. My husband brings the fun and silly side, which balances everything out. At home, we try to laugh a lot, celebrate our small wins, and embrace the unpredictable, crazy moments. The girls definitely get their discipline from me and the fun from him. WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS OF YOURS DO YOU SEE IN YOUR KIDS? RENA: My youngest, Sona, is so so sassy, which she got from me. She’s full of personality, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Maya is more on the quiet side. She’s a very thoughtful, kind-natured person—she got that from my husband for
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