CONTACT:

Caitlin Piper
For The Roosevelt New Orleans, A
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
+1 504 558 1790
cpiper@theehrhardtgroup.com

Lisa Cole
Hilton Worldwide
+1 305 866 3646
Lisa.Cole@hilton.com

Education Activist Kira Orange Jones Honored as

2016 Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac by
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
NEW ORLEANS Sept. XX, 2016 The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria
Hotel is pleased to announce education activist Kira Orange Jones as the first ever
Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac. This award pays tribute to exemplary women
embodying strength, determination and courageousness similar to the women in 1949
who stormed the Sazerac Bar to change social culture during a time when women were
only allowed into bars on Mardi Gras day. The Roosevelt honors Orange Jones at this
years Stormin of the Sazerac Friday, Sept. 23.

A former teacher that has led the Teach For America Greater New Orleans-Louisiana
Delta region for the last nine years, Orange Jones works to expand educational
opportunities for children. In her current role, Senior Vice President and Regional Field
Executive, Kira Orange Jones role includes the management and support of Teach For
America regional executive directors across the South and Midwest. With this
opportunity, she hopes to continue fostering progress for students here in Louisiana
while influencing momentum towards educational equity across the country. Kira will still

be calling New Orleans home as she continues serving on the Louisiana Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Roosevelt is thrilled to name Kira Orange Jones as our first-ever Reigning Spirit of
the Sazerac, said The Roosevelt New Orleans General Manager Tod Chambers. Her
impact on the New Orleans community is exactly what we love to celebrate about the
women in 1949.

An elected member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education,

Orange Jones is the voice for New Orleans and five other parishes. Additionally, Orange
Jones sits on the national executive board of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoc) and is
also a member of the New Orleans advisory board of Education Pioneers. In 2015,
Orange Jones was named to Time Magazines 100 most influential people in the world
and most recently earned the title Louisianan of the Year by Louisiana Life Magazine.
As Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac, Orange Jones receives a VIP table at this years
Stormin of the Sazerac and public recognition of her contribution to the community.
She will also serve as one of the judges for the events fashion show, and lead the
commemorative second-line to conclude the event.

The one-of-a-kind celebration, taking place on Friday, Sept. 23, pays tribute to the
women who stormed the Sazerac Bar in 1949 demanding to be served, rendering the
Sazerac Bar to be the first bar in New Orleans to allow women on days other than Mardi
Gras. Stormin of the Sazerac encompasses libations, cuisine and entertainment,
including a three-course ladies-only luncheon, pop-up fashion shop, live entertainment
and a juried best dressed competition, all taking place in the famous Blue Room.
Following Blue Room festivities, Orange Jones will lead attendees in a second line to
storm the world-renowned Sazerac Bar, where the spirited day continues with Sazerac
cocktails in-hand.
If interested in meeting Kira Orange Jones and attending Stormin of the Sazerac, on
Friday, Sept. 23 starting at 1 p.m., reservations can be made by visiting
http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/specials-and-packages/stormin-of-the-

sazerac.html or calling 504-335-3129. Blue Room luncheon tickets are $49 each,
excluding tax and gratuity.

The Roosevelt participates in Hilton HHonors, the only guest loyalty program where
guests who book directly through www.waldorfastoria.com have access to benefits
including digital check-in, choose your room, and free Wi-Fi at 25 Waldorf Astoria hotels
worldwide.

To learn more about or experience The Roosevelt, please visit

www.waldorfastoria.com/theroosevelt, call +1-504-648-1200 or follow us on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter @theroosevelt_no. For more information about Waldorf Astoria
Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://news.waldorfastoria.com or follow us on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter @waldorfastoria.

###
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 26 landmark destinations, each being a true
reflection of their surroundings in the worlds most sought after locations. Unified by their
inspirational environments and unparalleled guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unique
authentic moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service. Personal Concierges deliver
unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria
is a part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by
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About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging
sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service
hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing
exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is
comprised of more than 4,350 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare
properties, with more than 720,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels &
Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A
Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton
Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The
company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors.
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