Jay Godfrey leopard peplum top, $145, available at Aria Boutique; Stella & Dot Pegasus necklaces in silver and gold, $198 each, available at stelladot.com/reaganr; Henry and Belle coated biker jeans, $242, available at Aria Boutique; Michele watch, her own.
Vice president of operations, Louisiana Dental Plan and United Networks of America
M’Elaine Jumonville is the kind of person who walks into a room and instantly makes friends.
The petite blonde carries her bubbly personality into every setting.
Working for her family’s two companies, she wears a variety of hats. One day she might be overseeing property management; the next day she could be working on dental plans; on another day, she might be refurnishing an entire beach house on a two-day deadline.
But it’s her ability to build connections that allows her to keep it all together.
“’I’m definitely a people person,” she says. “I thrive at networking, meeting people—that’s kind of just how I’ve evolved into where I am today.”
Jumonville was born and raised in Baton Rouge, so it’s always been important for her to invest in the community. She’s active with the local chapters of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Cancer Society, helping organize some of their biggest events of the year.
Jumonville, who is in her 40s, also loves to play tennis and watch live music. Her eclectic music taste might take her to country, blues or rap concerts.
But above all, she’s a good mom to her two daughters and son. “My kids come first in my life,” she says. “And they always have.”
Describe yourself in three words.“Friendly, open-minded, honest.”
If your house were on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?“My children’s baby pictures.”
Fun fact:“I am in a poker group. I just got invited to join a group, and I love it. I’m very competitive.”
What makes a good relationship? “Honesty, openness, not being guarded, sense of humor and sense of adventure.”
Describe your perfect date.“I’m all about a low-key dinner, finding a place with a local band—I’m more about that than clubbing.”
