HMV Honors Employee with Inaugural Heart of Shreveport Award

ARTICLE | August 18, 2025

Shreveport, LA – In a celebration filled with joy, applause, and heartfelt admiration, Vickie Winn was honored Friday with the inaugural Heart of Shreveport Award at Holy Angels. Nominated by her colleagues at Heard, McElroy & Vestal (HMV) for her unwavering kindness, creativity, and quiet leadership, Winn received the award from HMV before an audience of friends, colleagues, Holy Angels residents, staff, and community leaders — including Mayor Tom Arceneaux.

Created in 2025, the Heart of Shreveport Award is a recognition program proudly championed by the Greater Shreveport Chamber to celebrate individuals whose kindness, generosity, and quiet leadership make our community more compassionate, connected, and full of heart. Inspired by Mayor Arceneaux’s “I LOVE Shreveport” initiative, the award recognizes those whose everyday actions transform Shreveport from simply a place to live into a place to love.

“The Heart of Shreveport Award is a true reflection of the spirit of our community, and I’m honored that it was born from the simple ‘I LOVE Shreveport’ buttons we shared to celebrate our city. Vicki Winn embodies that spirit and reminds us all of the strength and beauty that comes from caring for one another.” stated Mayor Tom Arceneaux

Winn, known for creating beautiful jewelry at Angel Works, lending her voice to the Holy Angels choir, and offering unwavering support to those around her, was nominated by her HMV colleagues who have witnessed firsthand her ability to bring joy, offer comfort, and inspire care for one another—without ever seeking the spotlight. She also spends two days a week working at HMV, where her warmth and positivity leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

A Work of Art That Reflects the Spirit of the Honoree Each Heart of Shreveport Award is a true original - just like the person receiving it. Every piece begins as a handcrafted glass sculpture by Michelle Pennington of High Gravity Glassworks in Shreveport, shaped, colored, and finished in a way that can never be exactly replicated. Its individuality mirrors the singular spirit of each honoree - their story, their impact, and the way they brighten our community in ways no one else can.

The sculpture is then paired with an engraved crystal base created by Terri Hensley of Advance Awards & Gifts in Bossier City. Separately, each element is beautiful in its own right. But when joined, they become one-just as our region’s two cities, across the Red River, come together in unity and shared purpose. This joining of glass and crystal is more than design - it’s a literal and symbolic act of connection, resulting in a single, striking celebration of all that is good, inspiring, and uplifting in Northwest Louisiana.

“Vickie is the kind of person who makes our community brighter just by being herself,” said Tim Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “She embodies everything the Heart of Shreveport Award stands for - kindness, service, and a genuine love for others. We are honored to recognize her and grateful for the example she sets for all of us.”

Friday’s ceremony not only honored Winn’s extraordinary contributions but also underscored the Chamber’s mission to grow business and build community across Northwest Louisiana. By recognizing everyday heroes, the Heart of Shreveport Award aims to inspire others to lead with kindness and strengthen the bonds that make our city thrive.