“Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Being a company CEO: I love it, I feel like I’m good at it. [But] motherhood: the challenges, the joys… all of it’s insurmountable.”
- Husband: Sherwood Collins
- Children: Liam, 14, and Wesley, 13
- Occupation: CEO of Gambel Communications
- Hobbies: All things New Orleans: festivals, music, eating, and sports–especially the Saints
Amy Boyle Collins is a passionate community leader and dedicated mother. As the Chair of the Beignet Fest Foundation and a board member of both the Jefferson Chamber and New Orleans Chamber, Amy has made significant contributions to the cultural fabric of our city. Her journey into nonprofit leadership began in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when her desire to give back led her to become the executive director of the Young Leadership Council, where she famously met her husband while working on community events. Today, Amy embraces the joys and challenges of parenting two dynamic boys—Liam, who is on the autism spectrum, and Wesley, an ambitious scout with dreams of running Beignet Fest one day. Through the ups and downs of raising teenagers, Amy reflects on how motherhood has enriched her life and shaped her leadership style, reminding us all of the beauty in slowing down and being present.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
AMY: [I’m an] early riser; 5 a.m. is ideal. I like to go to the gym a couple days a week, then get the kids up and moving, [and] get ready for the day. [We’re] out the door by 7:15 a.m., one hour commute to bring Liam to school and get to my office. My husband brings Wesley to school and gets to his office. [I’m] very busy juggling Gambel, Beignet Fest, and other civic engagements. I love that I can stop at 2:30 p.m., pick up Liam from school, and finish my day at home. Usually, [I] log off for dinner and family time about 6 p.m. Bed by 9 p.m.! Early to bed, Early to rise.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
AMY: The ability to shape so much in our community. We work with some of the most impactful organizations in the community from Children’s Hospital to Historic New Orleans Collection to the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter to my very own Beignet Fest Foundation.
WHAT ARE SOME JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A MOM?
AMY: Joys–seeing them grow, achieve, seeing their personalities. Challenges–watching them struggle and fail, dealing with them not being me–they are very different in the way they approach their life, and I can’t force them to do it my way. That’s really hard for me. I’m a control freak!
HOW HAS YOUR PARENTING STYLE EVOLVED TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS?
AMY: I was raised where you earned what you got, you picked yourself up when you fell, [and] only the best was good enough. I tried parenting that way [with a] “fear of God” mentality– and my kids were unphased. They are much more laid back, not motivated by fear at all. Affirming their actions is what gets the best results. So, I have to slow down and stay positive instead of yelling and stressing!
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FAMILY ACTIVITY?
AMY: Football Sundays, cooking, and eating together; co-existing while we do our own thing isn’t bad either.
WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PARENTING A CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM THAT YOU WISH OTHERS UNDERSTOOD BETTER?
AMY: That it’s the same for everyone–it’s not. It’s a spectrum meaning it varies for everyone.
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER PARENTS?
AMY: Parent the way you eat an elephant, but don’t eat your children! Take it one step at a time. Keep loving them through everything. Don’t give up. Pour into them. Rest when you can.
Beignet Fest, founded in 2016 by Amy and her husband Sherwood, is more than just a celebration of the iconic New Orleans treat; it’s a heartfelt initiative born from their desire to give back to the community. After facing challenges as parents of a child on the autism spectrum, the couple realized the need for inclusive summer activities for families like theirs. As Amy explains, “We needed to do something to give back. We have all these advantages; we want to help other people, other families.” The festival brings together local culture bearers, musicians, and foodies, with a mission to raise awareness and funds for local nonprofits. In its inaugural year, Beignet Fest attracted overwhelming support, leading to a quick evolution from a small gathering to a major event that now welcomes over 10,000 attendees. Last year alone, the festival contributed $75,000 to local programs.
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME TO BEIGNET FEST?
AMY: New Orleans is built on looking out for each other and having a good time. And this is both. At the end of the day, all those proceeds, not only is it an economic driver for those food vendors who keep all their sales, but it’s also an incredible fundraiser for us that we put right back into the community.
Quick Qs
- Go-to comfort food… French fries or bread (carb it up!).
- Favorite way to unwind after a long day… Sit on the porch with my dog and husband (sometimes kids with us but they are teenagers so they aren’t always) usually with a glass of wine or cup of coffee.
- Something most people don’t know about me… I type really fast. Like crazy fast. I haven’t timed myself in a long time but it’s impressive what muscle memory can do!
- Something I’m excited about right now… Beignet Fest is November 16. It’s our first time doing it in November and we’re thrilled at the prospects of true fall weather. Fingers crossed.