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 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 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: 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 sure. It’s really sweet and fun to see their personalities develop and blossom. I just keep seeing those little glimpses of us in them; It’s sweet to see that reflection.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY?
RENA: For us, quality time has meant traveling the world together. This summer, we spent more than a month traveling Europe, [visiting] Italy, London, Paris, Greece… we went all over! It’s not easy traveling with kids, but getting to show them the world and experience new places as a family is the best gift you can give them. It was absolutely magical, and I love seeing them embrace new cultures and different places. Some of these places I had never been before, so it was really nice to do it together. When we’re not traveling, we find joy in simple things: evening trips to Yogurtland, family board game nights playing Scrabble and Life, and walks on our street (when the weather is tolerable and not a million degrees). I think about the idea of “18 summers,” and it makes me want to soak up every moment with them while they still want to be with me.

HOW DO YOU USE FASHION TO EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY AND MISSION?
RENA: Fashion is a way to express both my personality and purpose. At galas or work events, I like polished, confident looks and pieces that make me feel elegant—that are still fun and youthful. I want to feel like myself: young and powerful. But on a regular day, you’ll find me in athleisure, running around town between school drop-offs and errands. I love that fashion shifts with your day. Sometimes, it’s about making that statement, and you’re on a magazine cover. Other times, I need to be comfortable and practical. I just want to feel like myself no matter what I’m wearing.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WOMEN AND/OR MOMS WANTING TO COMBINE CAREER AND COMMUNITY WORK?
RENA: Be intentional with your time and ask for help when you need it. Combining a career and community work takes a lot of planning and focus, but if you’re following what you’re passionate about, then you keep motivating yourself to continue. I try to prioritize things that are important to me, and I definitely have learned to set more boundaries as needed. Again, you have to ask for help, whether it’s family, friends, or a crew of babysitters. Use your resources, and find joy in the process. It’s not going to be easy. Last year during gala season, I’d wake up at 4:30 a.m. every day just to stay on top of everything. If I put my name on something, I want it to be perfect.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE BECOMING A MOM?
RENA: I wish I knew that I wouldn’t know it all. I’ve learned so much along the way. When you’re a new mom, you put so much pressure on yourself to have all the answers, and as you grow into motherhood, you start to figure things out day by day.

Quick Questions
Morning person or night owl… Morning person.
If I could travel anywhere tomorrow, I would go to… Singapore.
Guilty pleasure snack…Fresh, buttery popcorn.
Go-to song right now…With the kids, “Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran.