Brenda Berg – … a person of character

CONSIDERING, she believes strongly in an active and engaged community and, over the years, has stayed involved through her volunteer efforts and her support.

CONSIDERING, she has been the president of the Baton Rouge Symphony League and the Speech and Hearing League, and served on the board of the LSU Museum of Art. She helped establish the Opera Guild and served as its president.

CONSIDERING, she reigned this year as queen of the Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, a philanthropic Mardi Gras krewe that raised $160,000 on behalf of cancer patients for the Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

CONSIDERING, she has been married to Lee for 43 years and has three children and five grandchildren. The Bergs maintain that Baton Rouge has been good to them and they have always endeavored to be good to Baton Rouge. “Our philosophy is one of giving back. We want to be involved in the community, and we want those around us to be involved as well. The more you put in, the better the community is for all of us.”

CONSIDERING, family is essential to her. When she and Lee moved to Baton Rouge in 1978 to start Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, they didn’t know one person. They both joined and supported philanthropic organizations in the city while establishing their store and raising their young sons. Today, all three children are actively involved in the family business that spans three states.

CONSIDERING, she possesses a joie de vivre reflected in her marriage. “Lee doesn’t miss an special occasion because he doesn’t think anyone else should miss a special occasion. Life is worth celebrating.”

CONSIDERING, she embraces the life before her. She travels extensively, both for business and pleasure, and she delights in her grandchildren. “I just try to live life every day to the fullest. We are blessed to have our health and couldn’t do without our children. Hopefully, there are many more days to come.”