Before we gather for Spirit of Youth on March 20, we’re proud to introduce this year’s two community honorees whose leadership reflects a deep, practical commitment to children and young adults across our region: Lucio “Lou” Fragoso and Winston Rhea Scholars.
Lucio “Lou” Fragoso serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Manning Family Children’s. He oversees day-to-day operations and long-term strategy, while advancing the hospital’s position as the region’s trusted leader in pediatric healthcare. Fragoso joined the organization in 2019, serving as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer before being appointed President and CEO in 2023. Under his leadership, the hospital completed a $300 million campus expansion. In 2025, the organization entered a new chapter, rebranding from Children’s Hospital New Orleans to Manning Family Children’s. He has championed the ThriveKids Student Wellness Program and led initiatives to expand behavioral health access, strengthen trauma and abuse services, promote firearm safety through the Be SMART program, and increase access to lifesaving treatments, including gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Fragoso’s commitment to the hospital’s mission extends beyond his professional role. In 2025, he ran the Leadville Trail 100 in recognition of 100 patients at Manning Family Children’s, raising more than $250,000 in support of the hospital’s work. Fragoso previously held senior leadership roles at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston after beginning his career at KPMG. Fragoso earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife, Jill, have five children.
Winston Rhea Scholars is a New Orleans-based nonprofit that supports young adults transitioning out of foster care through a high-touch model that goes beyond a scholarship. Winston Rhea provides support through grants, community, and mentorship. Founded by former foster youth Daniel Harris, the organization selects two to three scholar recipients each year and provides four consecutive years of support. Scholars receive 1:1 mentorship, community connection through group outings, and practical wraparound resources that can include access to mental health services, housing and transportation assistance, financial literacy support, and career readiness guidance.