Palmisano Foundation's Renegade Fest 2025 Raises $138,000 for Youth Education
6th Annual Renegade Fest - 2025
The Palmisano Foundation’s sixth annual Renegade Fest drew hundreds of community members to RNGD Headquarters on Friday, October 10, raising $138,000 to fund scholarships for students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.
The festival featured live entertainment by KARMA, along with food, drinks, games, and auctions—with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s scholarship program and educational initiatives that strengthen local workforce development in high-demand fields.
“I’m inspired by the generosity of our trade partners who sponsored the 6th Annual Renegade Fest and the support of our RNGD employees that made it such a success. Thank you!” said Sherry Serio, Director of the Palmisano Foundation. “It’s truly a testament to what happens when we come together and believe in the power of education. Together, we are turning generosity into investment and empowering the next generation of architects, engineers, and builders.”
The funds raised will directly support the Foundation’s expanding scholarship program, which has grown from awarding one scholarship in 2019 to 33 scholarships in 2025. Beyond scholarships, the Foundation continues to build career pathways through partnerships with Son of a Saint, New Orleans Career Center, Junior Achievement New Orleans, and unCommon Construction, offering mentorship, hands-on training, and industry connections for youth across the region.
Since its founding in 2019, the Palmisano Foundation has become a catalyst for change in New Orleans’ youth development landscape—addressing critical workforce needs and supporting career pathways for the area’s most vulnerable students. Recent initiatives include funding state-of-the-art equipment for the New Orleans Career Center’s Maker Lab, launching a two-year trades program with Son of a Saint, and providing paid summer internships and transportation support.
“The Palmisano Foundation is committed to advancing education and providing resources for students to fulfill their dreams and goals,” said Wes Palmisano, Founder and Board Chair of the Palmisano Foundation. “Through events like Renegade Fest, we are breaking down barriers to education and empowering individuals to embark on fulfilling careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.”
Community Impact by the Numbers
$138,000 raised at Renegade Fest 2025
33 scholarships awarded in 2025
421 volunteer hours contributed by 60 RNGD employees in 2024
100+ youth served through scholarships and career pathway programs
For more information about the Palmisano Foundation and its programs, visit www.palmisanofoundation.org or contact Sherry Serio at (504) 620-8022 or sserio@palmisanofoundation.org.
