16 women recognized for community efforts

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Business Development Connection and the Bossier Chamber of Commerce continue their partnership to honor area women with the annual ATHENA Awards. This prestigious award is presented to two individuals who have attained and personify the highest level of excellence and creativity in their business or profession while continuing to devote time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and have actively assisted women in achieving their full leadership potential through service and mentorship. This year’s ATHENA Awards luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m. Oct. 23 at the Shreveport Convention Center. Tickets are on sale for $35 and table sponsorships are available for $500. Reserve your ticket by Oct.

19. For more information, contact, Ellie Ward, vice president of administration and information technology for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, at 677-2500.

SHREVEPORT NOMINEES

Lea Desmarteau Lea Desmarteau began her business WellNecessities Inc. in 1993 when she realized there was a need for advanced testing and treatment for children with sleep disorders. Being one of very few registered sleep technologists in the tri-state area, Desmarteau was privileged to have the opportunity to apply her education and experience to incorporate more advanced sleep practices and technologies to test and treat children with life-threatening sleep disorders. WellNecessities is proud to be a collaborative partner with numerous North Louisiana Medical Centers. Desmarteau is the current chairwoman for the Metropolitan Planning Commission Shreveport and Caddo Parish, past chairwoman for the American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” and a sponsor for Girls on the Run.

Dr. Kenna M. Franklin Dr. Kenna Franklin has served as a legislative aide to former State Rep. Alphonse Jackson, as a school social worker and as a mental health specialist with Shreveport Mental Health. During her 25 year tenure at Louisiana State University–Shreveport, Franklin has impacted the lives of many students. In addition to being a well-loved sociology professor, she is also the founding director of the LSU-S office of multicultural affairs. Despite her active career responsibilities, Franklin continues to find time to fulfill a number of community commitments which include volunteering with the Girls of Essence at Caddo Heights Elementary School, serving on the executive committee for the Shreveport Chapter of The Links Inc. and selecting deserving scholarship recipients for the PEO and Noel Foundation.

Miriam “Mimi” Atkins Hedgcock After graduating from college, Mimi Hedgcock moved to Washington, D.C., to begin a career in public affairs. During her nine years in Washington, she worked on Capitol Hill and with the Bush Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor and the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Mimi returned to her hometown of Shreveport to serve as the executive director of government affairs for LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport where she works with elected officials to advocate the importance of medical education in training future healthcare workers and the vital economic impact of LSU Health Science Center Shreveport for the entire region. Hedgcock is an active community member, having been involved in community organizations such as, Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal, Red River Revel, Shreveport Chamber Legislative Policy Committee, Downtown Rotary and Providence House.

Dr. Dana Marvelle Jackson At age 14, Dr. Dana Jackson declared her life career to be a dentist. After her dental residency, Jackson was employed by the federal government in the public health service and offered a position with the veteran affairs. In 2008, Jackson established her private dental practice and named it “Divine Dentistry LLC.” Jackson fully enjoys her career and feels rewarded by helping others to achieve good health through dentistry and alleviating the problems oral disease and dental disorders may cause. Jackson is a mother of one. In addition to being an entrepreneur and serving her community, she hosts annual Free Emergency Dental Day for the Shreveport Community, and she was a featured guest speaker for the Caddo Parish Juvenile Detention Center and a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Louisiana- Pines to the Gulf.

Meredith L. McLellan After receiving a bachelor’s degree in music business with a major in marketing emphasis, Meredith McLellan earned a master’s of business administration from the University of Phoenix in 2009. McLellan’s full career has been devoted to service for others through the education field, primarily focusing on student and workforce development and corporate relations and community outreach. McLellan is also a small business owner and inspires women to help other women. She is deeply involved in her community through organizations such as the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, American Training and Development, board of directors for the Young Professionals Initiative with the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors of Bossier Chamber of Commerce.

Kendra Meiki Shreveport native Kendra Meiki has established herself as a prominent member of the Shreveport-Bossier City arts and business communities. In 1999, at the age of 20, Meiki became the owner of Shreveport Metropolitan Dance Academy (now the Shreveport Dance Academy). She also serves as artistic director of the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet and led the ballet through an exciting period of expansion and evolution. During this time period, Meiki collaborated with local composer and conductor, Kermit Polling to create three-world premier ballets, “Snow White,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Aladdin.” Her community service involvement includes collaborating with the Volunteers of America’s LightHouse Program offering free after-school classical ballet to thirdthrough fifth-graders at Westwood Elementary, Red River Revel and Parent Teacher Association at Eden Gardens Elementary Magnet School.

Katrina Thomas Robinson Katrina Thomas Robinson was determined to make a difference in life and continue to be a role model for others to follow, and pursued a career with the largest insurance provider, State Farm Insurance Companies. Robinson became the first African-American female State Farm agent in Northwest Louisiana and remains one of the top producing agents in the area. Robinson began a 12-week Women’s Development Program – “Make Me/Mold Me Ministry,” which focuses on holistic self-awareness (spiritual, mental, physical and financial). Robinson’s past and present community activities include The Louisiana Workforce Committee appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal, Shreveport Workforce Investment Board appointed by Mayor Cedric B. Glover, a mentor to the Shreveport Job Corp Center students and numerous other activities.

Erica Deshon Thomas Erica Deshon Thomas is the owner and CEO of Ad Pros Promotion and Advertising Agency Inc, an award-winning, full-service advertising agency. In addition to several national accredations, she is a graduate of the Business and Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program sponsored by the City of Shreveport’s Community Development Department, LSU Small Business Development Center, and Southern University at Shreveport, and graduate of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program and a graduate of Community Leaders Program from the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations. She is in the 20th class of Louisiana Leadership through a Council for a Better Louisiana. Her community services include: Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Shreveport Mayor’s Commission, Volunteers for Youth Justice and Dress for Success Shreveport- Bossier.

BOSSIER NOMINEES

Venita McCellon-Allen After joining SWEPCO in 1983, Venita McCellon-Allen made her way from communications representative to her current title as president and COO for SWEPCO. In addition to overseeing a company that serves over 530,000 customers she is also the president and CCOO for AEP Texas. Under McCellon-Allen’s leadership, SWEPCO has been a Pacesetter company for the United Way of Northwest Louisiana and is leading the campaign to date. She is a member of the Committee of One Hundred for both local and state chapters and a current member of Executive Women in Energy, an association for women professionals that provides networking opportunities for women in the energy industry and fosters career and leadership development. She has been featured in a national campaign for Clean Coal sponsored by the American Coalition for Clean Coal.

Nelda Altimus Nelda Altimus began her career with the Louisiana Workforce Commission in 1981 and currently coordinates services in nine parish Business and Career Solutions Centers under the guidance of the Coordinating and Development Cooperation. Altimus feels one of her greatest accomplishments has been in helping a number of Workforce Investment Areas to better understand the federal performance guidelines and lead them from mediocre or failing performance to exceeding the measures. Altimus volunteers her services all of the time. She has been a behind the scenes supporter of The Boy Scouts of America for many years. She is married to Bill Altimus, the proud mother of Matthew, Joshua and Elizabeth and the very proud grandmother of William, Catherine and Luka, with another on the way.

Terri Axelson Terri Axelson began working as a key national executive with Evergreen Life Services in early 2014. She was instrumental in developing a national sales strategy with the Evergreen HEAVENDROP product line and most recently in bringing attention and opportunities to the Bossier/Shreveport Art Center helping artists with disabilities market their creations throughout the community. She combines her health and human services experience with her Real Estate experience as a licensed Realtor, helping those through what can be an arduous journey. She currently sits on the Mayor’s advisory Council for Person with Disabilities and has been honored with achievements for her service including the Women Who Make a Difference award, President’s Committee on Disabilities, Next Generation Leadership, Louisiana Delegate and Meritorious Service Award.

Jan Elkins “I started working for free but moved up the ladder and have lived the American dream!” Jan Elkins said. For more than 33 years, Elkins has been a TV anchor for KTBS, and now holds the position as community project director. Over the last 25 years, Elkins has been able to raise more than $27 million dollars for St. Jude thru the St. Jude Dream home giveaway, which is a big passion of hers. In the past, Elkins has served on many local boards and currently serves on the McDade House board. She formed the group The Phenomenal Women, a group of ladies 20-25 who owned their own company or were the CEO of executive directors of nonprofits. Elkins has received several awards in her career such as Louisiana Media Award; Excellence in Medical Reporting Award and The Gabriel Award. “If I can make a difference in one person’s life, my career will be worth it,” Elkins said.

Lynn Higginbotham Lynn Higginbotham joined Argent in 2010 as vice president, and manages oil and gas assets for mineral owners focusing primarily on properties located in Northwest Louisiana. A native of Shreveport, Higginbotham has over 36 years of experience working in the oil and gas industry. Higginbotham and her husband founded a 501(c)(3) enterprise called Trinity Faith Enterprise Inc. to serve our area’s low income community. Some associations and organizations that Higginbotham is a part of include the National Association of Royalty Owners, American Association of Professional Landmen, Red River Desk & Derrick Club, 2011 Chairperson for United Way Women’s’ Leadership Council and currently sits on the board for The Glen Retirement System. Higginbotham continues to find a way to offer to the practical hands-on assistance, funds for education and resources to our community.

Denise Odom Denise Odom has been the executive director of the Louisiana Lions Eye Bank for over four years, serving as a certified ophthalmology technician, certified Eye Bank technician, certified nonprofit administrator and a Notary Public. Odom came into the organization with a passion for helping people regain their sight through corneal transplantation. Odom volunteers her time with the Red River Lions Club as the past president of the club and current treasurer. Odom volunteers twice a month for the Lions Club to test and fit patients with financial needs free eye glasses, and the Lions Club has honored her with the Service Award and the Southern Hospitality Award. Odom is also a very active member of our LGBT community and attends regular events and supports PACE and other LGBT organizations in the community.

Vita Riner Vita Riner came to the United States not knowing English and now she is a proud American Citizen. After working as a secretary in Nicky’s Restaurant, in 2004 she founded Vita Latina Magazine. Her main idea was to have a magazine that would be the voice of the Hispanic community in this area and started the magazine with a bilingual concept with the purpose of informing in our language matters such as immigration, military, politics, social and culture events. In December 2011, she ended her job as editor to focus in growing the market and projects, so she began a new position as a sales manager for the Hispanic Market. Vita also started La Invasora 92.1 FM radio station in 2006. This all-Spanish radio station became the main speaking voice of the Hispanic community.

Lynn Nelson-Stevens Lynn Nelson-Stevens puts her heart and soul into everything she does to be best of her ability. After the birth of her daughter, Nelson-Stevens was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, but the disease has not stopped her spunky spirit and the love she has for others. From raising over 30 million dollars for NWLA nonprofit organizations in the past nine years to volunteering with the Providence House Domestic Violence Shelter, she has made a huge difference in the community. She currently serves as COO for United Way. “I get up each day and truly feel blessed that I am able to touch every person that I come in contact with, and have the ability to demonstrate advancement and leadership skills to break this typical stereotype of the disabled,” she said.