Business owner, Shreveport native and Caddo Parish School Board representative Deneé Locke was named this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award winner.

“Deneé is a marvelous selection as this year’s ATHENA recipient,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce president in a release. “As a business owner, civic leader and mentor, she embodies all that the ATHENA award stands for.”

Locke owns Closets In Order Inc. with her husband and business partner after discovering a missing need in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

“Closets In Order was created from what I recognized as a missing aspect in the homebuilding industry. My knowledge of the building business and passion for an organized home gave me the desire to create a more functional solution,” she said.

Being able to able to notice needs and think of solutions for them is a starting point for many businesses. Locke recommended noticing needs and gaps in thinking about business ideas, but don’t solely rely on research.

“Doing thorough research gives you the knowledge, but I have found trusting your gut instinct always leads you in the right direction. Whether it is a personal or business decision, all along the answer is there,” she said.

In addition to her business, Locke serves District 8 as a Caddo Parish School Board representative. Her passion for education drew her to the board, which she says is one of the most rewarding experiences she’s ever been part of, working alongside her fellow representatives, Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree and staff.

“I am able to sit at the table with 11 other representatives that have the same common goal: creating a better life for the children of Caddo Parish. I feel that I am part of a team that is and will continue to make a difference. The residents of District 8 have asked me to represent them, and I take that role very seriously.”

Locke is heavily involved in community service; she served on the board for Providence House for a six-year term and as president of the board from 2011 to 2012. She said that she’s always considered Providence House, which works to help those homeless and in extreme poverty, an invaluable service to the area.

“I received much more from my time at Providence House than I gave,” Locke said.

As a business owner, elected official, service leader – not to mention a wife, mother and grandmother – Locke is busy, to say the least. She said one of the best ways to balance a work-home lifestyle is to dictate your schedule instead of letting your schedule dictate you. She keeps her schedule up-to-date on her calendar, including everything from work to personal commitments to exercise.

“I have learned before I add anything to my schedule, I take a hard look at what is going on at the time to be certain that if I agree to a commitment, I can give it my 100 percent.”

Though staying busy can be rewarding, Locke says it’s important to remember to schedule time for yourself to relax. Taking a break and staying refreshed will help you work more efficiently.

Locke said that one of the keys to success is not to compare yourself to others. While today’s young women have benefits and privileges thanks to the women who worked before them, they also are more exposed to more criticism and comparison thanks to social media.

“Do not base your value on comparing yourself to others. Find your value and run with it! You may have to dig deep to find it, but we all have a God-given ability and talent that is waiting to surface,” she said. She’s given this same advice to her two daughters.

Locke is a Shreveport native, which she says is a special experience to work and serve in a place that’s especially meaningful to her.

“I consider being a business leader/owner in my hometown a vehicle to connect to the community that molded me. My community has given me so much. Giving a little back is the least I can do.”

– Tara Bullock

Photo by Marcus Mébes