Brennan Bernard, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, Wesley Bange and Marquel Sennet.
PRESENTING 2020s TOP 40 UNDER FORTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Each year, the
Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Young Professional Initiative has
highlighted 40 of our region’s most dynamic and accomplished young
professionals who are engaged in our community as entrepreneurs,
executives and managers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Entering its 15th year, this year will mark more than 500 individuals
receiving recognition, with many from previous classes going on to
become our local leaders in business, politics and public service. 40
Under Forty is our chance to celebrate our best young leaders by
spotlighting those who are excelling in their profession and making an impact on and for our community.
The
judges also select a Young Professional of the Year as the individual
among the 40 who exemplifies the spirit of 40 Under Forty. The decision
is always a tough one, as each class of 40 brings their unique talents,
experiences and contributions to our community.
"We
are incredibly impressed with the lineup of leaders and professionals
that have been chosen as honorees for the Young Professional
Initiative's 2020 top 40 Under Forty," 318 Forum publisher Jay
Covington said. "We relish the opportunity to present these young
representatives of Chamber Members for 14 years. It is the mission of 318 Forum magazine
to promote the positive aspects of our community. Our partnership with
the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and YPI are a shining example
of what we are all about: Showcasing the best our cities have to
offer," Covington said.
Claire
Childs is honored to serve as the 2020 40 Under Forty chair. "Although
this year has been a challenging one with the pandemic, we feel it is
important for us to continue to recognize the emerging leaders in our
community," Childs said. "We're excited about the impressive composition
of this year's class and are delighted to be able to honor them in a unique way this year."
As
the profiles in the following pages will demonstrate, this year’s class
continues the tradition of excellence, comprising a group of highly
engaged, high-impact individuals. This diverse group includes
entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, physicians, lawyers and school leaders,
as well as managers, owners and directors from the private and
non-profit sectors. Each of them deserves recognition for what they
bring to our community. Take a look at the following pages to see the
range of talent and breadth of commitment we have in our community. Who
would you pick as our Young Professional of the Year? Make your choice
and watch live online on Dec. 5, when we'll all find out whom the judges
selected! – Timothy J. Magner, President
Janet Attaway
Janet
Attaway, daughter of Shreveport natives Ben and Judy Holland, is a
proud graduate of Southwood High School and Louisiana Tech University,
where she earned a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2013.
She resides in Bossier City with her husband, Kevin Attaway, and their
children, Kyleigh, Ian and Emma. Janet began her career teaching
psychology courses at Louisiana Tech and then worked as a response team
therapist for the Willis- Knighton Health System. Currently, she serves
as a counselor for children of the Bossier Parish School System. Janet
is excited to advocate for the mental health of children in our
community.
Wesley Bange
Wesley
Bange is a Bossier City native. He is the chief information and
technology officer at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and
graduated from Louisiana Tech with a BS in computer information systems.
With over 19 years of IT/IS experience and 14 years in higher
education, he strives to keep the college on the cusp of technological
advancement. He hopes that this focus on the future will reinforce the
college's world-class instruction and better prepare BPCC students for
the rigorous demands of employment post-graduation. Wesley's work in the
field of cybersecurity at the college helped BPCC to establish the Louisiana Cyber Education Center, the
state's first Regional Center for Cybersecurity Education, as designated
by Gov. John Bel Edwards. Wesley's wife, Megan, and 12-year-old
daughter, Caroline, make sure all of his free time is properly accounted
for.
Candice Battiste
Candice
Battiste is the Power Coalition's North Louisiana organizer, where she
is committed to building voices and power in traditionally
disenfranchised communities. She graduated from Haughton High School,
where she was elected the first black woman student body president in
its 100- year history. She is an alumna of Louisiana State University
and earned her law degree from the Southern University Law Center. Upon
graduation, Candice helped form the Family Law Unit of Legal Services of
North Louisiana. She was the Shreveport- Bossier field organizer with
the Unanimous Jury Coalition/Yes On 2 campaign, worked for Mayor Adrian
Perkins' campaign as his public relations and social media strategist,
serves on the Citizen She board of directors, and was recently elected
to the ACLU of Louisiana board of directors. Candice is the past
vice-president of the Women's Democratic Club of Northwest Louisiana,
serves on the executive board of the New Leaders Council as the
selections co-chair, and was selected as a United Nations Association
Delegate. Recently, she was the lead organizer for the historic
Smoke-Free Shreveport ordinance passed in June 2020. When Candice is not
working to effect positive change, she is with family and friends or
can be found traveling to one of Louisiana's many food and music
festivals.
Brennan Bernard
Brennan
Bernard, PT, DPT, FAFS, is a South Louisiana native, transplanted to
North Louisiana after graduating from LSUHSC Shreveport's physical
therapy school in 2010. He worked as an outpatient physical therapist at
LSUHSC Shreveport for five years and then joined the Shreveport Small
Business Association, opening a private practice physical therapy
clinic, Core Physical Therapy and Performance, in 2015. Brennan is
married to Amanda Sittig Bernard and has three amazing children, twins
Parker and Graham (5), and Ella Claire (2). He is passionate about
injury prevention, health promotion and wellness within our community
through physical therapy. He enjoys being active in his free time,
spending time with his family outside, bike riding to local neighborhood
businesses, gardening, hunting and playing tennis. He also frequently
travels south on I-49 to visit his family in South Louisiana.
Jordan Dieck, Mallory Cooper, Erin Pyles Smith and Shuntay Wilson
NOTE: Social distancing guidelines were observed during this photo shoot.
Parker Brown
Parker
Brown is a Shreveport native who feels very fortunate to call
Shreveport his home. He is 32 years old and the president of Jayhawk
Properties Inc., which provides low-income housing to many Shreveport
residents. Parker began his career in real estate in 2011 with Trans-Con
Services Inc. He enjoys running his own business, helping citizens in
our community obtain a better quality of life, and being involved in our
community from politics to philanthropic and social activities. A
graduate of First Baptist Church School and C. E. Byrd High School,
Parker went to Louisiana State University, where he earned his
bachelor's degree in mass communications and his master's degree in
sports administration. Parker Brown is married to Dr. Lindsey Brown, a
local family physician. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf,
spending time with friends and family, and being actively engaged in our
community.
Damien Chapman
Damien
Rashad Lewis Chapman, culinarily known as “Chapeaux,” developed an
early interest in technology, culinary and restaurant operations.
He
was born in Shreveport to the late Chef Orlando L. Chapman and Sharon
L. Davis. After graduating from Huntington High School, Damien earned a
Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at Southern University
A&M College in Baton Rouge, and then worked for Halliburton. Damien
owns Orlandeaux’s Café©, part of the lineage of the oldest
continuously-operating African- American restaurant in the U.S., Freeman
& Harris Café©, founded in 1921.
Damien
is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and SU Human Jukebox Alumni, a
parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and a
member of Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist Church. He also serves as
a board member of the Shreveport-Bossier African-American Chamber of
Commerce and the Huntington High School Alumni Association. Damien loves
his family, fishing and listening to zydeco, gospel and country music.
Jessica Comegys
Jessica
Tyler Comegys, owner of Caspiana Catering – Glow Alchemy Kitchen.
Mother to a fiery redhead. Pastry chef turned health coach. Recovering
Ruffle's potato chip addict and lover of fine wine.
Jessica
is a holistic health coach by way of the Institute for Integrative
Nutrition, a culinary professional from Bossier Parish Community
College, and writer for LOLA Magazine's “Hostess with the Mostess.”
Jessica
believes that through whole food nutrition, we can discover a means of
indefinitely prolonging life and have the power to transform our lives
into something extraordinary. Helping our community reach vitality
through food is an amazing journey to experience. It is the
micro-decisions that we make to show up for ourselves every day that
clarify our perception of ourselves and the world around us. Awareness
helps us navigate the slew of life's daily stimulations and challenges.
This awareness is available to everyone, and Jessica can help you find
it.
Mallory Cooper
Mallory
Cooper teaches at Haughton Middle School in Bossier Parish, her home
parish. She is a proud graduate of Airline High School, and she earned
her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from LSU Shreveport in May
of 2011. She was recently awarded her Master of Educational Technology
Leadership, graduating summa cum laude. Her Haughton Middle School
colleagues selected her as Teacher of the Year, and she was then
selected as a semifinalist for State Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Cooper constantly seeks out ways to elevate all areas of her craft
by attending local, state and national professional development. She
facilitates trainings across the district for both technology and
science curriculum. Thousands of students across the parish have
benefited from the units that Mrs. Cooper authored and the district
subsequently adopted. Mrs. Cooper values all student voices and empowers
students with skills that extend beyond the science curriculum.
Jordan Dieck
Jordan
Dieck is a fourth-grade math teacher at Waller Elementary School who
works to create a classroom learning environment that promotes growth,
respect and a sense of family. Jordan was inspired in kindergarten to
pursue a teaching career and strives to create that same spark in her
students.
Jordan
received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Kennesaw
State University in 2010. She has taught various grades in both Atlanta,
Ga., and Bossier City, La. In her 10 years of teaching, she has served
as a team leader, content leader and a member of the Instructional
Leadership Team. She is currently working to become a mentor to
prospective educators. She was named Waller Elementary School’s 2020
Teacher of the Year, and on her off time, you can often find her
supporting her students at their athletic events and as an assistant cheer coach and tutor.
Brittney Dunn
Brittney
Odom Dunn was born and raised in Minden, La. She is the wife of Drayden
Dunn, and the mother of Christian Dunn. She received her bachelor’s
degree in accounting from LSU Shreveport in 2008. She has over 13 years
of professional accounting experience. She gained her experience by
working in public accounting for six years, private accounting for two
years, and by starting her own accounting business, B&D Tax &
Accounting Services, LLC.
Her
community involvement includes serving on the following boards: Caddo
Council on Aging, African-American Chamber of Commerce, Zoning Board of
Appeals and United Way of Northwest Louisiana. She was recently
appointed to the Democratic Parish Executive Committee for District 10.
Brittney volunteers in educating the community on how to organize their
finances, motivating young women to strive toward greatness by
developing a vision for their future, and educating entrepreneurs on
starting a business.
Dellanee Wade, Badreka Harper, Kim Stephens and Angel Martin
Katrina Farris
Katrina
Farris is the current president of the Shreveport-Bossier African-
American Chamber of Commerce and a pharmacist intern at CVS. She is a
fourthyear pharmacy student at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. Her
volunteer associations/memberships include the American Pharmacists
Association-Student Association, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity (LA
Tech Alumni Chapter), Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and the
Student Association of Health System Pharmacists. In her spare time, she
loves vacationing at the beach, spending time with her family and
volunteering with the various organizations of which she is a member.
Katrina’s parents are Anthony and Angela Grant, and she is the proud
mother of a son, Kingsley Farris.
Katherine Gilmer
Katherine
graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science in
criminology and from LSU with a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law.
She began her legal career at the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of
Appeal before honing her skills at criminal litigation at the Shreveport
City Attorney’s Office as an assistant city prosecutor. After four
years there, Katherine felt that she could make more of an impact in the
community by transitioning to a criminal defense practice. She
practiced with Elton Richey & Associates for several years before
leaving to form her own practice with her law partner, Sarah Giglio.
Katherine holds memberships in the Louisiana Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers and the Shreveport Bar Association, where she served as
treasurer and secretary. Katherine also served as a member of the
Louisiana Public Defender Board from 2016 through January 2020 as an
appointee of Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Julian Gluck
Julian
Gluck is a B-52 pilot and flight commander at Barksdale Air Force Base
and is recognized as a global nonprofit leader. After graduating from
the Air Force Academy and pilot training, he moved to Shreveport in
2014. Julian deployed in the B-52 for combat operations in the Middle
East and was selected by national media as the 2018 Air Force Times™
Airman of the Year for “exemplary military service beyond the call of
duty.” He received the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award in
2019 as valedictorian of all 3,803 students across the Air Force in
Squadron Officer School. The only person in Louisiana in 2020 and the
third military member ever selected, Julian was named Forbes™ 30 Under
30 and was a standout honoree for policy in North America. He currently
serves as national chairman of the Company Grade Officers' Council and
enjoys promoting volunteerism locally and around the world.
Michael Gould
Michael
Gould, CPA, CITP, CGMA, grew up in Shreveport and obtained his
accounting degree from LSUS. After graduation, he and his wife, Carrie,
planted roots to make Shreveport home for their children. Michael and
Carrie are raising five children: Leah, Jonas, Marlo, Graham and Theo.
Michael’s children are his greatest achievement, and he takes pride in
how wonderfully unique they are. Theo has Down syndrome, and the Goulds
are advocates for individuals with disabilities.
Michael
is a partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, a Top 25 CPA firm. He
has over 15 years of public accounting and auditing experience. He
provides services to health-care companies, not-for-profit
organizations, local governments and construction companies throughout
Louisiana. Michael serves as the board president for the Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA), treasurer of Families Helping Families
Region 7, and a board member of the Arc of Caddo-Bossier and the LSUS
Alumni Association.
Julian Gluck, Candice Battiste, Brittany Strickland and Brittany Pike
Jenni Grisham
Born and raised in Plain Dealing, Jenni moved to Shreveport to begin her nursing career after graduating from Northwestern State
University with a bachelor’s degree in 2008. Over the past 12 years,
Jenni has cared for ICU patients throughout the Willis- Knighton and
Ochsner health-care systems, including serving in the COVID ICU unit at
Ochsner LSU. In May 2020, Jenni graduated from Northwestern State
University with her master’s degree and has begun working as a family
nurse practitioner with Tri-State Medical Clinic in the Willis-Knighton
Hospital System.
Jenni
is passionate about mentoring and serving with youth and young adults.
For the past 15 years, Jenni has been volunteering with Clear
Ministries. She has served in many roles from bible study leader to camp
nurse and even serving as team director for many years. Jenni is also
involved in the children’s ministry of Church at Red River in
Shreveport.
Badreka Harper
Badreka
Harper is the newsroom manager at KTBS 3 News. The Shreveport native is
one of the youngest to serve in management at the television station.
Her position, which she created, places her at the helm of daily news
operations. Harper’s career in media spans more than a decade dating
back to 2007 at KTAL-TV.
She
was named the 2019 Shreveport Chamber’s Minority Business Opportunity
Awards Top Business Professional of the Year based on her commitment to
the community and efforts to address issues plaguing Northwest
Louisiana. Harper was also Ms. Black Shreveport 2019.
She
studied mass communications at Louisiana State University Shreveport,
where she was active with Student Government Association (SGA) and
served consecutively on spirit teams.
Harper is a member of Sunflower Missionary Baptist Church in Bossier City, where she serves as the announcement clerk.
She enjoys spending free time with her family and traveling with longtime partner Randall.
John Hawkins
John
Hawkins is lead minister of ClearView Church, a thriving faith
community in Shreveport-Bossier. At 22 years old, John was invited to
Shreveport as preaching minister for a local church. After six years in
ministry, he had the opportunity to launch ClearView with a team of
friends. In its first decade, ClearView has grown to hundreds of
members, mostly 40 and under, many new to faith.
ClearView
prioritizes serving neighbors and nonprofits, giving over $100,000 to
specific relief and restoration efforts. John serves with local
nonprofits including Common Ground and The Hub. He is a past board chair
of the Center for Families.
John
earned a master’s degree in ministry and a bachelor’s in oral
communication. He is married to Jessica, a graphic designer, professor
at Centenary College, and 2019 honoree. They have two daughters, Emma
and Kate.
Kirkikis Hill
Kirkikis
Canna Hill is the daughter of Christo (Clarence) Lancaster and
Roosevelt (Junear) Canna Jr. She was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and then
returned to Mansfield, La., graduating from MHS in 1998. She obtained
her phlebotomy certificate from Southern University in 1999, and she
earned an AS in medical laboratory science in 2002. In 2003, she
obtained a BS in clinical laboratory science from University of
Louisiana-Monroe.
In
2013, Kirkikis became a chemist at Halliburton. She is presently
employed with Omni Specialty Packaging, LLC as a quality specialist.
With a heart dedicated to serving, she volunteers in the community and
motivates friends, family and coworkers to do the same. Kirkikis is
Omni’s team captain for Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure. Omni has
been the highest fundraising company/corporate team in Shreveport-
Bossier since 2015.
Kirkikis
attends Life United Church. She enjoys traveling with Corey, her
husband of 15 years, and their children, Kyon, Coren and Carrington.
John Hawkins, Janet Attaway, Katy Larsen, Kirkikis Hill and Jennifer Norris Soto
Charles Johnson
Charles Edward Johnson (Pastor CeJay) is driven, accomplished and in the business of impacting people.
His
passion to help others is rooted in his thought of “to help people
reach their destiny, you have to meet people where they are in life.” He
has always been "all about people." Through this approach, he's been
able to reach thousands from all socioeconomic backgrounds,
denominations, races, ages and creeds.
The
pulpit, radio and digital media, among others, have helped Pastor CeJay
meet the needs of people within his community and various places
throughout America.
He
is a proud graduate of C. E. Byrd High School. Charles received his
Associate Degree from Southern University at Shreveport, bachelor's
degree from the University of Phoenix, and Master of Arts from East
Texas Baptist University. Recently, Pastor CeJay was accepted into
United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, to earn his Doctorate of
Ministry.
Halena Jones
Halena
Jones is the director of networks for Step Forward, a community
partnership based in Shreveport. Focusing on improving educational
outcomes and preparing youth for a globally competitive workforce,
Halena oversees operations to ensure success for every child in NWLA.
Halena
attended high school at Evangel Christian Academy. She received her
Bachelor of Science in psychology at Louisiana State University in
Shreveport and a Master of Science in communications at Walden
University.
During
her undergraduate career, she developed a passion to uplift youth in
the community. Having experience in marketing, education and recruiting,
she found her niche in the nonprofit sector.
As
an advocate and believer in higher education and workforce development,
Halena supports many diverse community organizations to improve the
lives of young adults in North Louisiana.
When Halena is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and creating memories with her godson, Jefferson.
Candice Ratliff, Jessica Comegys, Brittany Pier, Wesley Lazarus and Damien Chapman
Katy Larsen
Katy
Larsen is the owner of the Agora Borealis, an artist marketplace in
downtown Shreveport. She is from the Dallas metroplex and received her
BFA from Louisiana Tech University in interior design.
Larsen
is the first person to graduate with three minors that include
architecture, cultural resources and preservation, and 2D/3D art.
She
currently manages her store, volunteers her time to specific projects
and collaborates on multiple events. Larsen enjoys spending time with
her daughter and husband attending local events, restaurants and shops.
She
has produced six fashion shows including Fashion Project and Fashion
Prize, eight festivals including Cirque du Lake, and was Captain 22 for
the Krewe of Highland.
Larsen
is a board member to many non-profits and committees. She is a set
producer, event planner/manager, mentor/ leader, actress/extra/model,
public speaker and curates art in six local locations.
Wesley Lazarus
Wesley
Lazarus was born and raised in Shreveport, La., and attended Louisiana
Tech University and is a proud Bulldog. He is an assistant vice
president at Progressive Bank serving in various roles for almost seven
years. Lazaruz has a deep-rooted connection and love for the Shreveport/
Bossier community. He considers it a privilege to serve in various
leadership positions for numerous area non-profits. When not working or
volunteering, you can find him at a local restaurant, spending time with
friends and family, watching Texas Rangers Baseball, or working with
his better half, Alaina, on their South Highlands home.
Teresa Manley
Dr.
Teresa Manley is a Nevada native who moved to Shreveport/Bossier in
2011 with her husband, who is stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base. She
attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and obtained a bachelor's
and master's degree in hospitality administration. Teresa graduated in
February of 2020 with a doctorate in education with an emphasis in
globalization and training development.
In
her spare time, she enjoys going on adventures with her son, Josef, and
designing and crafting projects. She is also a dog mom of two huskies, a
lab and a longhaired dachshund, and they keep her busy. Teresa serves
as a Key Spouse for the 2AMXS Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base. She
recently joined the Social Committee for the Barksdale Spouses Club, and
is a volunteer for Boy Scout Pack 170.
Angel Martin
Angel
Martin is the director of student activities and recreational sports at
LSU Shreveport. She received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern
State with summa cum laude honors in health and exercise science and
her graduate degree in sport administration. Angel was also a
pole-vaulter for NSU Track and Field and earned Southland Conference
All- Academic Team honors.
At
LSUS, Angel focuses on student wellness, leadership and service
learning. Angel advises both the Student Government Association and
Student Activities Board, and oversees the Food Pantry. She holds
certifications for ACSM Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist and
enjoys working with students in a personal, impactful way.
Outside
of her profession, Angel is a master’s swim coach at the YMCA, a USAT
All-American triathlete, an Ironman finisher, and is active with local
triathlon and running groups. Angel is married to Loren Martin and is a
proud mom to their son, Lenox.
Dr. Teresa Manley, Kevin Nolten and Onega Ulanova
Kevin Nolten
Kevin
Nolten serves as director of academic outreach for the Cyber Innovation
Center and its academic outreach initiative, CYBER.ORG. With over a
decade of education management experience, Kevin is responsible for a
multi-million-dollar federal grant charged with developing cybersecurity
curricula, professional development and other resources for K-12
educators, school districts and state departments of education across
the country. Kevin’s visionary passion and philosophy has led to the
expansion of CYBER.ORG’s workforce programs to communities across the
county – educating the next generation cyber-literate workforce. Kevin
has been appointed to the Louisiana Rural Economic Recovery Commission;
the Education and Workforce Development Committee of the Louisiana Cyber
Commission; the PK-12 Education and Teacher Training Committee of the
LaSTEM Advisory Council; as well as the Louisiana Education and
Technology Strategy Task Force. Kevin is a graduate of LSU Shreveport
with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business
Administration.
Adrian Perkins
Adrian
Perkins is the mayor of Shreveport, La. He was born in the Cedar Grove
neighborhood of Shreveport, attending Arthur Circle, Youree Drive Middle
School and Captain Shreve High School.
In
the wake of 9/11, Adrian Perkins accepted a nomination to the United
States Military Academy. There, he was the captain of the track team and
the first African- American cadet elected class president in West
Point's history. Perkins deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan after
graduating from West Point. He achieved the rank of captain and company
commander in the United States Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for
his service. After three tours of duty, the Tillman Foundation accepted
Perkins into their Tillman Scholar Program, enabling him to attend
Harvard Law School, where he was again elected student body president.
On
April 26, 2018, he announced his candidacy for mayor of Shreveport, and
on Dec. 29, 2018, Adrian Perkins was installed as the 56th mayor of
Shreveport.
Connor Peterson
A
native of Shreveport, La., he graduated from Caddo Magnet High School
in 2000. After receiving his BS in psychology from the University of
Mary Washington, he worked in the public-school system until deciding to
receive his International MBA from the University of South Carolina. He
was fortunate to have an internship working for Michelin Tire Company
at their corporate headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France. After
working for Edward Jones Investments for five years in Virginia, he
decided to join the family insurance business back home. Connor has a
beautiful wife and two wonderful children. While he can’t go whitewater
kayaking as much as he would like, he still gets to make the odd trip up
to Arkansas when the water is up. Fortunately, there are enough
mountain biking trails in Shreveport and the outlying areas to keep him
busy when he feels a little stir crazy.
Brittany Pier
Brittany
Pureese Pier is a native of Shreveport, La., middle school dance
instructor, mentor, performer and founder of BE Dance Studio by B.
Pureese. After training for 17 years, she is proficient in the styles of
ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. Brittany was a member of
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet Junior and Senior Company, Shreveport
Dance Academy's Jazz Ensemble and Captain Shreve’s Gator High Line.
Continuing her education, Brittany attended Louisiana Tech University,
where she was a member of the Regal Blues dance team. After graduating
with a bachelor’s degree, she has enjoyed running her own dance studio.
Since founding
the Black Ice Dance Company, it has become one of the highlighted
programs recognized in the Shreveport area, serving ages 4-18. In 2019,
she had the pleasure of choreographing for the National B2K Millennium
Tour. After reaching so many great achievements, her love for dance
continues to flourish.
Brittney Dunn, Katrina Farris, Parker Brown, Halena Jones and Jenni Grisham
Brittany Pike
Brittany
Pike is a curriculum development specialist for CYBER.ORG, the academic
initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City. With 10+
years in the classroom teaching second and third grades, K-5 Technology
Enrichment and English classes abroad, Brittany enjoys introducing
teachers and students to phenomenon-based learning, hands-on engineering
projects and cyber fundamentals. Leading professional development for
teachers around the U.S., Brittany shares science curriculum and cyber
lessons that she has designed in hopes that more educators will have the
resources to inspire future scientists and engineers. She is passionate
about traveling and exploring how people around the world teach and
learn, and she is pursuing her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a
focus on science education at LSU. When Brittany is not perfecting a
new recipe, she is planning her next trip, running or training for a
triathlon, gardening, hosting a book club or exploring new adventures
downtown.
Franchesca Posey
Franchesca
Posey is on a mission to help girls become entrepreneurs and learn
skills to succeed in the business field. With a 20-year background in
communication, strategic planning, business development and project
management, she serves in the role of director of sales for the Girl
Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf. She is responsible for overseeing
the council’s product programs and retail stores within their 42-parish
area.
Franchesca
believes her position provides a unique way to shape future leaders and
make significant impacts to the local community.
By
making a leap from the private sector to nonprofit, Franchesca
discovered the impact your work has on others and how immensely
rewarding it is!
Franchesca
holds several corporate training certificates and previously served a
two-year term on the YWCA Northwest Louisiana Board.
Franchesca
holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in mass communication specializing in
public relations from Louisiana State University Shreveport.
Candice Ratliff
Shreveport
native Candice Ratliff earned a Bachelor of Science in business from
Northwestern State University of Louisiana and a Master of Arts in
industrial organizational psychology from Louisiana Tech University. She
joined General Dynamics Information Technology in 2018, where she
currently works in procurement.
Candice
believes in the power of art to change lives; she has been a
professional musician for Marshall Symphony, participated in Community
Theater, has been a member of the music committee for the Red River
Revel for over five years, and served on the Revel’s board of directors
from 2017 to 2019. She has raised funds for Norwela Council of Boy
Scouts, Dress For Success and Lumpy Grits Artistry.
She
has served the community by organizing the feeding of the homeless and
serving as a food pantry coordinator of Northwest Louisiana Food Bank
early in her career.
Passionate
about helping small business, Candice’s company, Grunt Work Pros, helps
businesses build customer service best practices.
Marquel Sennet
Anchor/reporter Marquel Sennet moved to Shreveport in 2010 to continue her journalism career at KTAL/KMSS.
Prior
to moving to Louisiana, Marquel had the opportunity to interview
President George H.W. Bush about his philanthropic efforts to help with
the recovery along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Ike.
Her most memorable interviews were with NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal and Academy Award winner Spike Lee.
Marquel
was awarded an academic scholarship to Jarvis Christian College and
initiated into the Zeta Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Marquel graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s
degree in broadcast journalism.
Marquel
earned her master’s degree in history at Grambling State University.
She’s currently an assistant professor of history at Southern University
Shreveport.
Marquel
is also a member of the Sigma Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Benson & Paine. Sorority Inc. and the Shreveport Chapter of The
Links Incorporated.
Erin Pyles Smith
Erin
Pyles Smith is the co-owner and strategy director of Maltshop
Marketing, a local full-service advertising design agency specializing
in fresh, bold, custom ideas.
She
is a mother to Gavyn, stepmom to Tristyn and human mom to three fur
babies and two fish. She is married to her real-life Superman, Robert
Smith, and cares for her live-in grandparents, James and Janette
Johnson.
Hailing
from Mansfield, La., Erin is a graduate of Central High School, Bossier
Parish Community College and Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
She
is also a self-proclaimed superhero nerd, showing an affinity for “Star
Wars” and both the Marvel and DC franchises. Her Hogwarts house is
Hufflepuff.
Jennifer Norris Soto
Jennifer
is a 2004 graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her
Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in English.
Thereafter, she continued her education at Mississippi College School of
Law, where she earned a dual Master of Business Administration and
Juris Doctorate in 2009. She has spent the last 10 years representing
both debtors and creditors in the United States Bankruptcy Court. She
now represents large regional creditors and works for the firm Ayres,
Shelton, Williams, Jennifer
lives in Bossier City with her husband, Tom, and their 5-year-old
daughter, Emlyn. You can usually find her in the kitchen perfecting
recipes for the best gluten- and dairy-free desserts. Jennifer is an
active member of Cypress Baptist Church, where she regularly volunteers
her time.
When not working, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her family and exploring restaurants and other local venues and events.
Kim Stephens
Creativity is Kim's true passion. Inspiring action through storytelling is her calling.
Seeing both play out gives her the utmost satisfaction.
Luckily,
she lives all that out every day. As a party of one in her department,
she heads marketing for a large, local company. Thanks to this
energizing role and her longtime experience, the digital world has
become her playground of choice.
As
if marketing wasn’t enough, Kim founded a mobile bakery, Basic Batches
Bakery, in the midst of the pandemic to combat the woes of public
eating. The result: access to local treats in a safe, refreshing way.
The bakery’s personalized way of delivering cookies quickly blew up the
internet and has managed to turn the sourness of 2020 into something
quite sweet.
In
her spare time, Kim serves on the YPI and Independence Bowl boards,
organizations she believes are changing the fabric of the Shreveport-
Bossier City community.
Connor Peterson, Franchesca Posey, Katherine Gilmer, Elizabeth Wong and Charles Johnson
Brittany Strickland
Born
in Shreveport, La., Brittany Strickland is owner, photographer and
storyteller of Britt Elizabeth Photography. Brittany's love for her job
shines through, mixing art and storytelling. She tells not only the
beautiful moments but the real ones. The stories about things people
don't want to talk about and aims to be the voice of the abused, broken
and bullied. In only eight years, she has built a thriving business
capturing moments and giving them back to her clients. Brittany's work
is published in over 100 publications and in 2017 Britt Elizabeth
Photography received the award for Best Photographer in Shreveport. She
was the photographer for The Miss Universe Pageant in 2018 and is the
ongoing lead photographer for Lola Magazine.
Brittany
recently received the award titled Accredited Photographer from Sue
Bryce Education and is developing a leadership class for young
photographers.
Brittany has a studio in downtown Shreveport and two miracle children, Brody (16) and Brilynne (12).
Onega Ulanova
Born
in Kazakhstan, Onega Ulanova earned her bachelor's degree in
standardization, metrology and certification. She began her career as a
quality manager at an IT company. After moving to the U.S., Onega found
herself building anew as she spent time learning English and advancing
her business knowledge. She graduated with her master's degree in
engineering and technology management and Executive MBA at Louisiana
Tech University.
After
graduation, Onega joined the American Petroleum Institute as a lead
auditor. In the history of API, she was the youngest international lead
auditor.
In
search of an entrepreneurial environment, she co-founded LA New Product
Development Team and Tech to Market. The first company turns product
ideas into reality, while the second one is an event that brings
together inventors, entrepreneurs and product companies.
Onega
is passionate about youth education and career growth. She is an
Ironman in the making and finds relaxation in running, biking and
swimming.
Dellanee Wade
Dellanee
Wade is a graphic designer and instructor based in Louisiana. Along
with her business partner, Wade launched her creative agency, Maltshop
Marketing, in 2019. In addition to her business, she is an adjunct
instructor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Wade earned her
Master of Fine Arts in graphic design from Louisiana Tech University and
a BA in communication with a concentration in new media design from
Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport. Inspired by the design
world, Dellanee’s work allows her to explore visual material qualities
through image-making techniques to improve the communities in which we
live and work.
In
2019, Dellanee held two solo exhibitions entitled “A Designer's
Reception” and “Diversity in Design: Shaping a Creative Community.” She
has received 11 ADDY Awards, including 2018 Student Best of Show for a
campaign focusing on building a local food network for Ruston, La.,
entitled (31ATE).
Shuntay Wilson
Shuntay
Wilson is an assistant principal at Stockwell Place Elementary of
Bossier Parish Schools. Shuntay earned her Bachelor of Science in
elementary education degree from University of Louisiana Monroe,
master’s degree in educational leadership from Grambling State
University, and her plus 30 in graduate hours. In 2013, she earned the
distinction of being named a National Board Certified Teacher in the
area of literacy-reading-language arts. Prior to starting her position
as an assistant principal, Shuntay spent eight years as a classroom
teacher, five years at Northside Elementary in Caddo Parish, three years
at Kerr Elementary in Bossier Parish, and a year and half as an
instructional coach. Throughout her career, Shuntay has been awarded
over $70,000 in educational grants that has had a direct impact on the
students and teachers of Caddo and Bossier Parish. Shuntay empowers
students and teachers to reach their maximum potential by striving,
persevering and excelling.
Elizabeth Wong
Serving
the Shreveport-Bossier area since she arrived, Elizabeth Wong is no
stranger to giving back. From the volleyball court to the pageant stage
to the courtroom and beyond, Elizabeth is a leader who thrives under
pressure and believes that anything is possible. She believes with a
dream, imagination, the right team and a plan, anything is possible.
Although Elizabeth is fairly new to the Shreveport-Bossier area, that
hasn’t scared her from stepping up to the plate in several organizations
and serving in leadership roles. She appreciates everyone who has had
faith in her abilities to lead and is excited to continue to serve the
Shreveport-Bossier area. When she's not working or volunteering, you can
find Elizabeth baking, crafting, reading or spending time with her
husband, Alex Williams, and their dog, Rudy.
