Meet Danielle Guadamud
Occupation: Producer
Organization: BXS Insurance
Hometown: Prairieville
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
Both of my parents are Baton Rouge natives, but I was born in Gainesville, Florida. When I was one, we moved back to Baton Rouge and then to Prairieville, where I graduated from Dutchtown High School. I returned to Baton Rouge once I started college and have been here ever since. Baton Rouge has become my home, and I am lucky enough to say that most of my family and my husband’s family live here as well. Immersing myself into a cultural melting pot has been my favorite part of living here…that and of course the food.
Tell us more about how you’re involved in Baton Rouge.
After graduating from LSU, I was honored and thrilled to be recruited by BXS Insurance, formerly known as Wright and Percy Insurance. I work in the Employee Benefits department as a producer where I work closely with industries of all kinds to create and maintain an enriched benefits plan that fits the needs of their employees and goals.
I am a member of Forum 35 and the 2019 John W. Barton Sr. Community Leadership Development Program. Between Forum 35 and the Barton Leadership Program, I have become more engaged in the community through leadership training, mentorship, and education on positive civic engagement.
I served on the 2019 Best Dressed Cancer Ball Committee and will be serving again in 2020. This is important to me because cancer knows no boundaries; in 2018, the estimated number of Americans expected to die of cancer each day was 1600.
I want to fight cancer by giving my time and effort to support the American Cancer Society. The money raised by the Best Dressed Cancer Ball ensures the ACS has funding for research, treatment, patient support, prevention, information & education, and management expenses. I am also a member of the Livingston Leader’s BNI chapter where I network with other professionals. Meeting new professionals and gaining referrals in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas are key to success in my industry.
What is your favorite thing about Baton Rouge?
My favorite thing about Baton Rouge is seeing new growth everywhere! After college, I considered moving out of state to a more developed city, but with most of my family here in Louisiana, I decided to stay, and I am so glad I did. I have truly fallen in love with the culture in the city I call home. Some would say we have an undefined culture in Baton Rouge. I do believe that, but I believe it is one of our strengths and makes us unique. Some may only know us as a college town, but we have so much more to offer. Our city is overshadowed by LSU and Southern and vice versa. Baton Rouge includes Mid City, the Garden District, Downtown, Spanishtown, Southdowns, Perkins Rowe, Capital Heights, Willow Grove, Bocage, the historical Highland Road, and much, much more. Each of these little communities offers something completely different and it is fun to explore the city and discover what fits best with your lifestyle.
What is your dream for Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge is in a “glow up” phase. I am showing my age by knowing what a glow up is. For those who don’t know, a “glow up” is typically describing the transformation of a person’s physical appearance for the better. With this transformation comes a boost in self-confidence and positive changes in that person’s lifestyle.
My dream is for Baton Rouge to realize how great it really is. I want our Baton Rouge community to continue to flourish, develop and be proud. This is emblematic of the city’s dedication to growth and to building and showcasing a community that is worth visiting year-round. This glow up phase is important not only to continue to make Baton Rouge more beautiful on the outside, but to realize that we are not defined by our past. It is my hope that the end result of this transformation will be progressiveness. That potential excites me, and I will work to be a part of that transformation.
How are young professionals like yourself shaping Baton Rouge?
Young professionals are shaping Baton Rouge by being dreamers. Can you tell, I’m a dreamer? They want to stay close to their extended families and raise their children here. Personally, I am getting more involved in community events all over the city. Being involved in the community has positioned me to meet some of the most fascinating and inspiring people all of which make up this beautiful city. Most of them have the same mindset as me, and recognize the importance of change, and that Baton Rouge will gain a stronger identity through change.
What would you say to someone considering a move to Baton Rouge?
I would say to give us a shot. We have an arts culture that is booming, new restaurants and nightlife, free events for the public, music of all genres, and (my personal favorite) a young professional population that wants to continue to make our city a better place. If you want a homey town with big city vibes, welcome to your happy place, Baton Rouge.
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
- Place to eat: The Little Village, Rock N Sake, & Parrain’s
- Place to hang out: Mangos Beach Volleyball
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: Downtown on the levee with the Mississippi bridge in the background or on the rooftop at Tsunami with the whole river and bridge behind you
- Place to people watch: Anywhere on LSU’s Campus on a Saturday during football season
- Place to network: Anywhere—I never pass up an opportunity to tell my story and what I do
- Way to give back: Devoting my time volunteering and serving others
- Event: White Light Night/Best Dressed Cancer Ball/St. Patrick’s Day Parade
With significant job growth, a bustling arts scene, delectable cuisine, abundant outdoor activities and more, the Capital Region attracts talent of all ages, including young professionals. Whether straight out of college or looking to establish their own business, more and more young professionals are choosing to lay their roots in Baton Rouge.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these young Baton Rouge Area movers and shakers in the Young Professional Spotlight.