Meet Kayla Nolan
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Organization: Edward Jones
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
I became involved with BRAC in September 2019 after my friend and fellow BRAC Ambassador, Chelsey Gonzales, told me about the opportunity. I had been looking for ways to get more involved and learn more about the community that I was serving through my job on a regular basis.
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge?
As a financial advisor with Edward Jones, I serve many small businesses and individuals in the area. I am involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and committed to protecting senior investors’ health and wealth. I also have a passion for teaching the younger generation about investing and have given regular seminars at local high schools and universities about the importance of planning for their financial future.
I am a proud mentor with Big Buddy and committed to furthering their mission of ensuring that every child in this community has a positive role model in their life. I have also recently started the process of launching a new women’s networking group in the area. Hailing from California, The W Source will be the first chapter not only in Baton Rouge, but in the state of Louisiana. Our goal and mission is to support and expand female professionals’ networks to further their businesses.
I have also recently accepted the role of vice president for the You Aren’t Alone Project, founded by BRAC Ambassador Chelsea Borruano. I am very excited to be involved and support this cause to bring more awareness to mental health wellness in our region.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
BRAC has provided me with so many opportunities to cultivate relationships, both personally and professionally. It affords me the opportunity to stay informed and involved with what is happening in the Baton Rouge Area.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
In the words of Nike, “Just do it!” BRAC has so many great resources and opportunities for investors to become involved. There are different events and committees to participate in that make a larger organization feel like family. No matter what industry you’re in, you will benefit.
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
I would love to see a shift and growth in small businesses and retaining our local talent. I am constantly impressed when I read about our local entrepreneurs and the accomplishments of the Baton Rouge 40 Under 40. I believe that we need to focus on reaching the younger generation in order to ensure our local talent will invest back into our community.
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
I am very excited for the Baton Rouge Health District and the moves that are being made in the medical community. I recently toured Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and learned about the Gamma Knife Icon device they are using to treat patients and how they are one of the first treatment centers in the country to use this technology. That along with seeing Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital open has been very exciting to witness. These changes are instrumental in serving the Capital Region and I’m looking forward to seeing the Health District plans come to life.
BRAC’s Ambassador Program is designed to allow company representatives to actively build relationships with BRAC investors and business leaders while serving as advocates of BRAC’s work.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these ambassadors in the Ambassador Spotlight. To learn more about the Ambassador Program visit the program page here.