Meet Chelsey Gonzales
Occupation: Business Operations Specialist
Organization: ITinspired
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
I first became involved with BRAC by attending monthly lunches and other workshops that BRAC offers. After graduating from LSU and starting my first professional job, I actively sought out professional development opportunities and BRAC offers so many!
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge?
Finding my way in Baton Rouge as a young professional started with ITinspired, an IT services and solutions company, where I work as a business operations specialist. As a Forum 35 member, I serve on the 2019 Barton Leadership Committee as the communications chair. I currently serve on the Annual Fundraising Committee for The Life of a Single Mom and the Annual Fund Campaign Committee for the LSU Museum of Art. I volunteer with Junior Achievement, and am a member of the La Capitale Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. I also regularly attend an incredible monthly networking event called Leadership & Lattes presented by Dima Ghawi. My favorite activity I recently participated in was the Plogging Olympics, where a large group of locals helped to clean up the litter around the Ogden Park area on Government Street.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
I stay involved with BRAC because this organization truly cares about Baton Rouge and its future. It is so refreshing to meet the many people who work for and with BRAC to make a positive change in our region. The diverse group of people who freely share their thoughts and ideas is the most valuable asset BRAC has to offer, and I love being a part of that group.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
How are you not an investor already?! BRAC has your back and is always fighting to make the region a better place to work, live, and play. Not only is being a BRAC investor a great opportunity for networking, it’s also a great place to access business knowledge and resources. Being a business owner is extremely challenging, and the talented BRAC staff is always available to help you find any resources you might need or help you make a connection. Their workshops and monthly lunches will keep you informed and up-to-date on everything you need to know from how to create an internship program to the new bike-share program coming to Baton Rouge. BRAC is a business’s best friend. You can’t afford not to be an investor!
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
The future of Baton Rouge is so bright! I see a thriving Capital City with bike lanes, functioning roadways, plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop. I see a city that takes care of its citizens, and a place where any person can come to thrive. We get there by continuing the work we are all doing now. I see us rising to this level of harmony by building on top of the strong foundation that BRAC and organizations like it are continuing to lay. We must all care about each other and work together, and I see that happening more and more every day.
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
I am personally very excited about the changes happening on Government Street. I appreciate the work that’s being done to reshape the area to get us all to slow down around that part of town. I cannot wait to feel safe biking to Elsie’s Plate & Pie or walking to the new Mid City Beer Garden when it opens. 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.