Meet Anna Schexnayder
Occupation: Business Development & Marketing
Organization: Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
I got involved with BRAC in March of 2019. My friend Laura Siu thought I would be a great fit since I am involved with many community initiatives, and I love to meet new people!
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge?
I joined HTB three years ago and immediately began focusing on marketing and business development within the firm. I help develop ambitious goals for young professionals in our firm and I have been on the YoPreaux committee, a Young Professional Group within our firm, which focuses on professional development, community service, networking and business development for more than 50 young professionals. I have been instrumental in introducing new events and opportunities for young professionals, upgrading our traditional events, as well as adding new flavor to internal gatherings.
I am a regular speaker on College and Career Development Day each year at a local high school on behalf of Southeastern Louisiana University, and this opportunity allows me to use my public relations background to educate students in my hometown. As a volunteer for Susan G. Komen Louisiana, I have strengthened my leadership skills and served this organization in various roles. I serve on several event committees and this year I chaired the Komen Perfectly Pink Survivors Luncheon.
I am committed to improving conditions for children in the foster care system by serving as a child advocate for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), in which I am assigned foster care cases to review on behalf of Louisiana Juvenile Court in Baton Rouge. I also sit on the Associates Board for City Year Baton Rouge, where I help plan events for youth, secure sponsorships, and develop initiatives for incoming Corp members. I also lend my support to the community through my involvement with American Heart Association, where I serve on the Pulse BR Steering Committee, and participate on the Advocacy Board. I am also a Board Member for Cow Island LIVE! Music Festival, where I sit as the Public Relations Director. Recently, I was selected as a 2020 Great Futures Gala Honoree, where I have pledged to raise $3,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Baton Rouge.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
BRAC is such a valuable tool to connect with business leaders and forge those relationships in the community. You meet so many people and it helps build that rapport. BRAC is such a great place to work with leaders on city initiatives and stay informed on what’s going on throughout the city.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
Jump right in! You never know who you will meet that will need your business services, or who you may work with down the road on community initiatives. You never know what community decisions you want to be a part of until you join and see what a difference you can make in Baton Rouge. It’s always great to have those connections no matter what line of business you are in. BRAC helps build that community recognition for everyone.
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
Addressing budget cuts across higher education. The benefits of higher education extend far beyond the classroom — they can lay a powerful foundation in civic engagement. Not only are citizens more likely to create change in their communities, they are also more likely to contribute to causes that matter to them. Costs are converging, threatening to narrow the promise of equal opportunity in our area when it comes to higher education. We have the chance to change course and turn this into an opportunity. To do so, the higher education community will have to get even more serious about its investment in education and equity. This will require self-evaluation on the part of higher education leaders, who will need to consider the extent and status of their institutions’ current commitments. We need to rethink our priorities and develop new problem-solving strategies for higher education to fulfill its longstanding obligation of meeting the country’s social and economic needs. Investments in education and equity will increase learning and graduation rates and in turn secure our region’s economic future.
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
The wonderful communities and areas in which to raise families, a welcoming business market for new businesses, a growing job market, and a local universities. 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.