Meet Erinn Sala
Occupation: Marketing Manager
Organization: Perkins Rowe
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
My mom and dad! Jokes aside, I am a proud Baton Rouge native. Whether it’s the strong sense of community or the mouthwatering cuisine, this city is known to bring a little extra lagniappe to the table! Trust me, I’ve moved 14 times… all within city limits!
Tell us more about how you’re involved in Baton Rouge.
Professionally speaking, I serve as the marketing manager for Perkins Rowe, which entails cultivating relationships with current and prospective community partners, curating the property’s events, planning our social media content calendar and so much more!
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me promoting Forum 35’s extensive opportunities for young professionals in the Capital City. Whether you’re new to town or simply looking to expand your network, this organization is for you. From socials to philanthropic service events and wine tastings to 5Ks, you’re sure to find your niche!
What is your favorite thing about Baton Rouge?
Hands down, the community – Can I get a mic drop?
In all seriousness, I have more pride in this city’s sense of community and hospitality than all our accolades combined. It brings me such joy and hope to see our community come together in times of need without hesitation.
What is your dream for Baton Rouge?
My vision for Baton Rouge is that we continue to understand and cultivate our unique footprint and actively portray it to locals and visitors alike. The Capital City exemplifies more than just its geographic location between the Cajun and creole communities of Lafayette and New Orleans. Whether you’re a foodie, fashion blogger, artisan, engineer, runner, or political activist – Baton Rouge encompasses it all! Talk about a diverse and welcoming community, am I right? Each and every one of these caters to the uniqueness of the city and helps shape our inimitable identity – how cool!
How are young professionals like yourself shaping Baton Rouge?
Oh gosh, this city thrives off of movers and shakers! The better question might be, how aren’t we? These exemplary role models are doing it all! Whether they’re planning the next BRunchFest or bringing people Around the Table to mix and mingle, young professionals are present in every facet of this community. If you don’t believe me, just check out the latest Hunks in Heels lineup or Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40!
What would you say to someone considering a move to Baton Rouge?
I’ve been there! Not literally speaking as I’ve never left the Baton Rouge Area, but theoretically. Growing up, I was ready to shift my roots… If you know me, you know I had high aspirations and plans to attend a rival university of LSU, and I was crushed when my preconceived plan took an alternate route. But that’s the beauty of life, right? Sometimes we can’t see what’s right in front of us until it smacks us in the face. And my good ole Baton Rouge did just that!
Staying in Baton Rouge and being able to make the transition from young adult to collegiate and then to a young professional in the business community has been my proudest and most humbling decision. I can’t think of another location that encompasses so much professional opportunity, southern hospitality, eclectic culture, mouthwatering cuisine and more.
If you ask me now, it wouldn’t even be a choice. So, book your plane ticket or drive on over, you can bet somebody will be here to greet you with a warm smile and a plate of food!
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
- Place to eat: Ahh, that pot roast and carrot soufflé at Bistro Byronz gets me every time! Or a frozen Moscow mule at The Overpass Merchant. I’m also not opposed to throwing on some leggings and eating my way through Sushi Masa’s all-you-can-eat menu…
- Place to hang out: Hands down, Magpie Café! It’s my go-to for a work meeting or study date.
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: All biases aside, Perkins Rowe! If you haven’t seen our new painted walls, you have to come check it out and #ShowYourRowe! Swing by Bin 77 while you’re here and grab that perfect cocktail pic.
- Place to people watch: The university lakes! What better way to convince yourself to go take a stroll and get some steps in?
- Place to network: I highly recommend Leadership and Lattes to all my young professional women – or men – in the community. P.S. – It’s iced coffee in the gallons, not chocolate milk!
- Way to give back: Volunteering for Forum 35’s Reindeer Run 5K
- Event: Rock N Rowe! I love meeting all of our guests that attend the Perkins Rowe concert series each Thursday during the spring and fall. Dust off your lawn chairs, and join us for the next one!
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.