BRAC and Forum 225 are excited to welcome this dynamic list of speakers to the inaugural YP Summit: Bring It 225 on June 2. Learn more about each speaker below and register for the event at brac.org/ypsummit.
Kelsey Anderson
Kelsey Anderson is the Marketing Coordinator for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.
Before joining BRAC, Kelsey worked as the marketing manager for Aramark at Southern University and A & M College putting on student engagement events and coordinating with the university’s administration to better serve the student body.
Kelsey earned a BS in Marketing from Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business. In her spare time, she likes to try takeout from new restaurants around town and spend way too much money online shopping.
Kelsey Anderson BRAC
Joseph J. Cefalu
Joseph J. Cefalu is a partner practicing in the Casualty Litigation section of the Baton Rouge office and is also a member of the firm’s recruiting committee. Joseph attended Louisiana State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in the field of accounting. He then graduated cum laude from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University with a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law. Joseph was also a member of the Louisiana Law Review. He primarily practices in the areas of casualty litigation, tort and insurance defense, and workers' compensation defense on behalf of employers, insurers, and self-insured funds. Joseph also has experience in defending trucking and premises liability cases, lease disputes, interdictions, judicial commitments, successions, business disputes and class actions.
Joseph J. Cefalu Club Blue
Mike Edwards
Mike Edwards is the Director of Aviation at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, where he has served in this capacity since 2018. Since he was appointed BTR’s Director by the East Baton Rouge Metro Council, Mike has secured over $93 million in Federal and State funding for Capital Improvements at the airport and has successfully led many projects aiding its development and continued growth. A licensed pilot, Mike has over 14 years of experience in airport management and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Aviation Management from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s of Homeland Security from Tulane University. Mike and his wife, Courtney, have been happily married for 8 years and have two beautiful children, Ava and Abraham.
Mike Edwards Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
Leslie Blanchard
Dr. Leslie Blanchard is a teacher and veteran educator with more than 25 years of teaching, counseling, advising, and developing the leaders of the future. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Development Institute at Louisiana State University.
From 1996 to 2008, Blanchard worked exclusively in the K-12 world. As a classroom English and Secondary Science teacher, she was both a school and district level teacher of the year, as well as the Louisiana recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching given by President George W. Bush in 2003. She is also a talented grant writer who has procured more than $13 million in state and federal funding for her schools.
Dr. Blanchard transitioned to LSU in 2009 where she served as the Operations Manager for the Masters of Natural Sciences degree in the Cain Center for STEM Literacy for 5 years. She subsequently assumed the role of Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture in 2013 where she served for another five years.
Dr. Blanchard accepted the position as Executive Director of the LDI in August of 2018. She has directed her efforts toward reducing burnout and turnover, increasing retention, and stress management through improving leadership at all levels of organizations. Dr. Blanchard’s research focus is in the areas of leadership development and evaluation across all workforce areas, and she is the author and creator of the LADDER framework. Dr. Blanchard has developed and taught leadership courses at the undergraduate and graduate level for the past ten years influencing thousands of students and one Heisman trophy winning National Championship Quarterback who completed three of her leadership courses. Her passion is to “develop the people that develop people,” and she hopes that her efforts to cultivate great leaders in the workforce will have a positive lasting impact on the communities that LSU serves.
Leslie Blanchard LSU Leadership Development Institute
Renee Chatelain
Renee Chatelain is a graduate of Louisiana State University, holding both a B.A. Degree in History and a Juris Doctor. She is President/CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Renee began her career as a professional dancer and has been a guest teacher for Iceland Dance Theater, Cornell University, among others. She has been a speaker at the Women in Dance Conference and at the Ballet Festival of India in Mumbai. She serves on the National Advisory Board of the American Mural Project, Private Sector Council of Americans for the Arts, Women in Dance Conference, and multiple local boards. She has served as Executive Director of Manship Theatre and founded dance programs for two independent schools in Baton Rouge.
Renee is a recipient of the John W. Barton, Sr. Award for Excellence in Non-profit Management, and has been recognized by the Louisiana State Senate for her contribution to African Americans in Louisiana through the Arts. Most recently, Renee received the Milestone Award from the National Guild for Community Arts Education.
Renee considers her passion project the creation and staging of The Fading Line: A Commemoration of the 1953 Baton Rouge Bus Boycott and is grateful to all of those who know the importance of supporting and advocating for the arts.
Renee Chatelain Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia is a Baton Rouge-based wedding and portrait photographer. He opened Geauxgarcia Photography in 2016, and since then has had the honor of photographing nearly 150 weddings and countless graduates, families, professionals, and other events. Prior to opening the business, Eric earned his Bachelor's degree in Marketing followed by his MBA, both from LSU. Originally from Houma, LA, he has enjoyed cultivating a career in photography in Baton Rouge, and looks forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.
Eric Garcia Geauxgarcia Photography
Matt Callac
In his high school days back in ’96
Matt made a bunch of video flicks.
In broadcasting class he learned all the skills
that he’d one day use to pay all his bills.
At LSU he won awards for video talent
and earning 3 degrees wasn’t even a challenge.
While in NYC with a media fellowship
when he fell in love with creative development
while working on TV ads for Topps Push Pop…
…Fast forward 10 years and he’s got his own shop.
At elbow/room he comes up with creative solutions
for the complex problems at his client’s institutions.
Awards are a thing and he’s got more than a few…
“That’s nice,” you think, “but what does he actually do?”
He mostly creates explainer videos and ad campaigns
Though … he can inject creativity into anythangs.
Sorry, that last rhyme was a stretch… it should just say anything.
Matt Callac elbow/room
Sherin Dawud
Sherin is a social impact strategist with a passion for people. With a background in health and growing up in poverty, she has managed to create an organization that addresses the two. Power Pump Girls was founded with her best friend, Raina Vallot to address menstrual health and provide products to those in need. Her whole life she has not only believed in making the big jump, she has actually done it time and time again. Sherin is known for dreaming big and pouring into others as a way to fulfil her life’s mission of helping others create a life they truly desire. She wants to live in a world full of mpowered women, creative thinkers, and a world where everyone leads with love. While being recognized by her community feels amazing, it’s the work that no one sees that truly keeps her going every single day.
Sherin Dawud Power Pump Girls, Inc
Sarah Gardner
Sarah is project manager of civic leadership initiatives at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, a 501(c)3 community foundation that has grown to more than $700 million in managed assets since its founding in 1964. Her current projects include management of public art restoration and supporting the expansion of autism resources through the Capital Area Autism Network and Exceptional Lives Louisiana. Sarah also supports the work of her teammates in restoring the LSU Lakes, establishing passenger rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and safely reducing the prison population.
She joined the Foundation in 2017 after graduating with an MBA from LSU, specializing in international business, human resources, and management consulting. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2013 where she studied entrepreneurship.
When not working with the Foundation, Sarah runs Batch Baking Company as Founder and Lead Baker. Founded in November of 2018, Batch’s signature King Cakes and Browned Butter Blueberry Muffins grabbed a foothold in the Baton Rouge food scene. Consequently, Batch made the Best of 225 ballot as Best Bakery in 2020 and 2021, indicating it was viewed as one of the top 10 bakeries in the greater Baton Rouge Area each year. Furthermore, Batch was the only bakery to achieve this designation without a brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and one of only two in 2021.
Sarah is a member of the 2021 class of Baton Rouge Forty Under 40, the 2020 class of Leadership Baton Rouge, the 2017 class of Barton Leadership, and was named Best Speaker at the 2016 SEC MBA Case Competition.
Sarah Gardner Baton Rouge Area Foundation
RACHEL CARROCIO
Rachel Carroccio is a Human Resources executive with extensive experience in talent acquisition and management, compensation and benefits, performance management, and human capital management. Rachel serves as a valuable member of Emergent Method’s operational leadership team and is responsible for leading and executing all human resources initiatives for Emergent Method and Emergent Talent through her role as Managing Director. In addition to leading internal HR and talent management for a team of nearly 200 employees, Rachel works with clients to lead executive searches, talent recruitment, and outsourced HR functions for the region’s most well-known public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Before joining Emergent Method in May 2019, Rachel served in several key management positions with some of Louisiana’s leading organizations in both the public and private sectors. She is a graduate of Millsaps College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in economics, and Louisiana State University, where she received her Master of Science in finance.
RACHEL CARROCIO EMERGENT METHOD
Eric Dexter
Eric Dexter is the director of business development for Civil Solutions Consulting Group, a locally owned civil engineering and surveying firm. For the past 7 years, Eric has led the company’s marketing and business development initiatives while managing new and existing client relationships. As a volunteer, he serves on several nonprofit boards whose focus range from education and economic development to the arts and social good. His community involvement has been noted by the Baton Rouge Business Report as a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2015; as LABI’s 2016 Young Businessperson Free Enterprise Champion; and as a 2017 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge Great Futures Gala honoree. Originally from Alexandria, La., Eric received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University, where he majored in Business Administration and minored in Marketing.
Eric Dexter Civil Solutions
Anna Gasperecz
Anna has been with Visit Baton Rouge for three years this July and serves as Destination Experience Manager. She assists with a variety of tasks including: conference/convention experiences for attendees/meeting planners, partner/vendor referrals, client gifts, scheduling agent for riverboats docking at the city dock, and supervisor of part-time staff who work at the Visit Baton Rouge Visitor Centers.
Anna Gasperecz Visit Baton Rouge
Erin Fulbright
Erin Fulbright is the executive director of the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies at Cal State Long Beach and her master’s degree in Mass Communication from Southern University and A&M College. With 10 years of experience in public relations, non-profits, and event management, Erin has worked as the Media Specialist for Southern University’s Communication office, served as the Program Manager and Marketing Coordinator in a dual role within the Southern University System Foundation and Alumni Federation and the Assistant Director of communications in the office of Communication for the Baton Rouge campus and SU System. Following her time at Southern University, Erin worked in the digital media department at WAFB Channel 9 News and as the Recruitment Coordinator for Capital Area CASA Association.
Erin Fulbright Junior League Baton Rouge
Darrell Johnson
A native of New Orleans, Darrell L. Johnson, Jr. serves as Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Programs at BRAC. In this role, Darrell leads BRAC’s diversity and inclusion initiatives through providing business services, advancing corporate and workplace diversity initiatives, and pushing for reinvestment and redevelopment of underserved areas through the efforts of BRAC’s business development and quality of place teams.
Prior to this role, Darrell has worked within the live event entertainment industry managing new and existing relationships with major stakeholders for the ESSENCE Festival®, such as AT&T, National Urban League, Walmart, Verizon and others. He later worked within the city of New Orleans tourism industry, with the most notable project being the 2017 NBA All-Star Supplier Diversity Program – which focused on creating opportunities for local minority and women-owned businesses to participate in NBA All Star 2017 as suppliers of required goods and services.
Darrell later joined Louisiana Economic Development’s Small Business Services team where he was responsible for repositioning Louisiana as one of the best places to start, grow, and sustain a business, and supporting and growing the LED Growth Network – an alumni network of over 500 Louisiana based small businesses, employing over 15,500 FTEs and representing over $3.3 Billion in annual sales.
Darrell received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern University and A&M College and earned a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University.
Darrell Johnson BRAC
Adam Knapp
Adam was named president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber in April 2008. A native of Lake Charles, LA, he previously served as the deputy director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Knapp was a key figure in the creation of the entity, which is designed to facilitate the state’s recovery efforts in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to his LRA tenure, he served as economic development advisor to two governors and the policy director for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). At LED, he managed the department’s economic policy initiatives, such as workforce development reform, entrepreneurial development, and risk capital accessibility. He directed the development and advancement of state legislative priorities, including the creation and refinement of important economic incentives, such as the Angel Investor Incentive, the Research and Development Tax Credit, the Film Investor Tax Credits, and the Quality Jobs Program. Under Governors Foster and Blanco, Knapp worked on economic policy and was also a vital part of the team that successfully recruited or retained such companies as Union Tank Car, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, and Albemarle Corporation, among others. Prior to state government, he worked for Accenture, one of the world’s premier technology and management consultancy firms, as an emerging technology consultant. Knapp graduated from Davidson College in 1996 and also studied at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Julius-Maximilians Universität in Würzburg, Germany.
Adam Knapp BRAC
Camille Manning-Broome
Camille Manning-Broome is the President and CEO of the Center for Planning Excellence, a nonprofit that delivers visionary plans, model land use tools, and policy guidance to the state of Louisiana and its local governments. Camille’s leadership on issues around climate adaptation, climate-induced migration, people-first infrastructure, and resident-led community planning has contributed to the transformation of cities, towns and parishes throughout Louisiana, and her expertise is sought out by peers across the globe. She has been instrumental in developing a whole-of-government framework for integrating climate data and risk management into state decision making. Her collaborations with international partners have placed Louisiana in the center of the conversation around climate change issues, promoting a bold, inclusive, and sustainable vision for the future while ensuring Louisiana maintains its unique strengths. Through her work, Camille prioritizes resilience, equity, and preservation of cultural and social ties for all residents, with emphasis on populations facing challenges associated with historical disinvestment, land loss, and changing climate conditions.
Camille works with CPEX’s multidisciplinary team to provide data-driven, community-informed assistance to actors seeking to make thoughtful decisions about future development. Under her leadership, CPEX has leveraged significant federal, state and local resources and produced comprehensive plans, model land-use tools, and implementation strategies for more than 50 Louisiana communities, advancing CPEX’s ultimate mission: to bring people and planning together to make great places.
Camille’s prior career experience includes work in nonprofit, private, and government sectors. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, she was among the first planners on the ground, working across 36 parishes to develop the Louisiana Speaks regional plan. She served as Assistant Deputy of Operations for FEMA’s Long-Term Community Recovery group and was later recruited to the Shaw Group where she co-authored Louisiana’s first Coastal Master Plan. She has attended Congressional delegation trips to the Netherlands, Japan, and the UK to study water and disaster management. She most recently was part of the Governor of Louisiana’s delegation participating in the U.N. Conference of the Parties 26 in Scotland.
Camille serves on the Board of Directors for Smart Growth America, Center for Planning Excellence, Helix Aviation Academy, and Helix Legal Academy. She has been published in a number of scientific journals and national publications, adding to the body of work at the intersection of climate resilience and adaptation planning. Camille has a B.A. in Art History and a M.S. in Environmental Sciences from the College of the Coast and Environment at Louisiana State University.
Camille Manning-Broome Center for Planning Excellence
Norisha Kirts Glover
As President of NRK Construction, LLC, Norisha Kirts Glover is a proven leader with operations, project management, and business development skills that have led to the successful completion of projects on schedule and budget. Under her leadership, NRK Construction has quickly grown to become a trusted and respected contractor. Norisha holds a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in public administration both from Louisiana State University. Norisha uses her passion for education and health care to support the strategic activities of several organizations. Because of her knowledge of K-12, higher education and construction industries, Norisha has been appointed to the Louisiana Workforce Investment Commission, Louisiana Economic Development Corporation, and the BESE Accountability Commission. She is also a board member of Currency Bank, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge Zoo. Norisha has been recognized for her success by participation in CABL’s Leadership Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Baton Rouge, Goldman’s Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, the Baton Rouge Business Report Top Forty Under 40 and Influential Women in Business. In her spare time, Norisha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and traveling.
Norisha Kirts Glover NRK Construction
Adrian Jones
Adrian is the Chief Growth Officer at ThreeSixtyEight, an internationally networked creative agency based right here in Baton Rouge. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive who helps organizations catalyze growth and scale by strategically leveraging data, technology and talent. Prior to joining ThreeSixtyEight, Adrian served as the AVP for Advancement Services at the LSU Foundation where she worked to build the operations that led LSU to successfully launch their record setting $1.5B campaign. Adrian became a data junkie through a non-traditional path- she developed her data analysis and dashboarding skills as a world-ranked player on the bleeding edge of World of Warcraft. She loves developing teams and is a Gallup-Certified StrengthsCoach™. As a volunteer, Adrian serves on the Board of the Junior League of Baton Rouge as the Vice President for Training and Organizational Development, and on the PAC board for Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, an organization dedicated to improving K-12 education in the city. She is a Boys & Girls Club of Baton Rouge Club Blue Ambassador and e-Mentor. Adrian also serves as a mentor through the national network Early Career Women’s Collective, and is an Executive Committee member of She Runs It, an organization focused on developing women leaders in marketing and advertising.
Adrian Jones ThreeSixtyEight
Liz Koh
Liz Koh is a proud second-generation Korean-American and Midwest native. Liz moved to Baton Rouge from Lake Charles just before the August 2016 flood to be Channel 9's live morning show reporter. During WAFB's continuous flood coverage in the days and weeks to come, she met many viewers who showed strength, empathy and the willingness to help others in a time of need. Since then Baton Rouge has become home to her. In October 2020, Liz moved into a co-anchor role on 9News This Morning. Liz also reports on money matters and consumer issues. Liz is involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, Mid City Makers Market and previously the Gardere Initiative.
Liz Koh 9 News This Morning
Ethan Melancon
Ethan J. Melancon is the Director of Government Affairs for the Louisiana Department of Education. In that role, he serves as the staff lead for all legislative and policy strategy for the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). He also serves as an advisor to the State Superintendent of Education to advance the agency's goals and priorities. Ethan serves as the President of Forum 225, Baton Rouge’s largest young professional organization, and serves on the Public Affairs Research Council's Future Leaders Council. Ethan was recently named one of the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s 2021 Forty under 40 class members.
Ethan is a native of Thibodaux, La and resides in the Historic Spanish Town neighborhood of Baton Rouge with his partner, Josh. He is an avid antique collector and an advocate for Louisiana cultural heritage sites. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Public Administration at Louisiana State University.
Ethan Melancon Louisiana Department of Education
Josh Howard
As chief of staff, Josh oversees BRYC’s student affairs, all BRYC-wide events and culture initiatives, and drives BRYC’s communications strategy. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Josh graduated with a bachelor’s in mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish from LSU. Before joining BRYC, Josh was a serial entrepreneur. He launched two companies—2BRokeGuys, a lifestyle agency that supported nonprofits, and JWH LLC, a communications consulting group he still operates. In 2016 Josh was named one of the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s Top Forty Under 40, and in 2021, Josh was recognized by the American Advertising Federation as a Mosaic Champion for his work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in advertising. Josh enjoys working out, spending time with family, and drinking coffee.
Josh Howard BRYC
Dr. Sanjay Juneja
Dr. Sanjay Juneja is a triple board certified Hematologist & Medical Oncologist serving as Chief of Oncology Service at Baton Rouge General Hospital, a social & news media personality known as the 'TheOncDoc' with over half a million followers, and one of fifteen social media doctors appointed by the White House serving on their Healthcare Leaders in Social Media Round Table. He hosts an innovative podcast called 'Target: Cancer' with reknown guests around the country, and has been featured by The Washington Post as well as dozens of national podcasts and regional news channels (PBS, CBS, NBC, NPR), and given keynote speeches and partnered with American Cancer Society, BeTheMatch, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Harvard University, Louisiana Department of Health and several others. He is a Business Report's 40 under 40 recipient from his hometown of Baton Rouge, where he returned after his medical training with his wife and three kids, and passionately believes that with health education comes empowerment and advocacy.
Dr. Sanjay Juneja Baton Rouge General Hospital
Dustin LaFont
Dustin LaFont is the proud Executive Director of Front Yard Bikes, a youth workforce development program providing safe spaces for youth to learn bike mechanics, welding, urban gardening, cooking, riding safety, and providing after school jobs.
Dustin first began repairing bikes with a few kids on his front yard in the summer of 2010 but as demand grew the community rallied behind the project. Through the years, FYB has included over 2000 youth and even more bikes. With 2 after school sites and a full-service bike shop in Mid City, FYB has become the largest community bike shop in the state and hopes to do even more with the amazing youth that champion the good work.
Prior to FYB, Dustin attended LSU, where he attained a Bachelor’s degree in History and Masters in Teaching. He has been awarded the Barton Rising Star award, Baton Rouge Business Report 40 under 40, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel award, and received the Dorothy Richardson Award for community leadership in Chicago. The first time he shared the FYB story was at TEDxLSU in 2014. Most importantly, he’s a father of three and credits his wife, community, and faith for all his success.
Dustin LaFont Front Yard Bikes
Emanuel “Boo” Milton
Emanuel “Boo" Milton is a powerful public speaker, community impact strategist, and electrifies spaces as a youth advocate. Known as a connector, Boo is an innovator that has put his ability to mobilize communities at the forefront of his leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Cure with Love Strategies, LLC, his activism has received recognition from The Obama Foundation, national media attention from Live with Kelly and Ryan, and worked with social media giant, Meta (formally known as Facebook). Boo held the #1 Nielsen-rated show in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana market while studying music at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. He amplifies the needs of the communities he works with, uplifts brands with creative launch initiatives, and mentors the leaders of tomorrow. Boo currently serves on the Advisory Board for Cities United, steering national conversations around violence reduction among young black males through youth-adult partnerships and youth voice.
Emanuel “Boo” Milton Cure with Love Strategies
Ted James
As Region VI Administrator, Ted James will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s South Central region, serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Mr. James’ passion for leadership is driven by a deeply held desire to impact the lives of others while transforming his community. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he was taught at an early age the value of service, the strength of community, the importance of a quality education, and the principles of social justice. Mr. James earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southern University A & M College and obtained his Juris Doctorate with honors from the Southern University Law Center. In November of 2011, Mr. James was elected to serve as State Representative for Louisiana’s 101st House District and immediately emerged as a leader in the Legislature. During his three terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives, he served as Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee and Chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Outside of the Louisiana State Legislature, Mr. James is an attorney and past director of the Baton Rouge office of the Urban League of Louisiana.
Ted James U. S. Small Business Administration
Anthony Kimble
Anthony Kimble is a recognized leader in the Baton Rouge community and is the founder and managing partner of Kimble Properties LLC, a privately held real estate investment and development company. In addition to his role at Kimble Properties, Mr. Kimble is an avid mentor in his own youth basketball program, a serial entrepreneur, and a dedicated social activist. Mr. Kimble was born and raised in Baton Rouge and attended Stanford University, where he was a Science, Technology, and Systems major, as well as a member of the varsity football team. His primary objective is to teach the value of wealth building, property ownership, and financial literacy to individuals in the communities he grew up in, which have historically been disadvantaged.
Through his work in the real estate community, Mr. Kimble seeks to expose the youth in these neighborhoods to the value of entrepreneurship and the power of owning property. Moreover, Mr. Kimble places a major emphasis on sustainable design and repurposing, as he believes that every historical property has a story to tell. His interests in urban sustainability prompted him to pursue a master’s degree in sustainable real estate development from Tulane University and have propelled the company’s efforts in promoting sustainable living and ecologically friendly practices.
Anthony Kimble Kimble Properties
Tyler Litt
Tyler Litt is a Baton Rouge native and serves as the Senior Director of Equity & Community Investment at New Schools for Baton Rouge. In this role, she partners with various stakeholders---schools (leaders, educators, and students), nonprofit and community organizations, and families—to increase access to quality and equitable education for all students. With roots grounded in and a deep love for Baton Rouge, she is passionate about driving and impacting positive change within Baton Rouge’s educational landscape.
Tyler serves as President-Elect of Forum 225 and President of Urban League of Louisiana's Young Professionals; is a member of Leadership Baton Rouge Class of 2022 and Public Affairs Research Council's Future Leaders Council; and serves as a board member for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce, Corporate Internship Leadership Institute (CILI), and Urban League of Louisiana. Tyler holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Loyola University - New Orleans and is a graduate of Georgetown University's Business for Impact. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family (notably, her god-twins), thrifting, and eating crawfish.
Tyler Litt New Schools for Baton Rouge
Roland Mitchell
Roland Mitchell is the E.B. “Ted” Robert Endowed Professor and Dean of the College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) at Louisiana State University. Dr. Mitchell’s research theorizes the impact of historical and communal knowledge on postsecondary education. He has authored 7 books and numerous scholarly works. His coedited Crisis of Campus Sexual Violence, was awarded an Outstanding Academic Titles (OAT) award and was highlighted on the Top 25 Favorites list of the Choice editors. He is coeditor of the Rowman & Littlefield book series Race and Education in the 21st Century. Based on his scholarly record and related activity Roland earned a LSU Distinguished Faculty Award, was named Jo Ellen Levy Yates Endowed Professor, and was selected as a SEC Academic Development Fellow.
Roland has a deep passion for impactful community service as evidenced through his membership on the advisory boards of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Campus Federal Credit Union, and the Louisiana Governor’s Taskforce on Community Policing and Reform. He received the David A. Kahn Award for Exemplary Service from the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition for his ongoing service at meeting the educational needs of underrepresented populations.
Roland has a B.A. in History from Fisk University, a M.Ed. in Higher Education from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Research from The University of Alabama. Roland is married to Dr. Chaunda Allen Mitchell, the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Director of Drug Policy for the Office of Governor John Bel Edwards. They have a 23 year old son, Brandon David Lewis and a 4 year old daughter, Faith Alaina Mitchell who are the joys of their lives.
Roland Mitchell Louisiana State University
Kenny Nguyen
Kenny Nguyen is the CEO/Co-Founder of ThreeSixtyEight, a creative agency whose mission is to challenge common thinking to create an uncommon future. Since its inception, the agency has helped underdogs advance their causes through uncommon interactive experiences. Through the success of the agency’s work, ThreeSixtyEight aims to help the perception of their hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a city known for the underdog, become known as the creative epicenter of the south. The company has been featured as a 2x nominee on the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies, 2x nominee on Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies, and 5x nominee on Baton Rouge's Best Places to Work. Kenny himself has been nominated for Forbes 30u30 Marketing + Advertising List and Baton Rouge Business Report's Young Business of the Year 2019.
Prior to ThreeSixtyEight, Kenny co-founded Big Fish Presentations, a company that focused on ridding the world of boring presentations through high-quality presentation design, presentation coaching, and speechwriting.
During his time at Big Fish Presentations, he co-authored the McGraw-Hill published book The Big Fish Experience: Create Memorable Presentations That Reel in Your Audience, now published in three different languages.
Outside his agency, he is an investor in Soji: Modern Asian restaurant, frequent speaker, and advocate for Asian American Pacific Islander professionals looking to find their voice in leadership.
He also serves on the C100 (Louisiana's business roundtable), the US Chamber’s Small Business Council, and supports STARS (workers stilled through alternative routes) as an advisory council member of Opportunity@Work.
Kenny Nguyen Three Sixty Eight
Courtney M. Scott
Courtney M. Scott is a social impact strategist, culture curator, and storyteller. The hustle and innovation Courtney brings to projects and initiatives designed to move the needle of progress.
She is currently an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the Office of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. Her portfolio of service includes Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Office of Community Development, Youth Opportunities, and Safe, Hopeful, Healthy BR, a collective impact framework designed to address complex social conditions in urban communities.
Prior to her time in the Broome Administration, Scott work spanned from her serial entrepreneurial efforts as a strategist in the government, education, and community development sector, and a local radio host with Cumulus Media.
While she was not born and raised in the Baton Rouge community, the Baton Rouge Magnet High and Southern University Mass Communication alum, has spent the last 20+ years finding hidden gems of opportunities for community impact and service for East Baton Rouge Parish. Her passion for seeking out bold ideas and collaborating to see them through fits perfectly into her “ be the change mentality” rooted in the personal manifesto that belief, skill and will are the driving force behind making the “ impossible” possible.
While her personal and professional experiences vary, they all boil down to ensuring that everyone has the tools, resources, and pathways to succeed.
Courtney M. Scott East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office
Erin Palmintier-Pou
I am a big proponent of building confidence in people and spreading the passion to truly love what you do each day. I have worked in the media industry for 25 years. Before 225, I was the Advertising Director for the Louisiana Press Association. Because of my passion for journalism, I led the charge for growth by developing programs for local newspapers to monetize digital content by creating a statewide advertising network. I also consulted publishers on the importance of moving toward a digital first approach. I received the LPA President’s Award in 2006 and 2018. Also, during this time, I worked closely with the Louisiana tourism sector on developing new marketing initiatives. I was awarded the 2011 Louey Award by the Louisiana Travel Association and former Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne. Today, I am focused on consulting local businesses on the evolution of marketing and developing key marketing opportunities to help our advertisers grow. My goal is to build a robust digital marketing department to compliment our core media products. I enjoy coaching and working closely with my team of advertising sales reps daily. On a personal note, I have five wonderful children, Bella 17 (SJA Junior), Walker 15 (Catholic High Freshman), Kate 14 (SJA Freshman), Grant 13 (SAS 7th grade) and Reise 11 (SAS 4th grade). I have 3 dogs – 2 labs and one rescue mutt. My favorite things to do outside of the office include spending time with my husband and kids hunting, hiking, skiing, and trying new restaurants.
Erin Palmintier-Pou 225 Magazine
Liz Smith
As the Alliance’s CSO, Liz Smith manages the organization’s strategy, staff, and operations. Liz has extensive experience in advocacy, research, and project management developed over a decade-long career in public policy and governmental affairs. Liz honed her skills as the Senior Vice President for Economic Competitiveness at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, where she oversaw the organization’s policy, research, and advocacy activity. She came to BRAC after 5 years as the Research Director for SCI, a Baton Rouge marketing research company, where she ran public opinion polls, electoral focus groups, and jury research..
Liz serves as a board member for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, as the Secretary for the BASIS Baton Rouge board of directors, and as a Louisiana Senate President appointee to the state’s Early Childhood Care and Education Commission. She has previously served on the board of directors for Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni, the Up Alliance, Volunteers in Public Schools, LA Workforce Development Board 21, and the Baton Rouge Family and Youth Services Center.
In 2016, Liz was named one of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty under 40 and is a member of the 2014 class of Leadership Baton Rouge. She has received awards from the Louisiana STEM Expo and the Louisiana Association of Business Educators for driving business support of public schools. Liz is also an Education Attainment Fellow of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Liz earned her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Riverside. She holds a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Civil Law from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert School of Law. She is the proud wife of William, an engineer, and mother of Ethan, a Baton Rouge public school student. Raised in California, Liz is a Louisiana native who boomeranged back home in 2005.
Liz Smith Baton Rouge Alliance for Students
Marlee Pittman
Marlee Pittman City of Baton Rouge
Mary Stein
Carl has served in a number of positions in Louisiana Government: Legislative Assistant (1979); staff member, Acadiana Delegation (1980); Executive Assistant to the Secretary of State (1981-84); Executive Assistant to the Governor (1984-1988) and Undersecretary of State (1988).
From June, 1989-October, 2003, Carl was Executive Director of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2002, the Food Bank received the Hunger’s Hope Award for “Excellence in Food Rescue”. This national recognition was bestowed by America’s Second Harvest and is the highest honor granted in this category of hunger relief activities.
Since January, 2004, Carl has been serving as Executive Director of the BREC Foundation. The mission of the BREC Foundation is to support the Recreation and Park Commission in its efforts to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish through the conservation and preservation of green spaces, recreational programs and park facilities.
Carl Stages BREC
Sage Roberts
Sage is a Baton Rouge native, and a graduate of University High School and the University of Georgia.
Before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2016, Sage served as a member of the Baton Rouge Green Board of Directors for 6 years, including 2 years as Board President. She has a long history working with a variety of non-profit organizations.
Sage lives in the Garden District with her husband, Cullen, and her son, Leland.
Her favorite tree is a Baldcypress.
Sage Roberts Baton Rouge Green
Mary Stein
A native of West Virginia, Mary has lived in Baton Rouge since her college days at LSU. Before entering the world of public libraries, she worked as a special collections librarian at New Mexico State University, and a reference librarian at LSU.
Mary joined the East Baton Rouge Parish Library in 1984 and worked for many years in the Adult and Teen Services departments. Mary became the Library's Assistant Director of Administrative Services in 2004, which means she works with public programming, community outreach, training, public relations, collection development and materials acquisition, grants, and the Digital Library. She also serves as the "Manager" of the Main Library.
Hi-lights from the last few years include presenting a TED talk at the first LSU-TEDx, being named one of BR’s Influential Women, chairing the Baton Rouge Bicentennial Committee, and participating in the design and construction of the Main Library at Goodwood and most recently, the beautiful new River Center Branch Library in downtown Baton Rouge.
Mary Stein East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Kaleb Talbot
Kaleb Talbot is a Retirement Plan Consultant in the Financial & Retirement Services practice area within Gallagher’s Benefits and HR Consulting division. Kaleb assists with the design, implementation, and investment monitoring of retirement plans; performing research and consulting on plan document reviews; compliance testing and other IRS and/or ERISA issues; and Fiduciary Risk Mitigation and process management.
Kaleb Talbot Gallagher
Dr. Melissa Thompson
Dr. Melissa Thompson is a consultant and coach at Success Labs with extensive experience in interpersonal communication, public speaking, and talent development. She works with individuals and companies to grow leaders, build teams, and drive results through great people strategy. In addition to her role at Success Labs, she also serves as an organizer and speaker coach for TEDxLSU since its inception in 2013 and is an adjunct faculty member in the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business. She holds a BA in Communication Studies from LSU and an MA and PhD in Communication Theory from the University of Memphis.
Dr. Melissa Thompson Success Labs
Tom Tielbur
Tom Tielbur is an Area Vice President in the Financial & Retirement Services practice area within Gallagher’s Benefits and HR Consulting division. Tom supports his clients with the design, implementation, benchmarking, and investment monitoring of qualified retirement plans.
Tom Tielbur Gallagher
Raina Vallot
Raina is a social impact entrepreneur with an affinity for storytelling and intentional gatherings. She moved from her hometown of Lafayette to Baton Rouge, LA to attend LSU and pursue a degree in Kinesiology. Upon graduating in 2015, she started her first in a series of start-up ventures with her business partner, Sherin Dawud. In 2017, she co-founded Power Pump Girls, Inc. (PPG), a social impact club that empowers women to connect and serve. In 2018, PPG launched the equity initiative, secured., to provide period resources and education to those in need while eliminating the stigma of menstruation.
Raina is driven by values of collaboration and service to others. She appreciates unconventionality and loves surrounding herself with dreamers. When she’s not at work with PPG, you can find Raina spending quality time with friends and family or on a road trip. A few of Raina's favorite things include poetry, spicy food, concerts and Sunday naps.
Raina Vallot Power Pump Girls, Inc.
Erin Wheeler
With more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Wheeler has leveraged her knowledge of STEM, cognitive science, student development, entrepreneurship, and leadership to help institutions holistically improve college completion rates. She is the Executive Director of College Beyond, a non-profit that provides free success coaching and microgrants to students from under-resourced communities to help them complete college. She is a social entrepreneur, author, productivity/leadership coach, and podcast host. You can find her most recent book, Live Wiser: The Ultimate Guide to Adulting Post-Grad on any online platform.
Dr. Erin Wheeler College Beyond
Latoria Williams
Latoria Williams is a Certified Career Coach and an experienced Learning & Development Expert with a demonstrated history of working in the professional and financial industry for over 14 years. Her background includes training delivery, instructional design, managing learning programs, interpersonal skills, and coaching. She is an alumna of Southern University and A&M College. Latoria has served as the VP of Technology and VP of Marketing & Communications for the Association of Talent Development – Baton Rouge Chapter (ATDBR), Leadership Advisory Council (ATDBR) and is a member of Junior League of Baton Rouge. In her free time, she enjoys building her brand for her passion project, The Career DevelopMENTOR, attending personal and professional development events, trying out the latest Pinterest recipes, and listening to live bands with her family and friends.
Latoria Williams The Career DevelopMentor
Dr. Katara Williams
Dr. Katara A. Williams currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Southern University System- the nation’s only Historically Black College System. Williams has been recognized nationally for her commitment to education and is a life-long learner. She is a 2012 Graduate of the 2012 Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Baton Rouge Class, a 2014 Graduate of the Council for a Better Louisiana’s Leadership Louisiana Class, and a 2015 Graduate of the Higher Education Foundation’s Leadership Institute, a 2015 member of the American Council of Education’s (ACE) Aspiring Leaders cohort, and a 2019-2020 American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Fellow. In 2020, Williams was recognized by HBCU Campaign as one of Ten HBCU Alumni to Watch.
Williams is a proud alumna of Southern University and A&M College where she holds a B.A. in mass communications, a M.A. in public relations, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy. She is also an adjunct professor in public policy where she teaches courses in political leadership, philosophy, and philanthropy.