Listen On

Kramer McDaniel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.  She is the owner of Agape Therapeutic Solutions, a growing private practice. Kramer attained a Masters of Social Work degree with a certification in Gerontology from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Kramer has 11 years of behavioral health experience and focuses on healing holistically, Grief & Loss, overall life transitions and motivating others to live life on purpose. Kramer currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana which has become home. Kramer enjoys trying new foods, traveling and serving serve at her local church. Kramer is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Leadership Institute Acadiana Class XXXIV and most recently name as Acadiana's 2021 Top 20 under 40. 

Tonya Bolden-Ball holds a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She earned a graduate certificate in Life Coaching from Grand Canyon University and completed Cornell University and University of South Florida Diversity and Inclusion certificate programs. Tonya is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. She is the owner of the TBB Collective and currently serves as the Regional Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Ochsner Lafayette General.

Born Herbert J. Green, Jr, is from Lafayette, Louisiana and has always had a distinct appreciation for all types of music. As a 5 year old, Herb would sit on his father's lap to listen to the Louis Armstrong show on shortwave radio. His paternal grandmother, Miss Clara

B. Davis played box guitar and two great uncles play accordion and Zydeco music. Two of Herb's older sisters sang gospel music in his families home church and his two younger brothers played trumpet and trombone. Though music was apart of his legacy Herb and another sister gravitated towards athletics. As he grew, Herb never lost his love for the music he listened to with his dad. Herb began training himself by banging on countertops or whatever was around the house, he would keep rhythm with different groove patterns. After joining the Military in 1986, Herb met Hector Ruiz of Puerto Rico. Ruiz began to teach Herb different beats on Congas, Bongos and Timbales.

After the military, Herb moved to Atlanta to overcome some of life's disappointments and develop his skills as a percussionist. Linking up with saxophonist Abel Johnson who formed the Groove Band, a smooth jazz and cover band that found some success but broke up after a couple of years he also played for the English Ave Baptist Church Choir his first paying gig. There Herb met musicians like Ollie Woodson, Bobby Byrd, Roberta Flack, Phil Collins and many others who gave advice that he still follows today. His influences are Paulinho Dacosta, Luis Conte", Dr. Leonard Gibbs, Ahmad Jamal, Ralph McDonald, Tito Peuente and many other percussionist who bring the STANK to the music!!!! Moving back to Louisiana, Herb joined JB SAAX and THE BAND1  an explosive, controlled and musically articulate group of musicians where he
continued to grow and mature as musician and percussionist.

A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Leigha Porter M.Ed is the founder an artistic director of F.I.R.E. Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory, Co-Creator of The Creole Nutcracker, a

southern reimagining of the classic Christmas tale and theater production, incubator and owner of  PARC Village, a Community Art Center and collective space that supplies resources for

empowering creatives of color. For the past 8 years, Ms. Porter has served as an arts advocate, arts administrator, and movement artist and continues to serve the North side of Lafayette, a historically black and economically and culturally under-served community. Leigha was awarded a bachelor degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2010, followed by a Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University in 2016. She has studied Theater Arts at Dillard University in New Orleans, trained in ballet, modern and jazz techniques with world renowned choreographers such as Debbie Allen, Lula Washington, and Walter Hull and has traveled the

country teaching dance workshops and masterclasses. In 2015, Leigha attended the Horton Pedagogy Teacher Workshop at The Ailey School in New York City to study the Horton Technique and is a candidate with the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification, to allow her

to teach this technique in her community and globally. Leigha provides community service as an adjudicator for the NAACP National Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics and has been the recipient of a number of awards, including 705 Top 20 under 40

(2022), the Delta Women in Business Award (2019), Spoken Red Enterprise Small Business Award (2019), and Grand Canyon University Success Spotlight (2019). In 2022 Ms. Porter was

1 of 18 selected for the South Arts Emerging Leaders of Color Cohort, a program representing the next generation of cultural workers and art administrators from across the country. Leigha has a reputation among her peers and colleagues as someone who is challenging perceptions about how to successfully engage and educate the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs of color. Leigha feels a sense of accomplishment when she is able to help the community expand their minds and capabilities through the use of artistic discipline and is consistently advocating for the arts to ensure kids and adults are exposed and inspired to the many forms art can take.

For Alexander Lazard, bridging the divide between the business world and community work is second nature.

A Lafayette-native, Alexander  currently serves as the Administrative Pastor at Destiny of Faith Church, a multi-generational congregation focused on spiritual, economic, and social development of people. In this role he is responsible for ministry capacity building and organizational marketing efforts while building community. He is married to Ferin Wiltz Lazard of St. Martinville (8 years) and they have two boys together – AJ (4 years old) and Kash (3 year old).

Alexander Lazard is a creative, strategic, and methodical professional with a history of entrepreneurial accomplishments, time-tested leadership skills, and an impassioned commitment to community service. With over 13 years’ experience optimizing operations and developing multi-year business plans for multiple high-profile organizations, Alexander has made forward-looking decisions that drive sustainable and scalable business growth; developed actionable strategies to maximize profit potential; and carefully shaped the processes and policies that sustain an efficient, productive, and financially sustainable organization.

 Dexter Portalis is a spoken word artist, entrepreneur, photographer, life insurance agent and social media & branding specialist. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and Marketing at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   Dexter is known for his ambitious drive and entrepreneurial mindset. He became well known in the Lafayette area for performing at Mic’D Out Monday’s at the Brass Room and other popular events in the city, being a founding member of campus organization PowerfUL Poets and touring Louisiana with poetry trio, Blacksmith.  Dexter’s entrepreneurial career started in 2017 when he started Soulful Services LLC, an online social media marketing company helping clients attract, engage and grow their target audience. He currently operates BlackLove Touch, a photography and vinyl art & apparel company alongside his wife, Shaylin Portalis. Dexter is also a life insurance agent providing financial services and his knowledge of the industry to the community. 

Kelsey Sanders is a native of Patterson, La. She moved to Lafayette in 2011 to attend UL. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration entrepreneurship from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Kelsey launched her first business, Eat Fuel Fleurish Meal Prepping Service. Eat Fuel Fleurish is a mobile food service company offering meal preps, meal planning and cooking demonstrations to promote healthier eating habits. Kelsey’s passion for food and healthier eating aroused after her father passed in 2009 from a heart attack. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes but with little  guidance he didn’t make the necessary changes to live a healthier life.

Since launching Eat Fuel Fleurish, Kelsey has been able to offer her services beyond Lafayette. She been featured on the front page of the Acadiana Advocate, One Acadiana’s Small & Minority Business Highlight and named Times of Acadiana Best Chef.

When Kelsey isn’t cooking, she’s advocating against domestic violence. Kelsey is a teenage survivor of domestic violence and is using her voice to speak out for the voiceless. She currently serves as the Board of Directors President for Faith House of Acadiana and Chair for VOICES of Acadiana. Kelsey is also a member of the Lafayette Commission on The Needs of Women and a participant of Leadership Institute of Acadiana Class XXXV.

In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys creating new recipes, binge watching series on Hulu and Netflix, crafting DIYs working out and spending time with family and friends.

Curtis Hollinger is The Client Empowerment Personal Injury Lawyer who coaches injured victims in how to control their own car wreck cases so they too can have the opportunity to profit from their own car wreck settlement losses.

Since coming to Lafayette 1986, Hollinger has had the privilege of participating in numerous civic initiatives, primarily focused on raising the academic standards and performances of student-athletes.

Although being a client empowerment lawyer in his own law firm, Hollinger identifies as an athlete in his heart, mind and soul. His body only seldom shares this identity. He occasionally evokes his inner Yannich Noah to play and teach tennis. He also regularly rides his bikes, both casually and in dedicated time trial settings. And once a quarter, you might find him walking a golf course envisioning himself as Tiger Woods.

Curtis states, "Living with purpose means being clear about  who I am and having the courage and discipline to actually be me as often as possible. "

Angela M. Morrison has an extensive history in community development and public affairs. Angela contributes her success to her commitment to serving the Acadiana

community. She served on Women’s and Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees for over 12 years and now serves on Our Lady of Lourdes board of directors; is in the third year of serving on the One Acadiana board of directors, having co-chaired the 2021 Vibrant Communities Summit and serves as its governmental affairs committee chair since January 2021. She was elected by her peers from community development credit unions to serve on the board of their professional network, Inclusiv, representing Region 2 and was then elected to its executive board. In 2019, Angela was unanimously elected by the Lafayette Consolidated Council to the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority board of trustees. Angela also serves on the board of Hospice of Acadiana’s Foundation, supporting the only nonprofit hospice in Acadiana. She has served on the boards of, UL Lafayette Alumni Association (Past President and Government Affairs Chair), United Way of Acadiana, Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Lafayette (Past- President); Acadiana Youth; Workforce Investment (LA District 40), Acadiana Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and the City of Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women (Past- President). Angela is a Class XV graduate of Leadership Lafayette. She is married to Curtis Morrison, they have two sons and four grandchildren.

AWARDS

Her commitment of service to the communities that she loves has been recognized by awards that include, 2018 University of Louisiana’s Christiana Smith Alumni Chapter Outstanding Alumni recipient, 2017 National Association of University Women’s A Tribute to Excellence honoree, 2015 Junior Achievement’s Richard E. Baudoin Friend of Business award, 2013 Women Who Mean Business honoree; 2011 and 2001 United Way of Acadiana Cornerstone award recipient; 2011 inducted into University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society as an Outstanding Community Member; 2007 and 2001 Lafayette LA City-Parish President Outstanding Citizen; and in 2005 Lafayette LA City-Parish Woman of Excellence honoree. 

Lawana Stokes is an educator and leader with 30+ years of varied experience working with diverse student populations. She is currently the Director of South Louisiana Community College at the Gulf Area Campus in Abbeville, Louisiana and serves as an Adjunct Professor.  

Ms. Stokes holds a bachelor’s degree from the former University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) which is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) and a master’s degree in Professional Marriage and Family Counseling. She was a member of the Ragin’ Cajuns Women’s Basketball Team and currently serves as a mentor and ESPN Commentator for the team. Ms. Stokes was recently selected as an ULL Alumni Outstanding Graduate in 2021. 

Ms. Stokes served as an educator and coach in the Iberia Parish School System prior to her transition to South Louisiana Community College for 23 years. She coached high school girls’ basketball at New Iberia Senior High and Anderson Middle School. In addition to coaching basketball at Anderson, she also served as a teacher and the head cheerleading coach. 

While at South Louisiana Community College, Ms. Stokes has served in many capacities over the past 11 years. She has served as a Lead Tutor, Academic Advisor, Adjunct Professor, Admissions Counselor, Student Activity Coordinator, Interim Campus Director for four of the outer campuses and Perkins Outreach Coordinator. These experiences have allowed Ms. Stokes to embrace higher education and watch students grow into successful individuals. 

She serves on the Vermillion Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, The Family Connection Board, St. John Baptist Church Board of Trustees, and Williams Scholar Academy Board. Ms. Stokes was selected to participate in the Chambers of Commerce Leadership Vermilion Class 8. This class will graduate 18 students on June 16, 2022. 

When she isn’t working, you’ll find Ms. Stokes volunteering at numerous events in surrounding communities, mentoring youth in her church and youth groups within the Acadiana area, watching and attending sporting events, and spending time with her only daughter, LaRonna Stokes-Williams.

How would you best describe Teka Briscoe's vocal style? Soulfully versatile. Born and raised on the Northside of Lafayette, Teka Briscoe started singing in the church choir at age of seven. Over the years, her love of all musical genres and vocal performance has provided her with opportunities to work with artists throughout the country and abroad.

Teka was part of the opening acts for Gospel recording artist ,Tamela Mann and the World- renown jazz

musician Matthew Whitaker. She is a featured vocalist for international artists, like Latvia’s native son, Louis Fontaine & the Starlight Searchers and the Band, Port Vincent of Copenhagen. She’s performed with American Idol Star Joshua Ledet and our very own Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-stars along

with countless other artists like the legendary Lee Allen Zeno, Julian Primeaux Connie G and Blue

Monday All-stars.

Teka Briscoe is a mother of three incredibly gifted children, a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is employed by Lafayette Consolidated Government as a Development Planner. She’s on

the praise team of Destiny of Faith Church and is a member of the Love of People Foundation- Blue Monday Mission, under the leadership of John Williams.

Kandice is a wife, mother of 3, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, host of Goodbye Heartbreak, Hello Purpose, The Podcast, and the author of the soon to be released 365 day devotional Goodbye Heartbreak, Hello Purpose (October 1, 2022--release date). Kandice helps Christian women move forward from heartbreak through emotional healing, spiritual growth, identity work, and finding their calling. Kandice's mission is to see women healed, whole, and thriving. 

Podcast link

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodbye-heartbreak-hello-purpose-the-podcast/id1624926692

Facebook Group link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/427484885847810/

IG

@goodbyeheartbreakhellopurpose

Grace Hamilton-Mayfield a 1982 graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  She has advanced studies at Alvin Ailey School, Dance Education Teacher Certification at Western Kentucky University, and advanced studies at Texas Women’s University. In 1981 she Founded Hamilton Academy of the Arts (HAA) located in North Lafayette.  In 1988 she expanded to Opelousas her hometown and founded the Hamilton Academy Performance Company (HAPC). In 2001 she developed a dance curriculum in accordance with long term objectives of existing lesson plans and organizational goals. 

Grace served as an Artist in the classroom for 15 years with the St. Landry Parish School Board working with Special Needs children. She has served as the President of the Louisiana Alliance for Dance for the State of Louisiana and served on Dance grants review panels locally, statewide, and nationally. Grace has been appointed to many boards of directors. She was appointed Dance liaison for the City of Lafayette by the Mayor, and he declared June 9th Hamilton Academy of the Arts Day to honor her many years of service in the community. Hamilton Academy Performance Company has toured and traveled the US for the past 30 years performing at festivals, conferences, and other events. HAPC has opened for Ailey II in honor of Black History Month.

Grace has written, directed, and produced over 30 major productions

Implementing performing arts education as a tool for the purpose of integrating multi-sensory and interdisciplinary learning experiences compatible with a dance education curriculum for children. Each year she organizes a program showcasing students newly acquired talents in the performing arts. Her students have performed HAA Concerts on world class stages such as The Heymann Center for the Performing Arts, Acadiana Center for the Arts, ULL Angelle Hall, Cajundome, Booker T Washington School of Performing Arts-Dallas, Washington DC, Denver Co., Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta and many other cities across the nation. HAPC has been selected twice by Disney Entertainment to perform a 25 minute piece “A Taste of Louisiana Culture & Traditions” and are now honorary Disney Cast members. 

Her business has received numerous local, state, and national awards. Grace has been the guest speaker at numerous conferences and events. As an advocate for dance, she has been an invited guest on all the local CBS, ABC and Fox affiliates. Her company has sponsored many events highlighting the importance of dance in the community.

Grace recently received the prestigious ULL College of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the first female and the first female of color to receive this award. She serves on the Advisory Board for the College of the Arts and the ULL dance search committee. She is a member of the National Association of University Women, Women of Wisdom(WOW) Acadiana Chapter, National Dance Education Organization, Raising the Barre, The International Association for Blacks in Dance, and CLI Dance Studios.

42 years ago, as a senior in college God called her to this Divine Purpose and she continues to answer that call and set the foundation for artist in our communities. She has trained over 4,000 students in the arts through her dance studio, artist in the classroom, and her company has been seen by tens of thousands. She continues to serve as an advocate for Arts and Culture and Acadiana. 

Brandon Foster is native of Amite, Louisiana and graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance.

Brandon’s career has spanned over fifteen years in the nonprofit sector and banking industry.

Brandon’s current role is a Business Development Representative for Pelican State Credit Union. In this role, he works with existing and potential partners to assist their employees in reaching

their financial goals. He is also owner of B Foster Photography LLC based in Lafayette, Louisiana. His passion for helping others shines through in everything he does. Brandon knows the work he does gives individuals the tools they need to experience financial freedom. This can change the entire legacy for a family. Brandon’s favorite quote is, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you’ve fed him for a lifetime.” He understands the importance of financial knowledge to families no matter the income level.

Brandon’s other community engagement includes serving as an Ambassador with One Acadiana, volunteering at Destiny of Faith Church, and being a member of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIV. He has also earned the honor of being named a 2021 20 Under 40 Young Leader in Acadiana.

Jakeithia is a native of Lafayette, La. She is a graduate of Grambling State University with a B.S in Physics and minor in Chemistry. She has an M.Ed from Grand Canyon University. She’s been an Science and Math educator for over 20 years and an entrepreneur for 15 years. Her hobbies are reading, kayaking, and traveling. 

Her greatest accomplishments are establishing the first School of Greatness mentoring program where over 150 kids were mentored within 3 years and a the author of the book R.E.S.E.T ~ Re-evaluate Everything So Everything Thrives. 

She loves to empower and encourage people to reach their full potential. She’s an ordained minister who has had to conquer many hard trials. She has discovered that her purpose is to help people navigate through life’s transitions. She has helped many people to thrive and be their best self. She coaches and provides accountability as people take the journey to R.E.S.E.T. as the RESET Coach.

Her favorite quote is, "Life is a journey of constant resetting".

resetwithj.info

Chris Arceneaux grew up in Louisiana seeing many of his young friends not having an opportunity or positive direction in their life. He was fortunate enough to have a neighbor who steered him down a different path by giving him his first golf club in his early teens. This stayed with Chris throughout his childhood and drove him to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Through The Darby Foundation and Generations Sports Management, Chris brings opportunity, purpose, and focus to those individuals that would not otherwise be exposed to such life-altering experiences. His career includes being a Professional Golfer; the Head Golf Professional at Jay & Lionel Hebert Golf Course; Assistant Golf Professional at Cherry Valley Club in New York; Assistant Golf Professional at Quail Valley Club in Florida; Founder and CEO of The Darby Foundation, Owner of Generations Sports Management LLC; Adjunct Professor at Nassau Community College; Mortgage Banker; and Celebrity Brand Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz and other notable brands. 

With strong passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment, Chris has always found a way to achieve his goals no matter the obstacle. From learning the game of golf as a teenager to being a top sales earner in the finance and mortgage industry. He has demonstrated incredible leadership skills and seeks to share his experience by creating pathways for success. He credits this drive to his young days when he found golf as a way to channel his energy and talents into a positive pursuit. His lifetime goal is to turn the principles of business success into the principles of human significance.

Some of his golf accolades include the 2007 New York Golf Channel Tour American Amateur “Player of the Year” (Champion), the 2006 American Amateur New York Metro Open Bethpage State Red-Course (Champion), the 2006 New York Metro American Amateur Swan Lake Golf Course (Champion), and the 2006 New York Metro American Amateur Hamlet at Willow Creek Golf Course (Champion).

Since returning to his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana in 2020, Chris has been able to use his platform to rally the community for various beautification and clean-up projects by teaming up with Embrace This Space and Parish Proud. He also hopes to use these projects as a mentoring 

Brandy Landry, a native of Lafayette, LA, is an entrepreneur with a passion for people, interior design, and developing strong personal brands for entrepreneurs. Brandy channels over 15 years of creative direction, leadership, and communications experience into all that she does. Brandy attended The University of Southwest Louisiana where she initially majored in Elementary Education, later changing her major to Business Administration. After being involved in a life-altering automobile accident and undergoing extensive surgery and hospitalization, Brandy discovered a love for the medical field. She changed the entire direction of her educational focus which resulted in a degree in the medical field. She spent a tenure that spanned over 10 years in various positions in the corporate medical sector prior to launching two successful companies of her own. After creatively designing her very own beauty boutique that got rave reviews from the masses, Brandy’s interest in interior design and decorating was further sparked. Brandy is the Owner and Founder of 1123 Matte Black, LLC, an Interior Design + Build Firm that specializes in Luxury Residential New Construction, Remodels, and Interior Decorating. In the interior design and decor world, Brandy is known for her creative vision and dedication to functionality and aesthetics in all of her designs. 1123 Matte Black formerly known as Brandy Landry Interiors won Times of Acadiana Best of 2020, 2021, and 2022- Interior Design. Brandy possesses an extensive project portfolio to include celebrities, businesses, and a host of other residential remodels and new development interior design projects. Most recently, Brandy received recognition for designing the Center of Hope Opportunity and Success for Lafayette Housing Authority. This multifunctional center provides the residents of the housing authority access to computers, a reading space, and smart board media access. It also serves as a space for internal professional development for the LHA staff and GED classes. Not only is Brandy known for her ability to design interiors, she is also widely known for her ability to develop and design PEOPLE! Yes! PEOPLE. Brandy is a Personal Branding and Communication Strategist for entrepreneurs, millennial entrepreneurs in particular. Brandy loves working with millennial entrepreneurs due to her remembering what it was like not having access to a “Brandy Landry” when she was a millennial treading entrepreneurial water for the first time. Brandy is also a frequently sought after public speaker whose speaking platform typically consists of speaking on topics ranging from ‘The Power of The Personality in Business’ to ‘Challenging the Status Quo’ as it relates to Changing the Face of Traditional Business.