Each year the705, Acadiana’s premier young professionals’ organization, honors twenty young leaders in Acadiana (between 21 and 40 years old) with the 20 Under 40 Award – recognizing those who have distinguished themselves in our community and motivating other young leaders throughout Acadiana.
Congratulations to the705’s 17th Annual Top 20 Under 40
Acadiana Leadership Award Honorees, presented by Advancial Federal Credit Union:
Jessica Allain, Partner, Jones Walker LLP
Murugan Ambalakannu, Director of Consulting Services, CGI
Amber Dominique Bessard, Owner, Train with Amber Fitness | Founder, Festival de Fit Fete
Ross Cockrell, Development Director, Holy Family Catholic School
Brianna G. Davis, Parish Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana
Candice Dazet, Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ryan Devillier, Center Director, Louisiana Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Christopher “Tipper” Esponge, President & Owner, E & L Construction Group, LLC | Mayor of the Town of Delcambre
Grace Farnell, Senior Consultant, CGI
Corrie R. Gallien, Attorney & Founder, Gallien Law
Dr. Madeleine Groth, Owner & Doctor, Madeleine Groth DDS, LLC
De’Marquis Hamilton, CEO, Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center, Inc.
Mary-Katherine Hooper, Corporate Director of Compliance, Unitech Training Academy
Dr. Jorden R. Melton Jr., Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives and Program Director, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Kylie Miller, Senior Consultant, U.S. Early Career Programs and Partnerships, CGI
Sarah Nugent, President, CETCO Energy Services
Mary Pham, Community Relations Supervisor, Acadian Ambulance
Krystal Romero, Outreach Representative, Louisiana Department of Justice | Registered Nurse, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Valerie Thompson, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator/Public Health Nutritionist, Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center
Layla Touchet, Professional School Counselor, Prairie Elementary School
Save the Date: these 20 amazing leaders will be officially honored at the award banquet on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at the UL Lafayette Student Union Ballroom!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Advancial Federal Credit Union, and our sponsors: the Acadiana Advocate, Awardmaster, and Unitech Training Academy.
Support our efforts to recognize Acadiana’s brightest young professionals and sponsor this year’s 20 Under 40 Awards!
For 20 Under 40 questions or information, please contact [email protected].
