What are one or two of your greatest business and/or community achievements?

One of my most significant achievements has been leading organizational growth and measurable economic impact through my role as Center Director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I guided the rebuilding of a center that lacked full-time staffing and regional awareness, implementing strategic operations, expanding outreach, and strengthening service delivery. As a result, the center consistently improved performance, helping dozens of entrepreneurs launch businesses, create jobs, and secure millions in capital, directly contributing to economic development across Acadiana.

Another meaningful achievement has been my sustained commitment to community leadership through Kiwanis. Over more than a decade of service, I have held multiple executive and board positions, led fundraising and service initiatives benefiting children and families, and helped strengthen the relevance and impact of these organizations within their communities. This work reflects my dedication to service, collaboration, and long-term community advancement.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do for a living?

My favorite part of what I do is working directly with entrepreneurs and being part of their journey. I get to meet people at pivotal moments in their lives, help them work through challenges, and build confidence as their ideas turn into viable businesses. Developing those relationships and celebrating their successes is incredibly rewarding and gives real meaning to what I do every day.

You’ve helped entrepreneurs across Acadiana through the SBDC and progressed from consultant to center director. What’s a success story you’ve seen locally that made you think, “This is why we do this”?

Honestly, every day just being able to help somebody move at least one thing forward. I always tell my clients when I meet with them that my goal for today’s meeting is to help you at least move one step forward or gain one nugget of knowledge that can help you grow in the path that you’re looking to move.

It doesn’t have to be an official launch of a business. It doesn’t have to be helping them secure a significant amount of capital for their business. Those things are great, but helping someone on a day-to-day basis, just being able to help them move one step forward towards realizing their dream is a success for me.