Moving Forward

Young men and women in a wide range of professions are finding St Landry Parish a hospitable place to launch their careers, and one where they can make a difference in the life of their communities.

A growing St. Landry Young Professionals organization is helping them to explore business and civic opportunities, hear new ideas, and form networks to exchange goods and services. The group of 21- to 45-year-olds is dedicated to the long-term growth of the parish as well as their own professional development.

More than seventy-five percent of the members hold four-year undergraduate degrees and more than a quarter of them have earned post-graduate diplomas.

A seven-member executive leadership team led by Brandy Ledet was formed under the umbrella of St. Landry Economic Development early in 2015 to formalize the structure of this new organization and formally create a nonprofit corporation that allows it to receive tax free donations.

“There has never been anything like this in the parish,” Ledet said. Last fall, she and Evangeline Downs sales director Casey Boudreaux recognized an opportunity to attract and provide growth opportunities to people who don’t usually attend economic development and other professional meetings.

She suggested that progress throughout the parish, whether through tourism, agriculture, retail or services will come through development of young, talented leaders. The organization aims to involve more young adults in the civic and commercial life of the parish through board service, shared projects, even perhaps running for elected office.

“We want this to be a prominent resource that brings young professionals together to develop relationships and friendships that will strengthen the business environment in St. Landry Parish, and provide opportunities for the young people who will sustain the growth of the parish,” Ledet said.

The membership list now includes more than two dozen active members and is steadily growing.

The organization’s subcommittees focus on membership, civic activities, marketing, and programming.  They spread their message mainly through social media and other technical tools including a website, www.slp.org, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/StLandryProfessionals.

St. Landry Professionals regularly hosts social, philanthropic and professional development events, including a casual social function in different locations in the parish each month.  These provide networking opportunities for its members and help introduce the organization to potential new members.

During the 2016 calendar year the young professionals will host a Leadership Development Series that will include sessions on vision, courage, integrity, humility, strategic planning, focus, and cooperation. The series will be led by speakers from the public and private 

sectors and will be open to non-members for a fee of $60 or $10 per session.

The goal of these presentations is “to provide members hands-on leadership ideas and techniques that they can immediately take back to their professional and personal lives to help effect positive changes in their lives and the lives of those around them,” Ledet said.

“Developing a broad base of leaders in any area is a critical part of building a strong foundation for the future. These young professionals represent an extremely important part of this effort and we are committed to supporting their continued growth” said St. Landry economic development director Bill Rodier. “They are demonstrating that there are opportunities here in practically every field for professional growth, financial success, and the fulfillment that comes with making a contribution to community life.”

Potential members may work in any field. Membership is $60 per year. For information, contact Brandy Ledet at (337) 948-1391.