The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance held a ceremony to honor the Leadership SWLA Class of 2025 graduates at L’Auberge Casino Resort. This event recognized participants who have completed an 11-month program dedicated to developing future leaders in the region. Since its inception in 1984, the program has welcomed over 900 individuals, providing hands-on learning experiences that address various sectors, including economic development, education, and public service.
Leadership SWLA Class of 2025 Graduates
The graduates of the Leadership SWLA Class of 2025 represent a diverse cross-section of the community, with members from various fields. Notable graduates include Allison Barker from Family & Youth, Mallie Hebert of First Federal Bank of Louisiana, and Ryan Hess from CSE Federal Credit Union. Other participants include professionals from different sectors such as law, healthcare, and education.
The complete list of graduates comprises:
- Allison Barker, Family & Youth
- Mallie Hebert, First Federal Bank of Louisiana
- Taylor Bradley, Stine
- Kimmie Carriaga, First Horizon Bank
- Chelsea Champagne, Stockwell Sievert Law Firm
- Christina Davis, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union
- Jalin DuRousseau, HD Truck & Tractor
- Jeannette Fontenot LaLande, Hancock Whitney
- Amy Gardner, CSE Federal Credit Union/Rotary Club of Lake Charles
- Elizabeth Hebert, Sam Hebert Financial Group
- Kimberlie Heckard, United Way of Southwest Louisiana
- Ryan Hess, CSE Federal Credit Union
- Dalton Hinton, LA Manufactured Housing
- Kaitlyn LaBove, Fusion Five
- Megan Lavergne, Champeaux Evans Hotard
- Charity Lewing, AMERISAFE
- Raimee Marque, Venture Global
- Kash McMahon, Turner Industries
- Alicia Mhire, First Federal Bank of Louisiana
- Sam Moore, Visit Lake Charles
- Delaney Jackson Nugent, Lake Charles Memorial Health System
- Lauren Olsen, Sasol/Junior League of Lake Charles
- Kalyn Partin, GIS Engineering
- Nina Sona, HASC Louisiana
- Kelsey Talbot, Citgo
- Joshua Tannehill, JTan, LLC
- Diana Taylor, South Beau Hardware & Supply
- Caymn Turton, Lake Area Adventures
- Bubba Viator, The Boot
- Miranda Vinson, First Baptist Christian Academy
- Markell Williams, LCAC Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Leadership SWLA plans to announce the Class of 2026 in the coming year. For further details, visit allianceswla.org.
Community Contributions and Recognition
In other community news, Mandy Thomas has rejoined JD Bank as Vice President and commercial lender. With over 20 years of experience in the Sulphur banking market, she has held various leadership roles since starting her career at JD Bank in 2007. Thomas is also active in the community as a member of the Sulphur City Council and serves on the board for the Friends of Sulphur Police.
Additionally, Hannah Ditch has joined EXIT Bayou Realty, enhancing the team of real estate professionals at the brokerage located at 722 N U.S. 171. EXIT Bayou Realty is part of the growing network of EXIT Realty of Louisiana.
In recognition of excellence in healthcare, Raygan Stone, a visual communications specialist at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, received the 2025 Graphic Designer of the Year award from the Louisiana Hospital Association. This accolade honors Stone’s leadership and impact in graphic design within the healthcare sector.
Furthermore, Allison Puente, an assistant professor of radiologic sciences at McNeese State University, was named Technologist of the Year by the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists. Puente’s involvement extends nationally, where she advocates for policy and efforts related to radiologic technology.
Lastly, Stephanie Broussard, a MDS Nurse at Rosewood Nursing Center, was honored as the LPN of the Year 2025 at a recent conference held by the Louisiana Nursing Home Association. This award celebrates her dedication to quality long-term care over her 19 years at Rosewood.
The recognition of these individuals highlights the ongoing commitment to leadership and excellence within the Lake Area community.
