The recent graduation of another SWLA leadership Class and the Annual Awards Banquet of Fusion Five give great encouragement about future leaders of Southwest Louisiana.

Leadership Southwest Louisiana began in 1984 and since then, over 900 leaders have gone through the program, with about 30 participants each year. After an opening retreat, the program continues with monthly sessions where participants
are immersed in the community to learn about local and state government, infrastructure such as the ports and airports, regional economic development, and visiting each of the 5 parishes in SWLA.  The class learns from our elected officials who come and speak during sessions, former mayors, legislators, and entrepreneurs.  Each session is centered around the economic drivers of the parish being visited and regional attractions. The year ends with graduation in November. 

The program is steered by a council of 15 alumni who review session surveys and help determine best practices as the program continues.  The objective is to keep the program relevant to current events while keeping with the mission of the
Alliance. 

Applications are open each August and are very competitive.  With over 60 applicants this past year, it may take several years for a participant to have the opportunity to be enrolled.

Each year the Alumni get together at an event and reunite with their classmates and visit with  fellow alumni.  An Alumni of the Year is nominated each year, and annual awards are given at this event.  Notable past winners include Willie King,
Kay Barnett, Julio Galan, Tom Shearman, Lollion Elmer, Clair Hebert Marceaux, Denise Rau, Lynn Hohensee, Sara Judson, Cheyenne Boudreaux, Matt Young, Christina Joyce Wilson, and our own Michelle McInnis, who now facilitates the 
program, along with Sara Judson.

In August of 2021 our beloved facilitator of over 10 years, Brent Henley suddenly passed away.  We honor Brent with a scholarship in his name each year. 

You can find out more information at the website Allianceswla.org/leadership; on Facebook and LinkedIn, or by contacting Michelle McInnis. 

Fusion Five is a Young Professional Organization (YPO) that is making a positive impact on SWLA. The name comes from bringing the five parishes together. The organization held their Annual Awards Banquet last week. The gavel was passed from 2023 Chair Morgan Algero to 2024 Chair Mitchell Woods. Under their leadership, membership is growing. 

What started as a casual get-together among friends at a coffee shop ended up becoming the new YPO in Southwest Louisiana. In the spring of 2007 The Chamber SWLA put together a more formal organization which later became
its own entity. Fusion Five meets to discuss ways to better improve our businesses, personal development and the region. The goal was to create a true Young Professional Organization that would develop the next generation of SWLA’s business leaders. Fusion Five is cultivating a positive impact on Southwest Louisiana by connecting and engaging young professionals in regional opportunities for growth and development. All across America, YPOs are running entrepreneurial projects, increasing awareness, and providing young professionals a voice in their community. 

Membership is open to those up to age 45. Details may be found at: fusionfive.org or on Facebook. 

The next generation is getting prepared and I’m confident they will exceed all expectations, bringing SWLA to new levels.