Leadership Institute of Acadiana

Leadership Institute of Acadiana Leadership Institute of Acadiana is a nonprofit organization committed to building leaders for the Acadiana area!

Our Annual LIA x The705 Social is back! Join Leadership Institute of Acadiana and The705 for our annual October Social, ...
09/25/2026

Our Annual LIA x The705 Social is back!

Join Leadership Institute of Acadiana and The705 for our annual October Social, bringing together young professionals, Leadership Lafayette alumni, aspiring leaders, and community-minded folks from across Acadiana.

It’s a chance to step away from the workday, meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and make connections across different industries and organizations.

Interested in getting more involved in the community? We’ll also have information available about Leadership Lafayette’s 2027 class and The705’s 20 Under 40 program, so you can learn more about both opportunities from people who have been part of them.

📅 October 28th, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Yard Goat

Whether you’re a member, an alum, or just looking to meet more people in Acadiana, come mix, mingle, and spend an evening with us!

RSVP today: https://leadacadiana.org/events

Applications are officially OPEN for Leadership Lafayette 2027!Leadership Lafayette is a hands-on leadership program for...
09/23/2026

Applications are officially OPEN for Leadership Lafayette 2027!

Leadership Lafayette is a hands-on leadership program for professionals who are ready to deepen their understanding of Acadiana, connect with other local leaders and become more engaged in the community they call home.

Throughout the program, participants will explore the people, systems, opportunities and issues shaping Lafayette while building relationships and gaining new perspectives that can inform how they lead and serve.

After graduation, participants join the Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s network of nearly 1,000 alumni who continue to lead, serve and advocate for Acadiana.

Think Leadership Lafayette could be a good fit for you? Apply today!

📅 Applications close November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Apply: leadacadiana.org/apply
Nominate someone: leadacadiana.org/nominate

Community Needs Day brought Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX into some of the most important conversations happening acr...
09/18/2026

Community Needs Day brought Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX into some of the most important conversations happening across Acadiana.

Throughout the day, the class explored what it looks like to build a stronger community by taking a closer look at financial insecurity, housing and homelessness, food access, local resource networks, and the role philanthropy plays in addressing community needs.

Class ###IX heard directly from leaders working in these spaces every day. The class also had the opportunity to hear from local philanthropic leaders about how funding decisions, collaboration, and long-term investment can shape the future of our community.

The day wrapped up with a conversation about what our community needs and how leaders can think about those needs beyond the classroom.

A special thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank - Feeding South Louisiana, our Community Needs Day Program Sponsor, for supporting this experience and helping us create meaningful opportunities for Class ###IX to learn more about the issues affecting Acadiana.

Thank you as well to Community Foundation of Acadiana for helping provide a great setting for these important conversations! We’re also grateful to Jet Coffee for keeping our class fueled throughout the day! ☕️

And thank you to all of our speakers and community partners who shared their time, knowledge and experiences with Class ###IX. These conversations gave our class plenty to think about as they continue their Leadership Lafayette journey.

Another meaningful day of learning, listening, and looking at Acadiana through a wider lens.

Today we're highlighting Kristen Wesley, a leader who is passionate about community health, food access, and creating sy...
08/24/2026

Today we're highlighting Kristen Wesley, a leader who is passionate about community health, food access, and creating systems that help build healthier communities. 👇

Kristen Wesley is a community health, food access, and nutrition professional with more than eight years of experience developing programs, building partnerships, and creating systems that improve access to nutritious food and wellness resources.

Kristen's career began in community nutrition and food access, where she has led multi-site programs, managed operations, supported grant-funded initiatives, built cross-sector partnerships, and helped develop programs designed to meet the unique needs of underserved communities. Through this work, she developed a strong understanding of how food access, health, education, and community systems intersect.

In her current role as a Client Manager with School Food & Wellness Group, Kristen supports school nutrition programs by building strong relationships with school partners and helping them navigate program operations, compliance, and opportunities for growth. She is passionate about creating trusted partnerships and helping organizations build systems that make nutritious food more accessible to children and families.

Kristen's professional interests are at the intersection of food systems, community health, and the social determinants of health. She is especially interested in designing sustainable, people-centered programs that address barriers to food access and create healthier communities.

She believes meaningful change happens when strong partnerships, thoughtful systems, and community voices come together to create solutions. Kristen is most energized by turning ideas into programs and systems that make a lasting impact.

Help us welcome Kristen to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX and celebrate the passion for community health, food access, and meaningful change she brings to the class! 👏

Leadership doesn't end at graduation.Legacy in Action is our way of celebrating the incredible things Leadership Institu...
08/21/2026

Leadership doesn't end at graduation.

Legacy in Action is our way of celebrating the incredible things Leadership Institute of Acadiana alumni are building, creating, and leading long after the program ends.

Started a business? Earned a certification? Launched a new venture? Led a community initiative? Hit a personal milestone you're proud of? We want to celebrate it.

Share your story and help us showcase the impact our alumni are making across Acadiana and beyond.

Submit your Legacy in Action here: https://forms.gle/DZ8ZqZwA56zxwwTV9

Health & Wellness Day was a full day of learning, conversation and a closer look at the many pieces that shape the healt...
08/19/2026

Health & Wellness Day was a full day of learning, conversation and a closer look at the many pieces that shape the health of our community.

Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX spent the day exploring healthcare in Acadiana from the economics of healthcare and the state of our local systems to community health needs, mental and behavioral health, hospital operations and healthcare innovation.

A big thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | Louisiana Blue for sponsoring Health & Wellness Day and helping make this experience possible for our class. We’re also grateful to Jet Coffee for keeping Class ###IX fueled throughout the day! ☕️

And, of course, thank you to all of the speakers, healthcare leaders and Ochsner Lafayette General team members who shared their time, knowledge and perspectives with our class. There was a lot to take in, and we’re grateful for the conversations that will continue long after Class Day.

Another great day with Class ###IX!

We're highlighting Kristi Waltrip, a leader who is passionate about education, developing leaders, and creating opportun...
08/17/2026

We're highlighting Kristi Waltrip, a leader who is passionate about education, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for students and professionals across Acadiana.

Kristi Waltrip is the Vice President of Education at Unitech Training Academy, a Louisiana-based career college committed to developing skilled professionals across the state. With more than 25 years of professional experience in education and workforce development, Kristi’s work centers on building leaders, supporting educators, and helping non-traditional students discover confidence, purpose, and opportunity through education.

Kristi’s leadership philosophy is grounded in connection, empathy, and accountability. She has spent nearly a decade developing leaders across multiple campuses, aligning academic strategy with workforce readiness, accreditation standards, and student success. In addition to her professional role, she serves as a volunteer site team member for the Council on Occupational Education, supporting accreditation efforts nationwide and bringing best practices back to Acadiana.

Deeply invested in her community, Kristi also teaches continuing education for licensed massage therapists in Louisiana and is on a serve team at Our Savior’s Church Midtown, focused on connection and growth for attendees and members. As a participant in Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX, she looks forward to building meaningful relationships, learning from diverse leaders, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen Acadiana through education, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership.

Help us welcome Kristi to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX and celebrate the passion for education, leadership, and community she brings to the class! 👏

08/12/2026

Our Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX had the chance to tour Basin Arts’ new space with Basin Arts founder and Creative Director Clare Cook, Leadership Lafayette Class ###VI alum, and Dirk Guidry, BARE Walls Program Director.

From art studio spaces and dance studios to the BARE Walls program and new exhibits on the way, Basin Arts has a lot happening in this new space!

We’re so thankful for the opportunity to explore, learn more about the work happening here in Acadiana, and see what’s ahead. Thank you, Basin Arts, for welcoming us!

We're highlighting Taylor Wallace, a leader who is passionate about education, supporting educators, and investing in th...
08/10/2026

We're highlighting Taylor Wallace, a leader who is passionate about education, supporting educators, and investing in the future of the Lafayette community. 👇🏽

Taylor Wallace is an instructor in the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she prepares and mentors future educators. Prior to joining UL Lafayette, she spent 10 years in Lafayette Parish public schools, teaching elementary mathematics and gifted education. Most recently, she served as a 3rd grade math teacher at Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary, where she was part of the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) initiative.

Beyond the university classroom, Taylor is passionate about supporting educators across Louisiana and beyond. Alongside her twin sister, she co-manages the educator-focused social media platform where they share practical ideas and encouragement with teachers worldwide. She is also the co-founder of Teach Out Loud, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning and fostering community among educators.

Through her work in education and leadership development, Taylor is committed to building strong partnerships that strengthen schools and the Lafayette community. A lifelong Lafayette resident, she is passionate about investing in the future of her community through education, leadership, and service. She enjoys giving back alongside her supportive husband and their two daughters.

Help us welcome Taylor to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX and celebrate the dedication to education and community she brings to this year's class! 👏

08/06/2026

Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX had the opportunity to tour The Hangar Jet Coffee's roasting facility and get a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of coffee roasting.

From learning to identify different flavor notes to exploring the roasting process, the class gained a deeper understanding of the science, artistry, and entrepreneurship behind every cup. ☕️

Jet Coffee founder and owner John Tommasini shared the story of how Jet Coffee came to life, giving the class insight into the dream, challenges, and determination that turned an idea into a thriving local business.

The cohort left with a greater appreciation for the journey of a coffee bean, the complexity of the roasting process, and the people who make it all happen!

Thank you to the Hangar Jet Coffee team for welcoming us and sharing your knowledge with our class!

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523 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA
70501

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