Jalesa Jones is a young, black and accomplished business leader in the technology industry, serving as the Co-Owner and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of 3D Media. Under her leadership, 3D Media provides cutting-edge technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions, to critical infrastructure sectors, notably including the U.S. Department of Defense. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) with a degree in Business Management, Jalesa has combined her academic excellence with practical experience to help drive innovation and growth within her company.  Since moving to Lafayette in 2011, Jalesa has made significant contributions to both her community and the technology industry. Her dedication to excellence and her entrepreneurial spirit have positioned 3D Media as a strong contender in the field of AR and VR technologies. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jalesa enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband of nine years and their cherished cats. She also serves on the board of two 501c3 non-profits, Women of Wisdom of Acadiana and the Acadiana Symphony and Orchestra. Her journey is marked by a blend of professional success and personal happiness, reflecting her commitment to both her career and her family. LinkedIn: Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalesa-jones-b2b89a71?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Charese Williams is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved to Lafayette in 2015. With a passion for dance and a dedication to helping others, Charese brings a vibrant energy to every endeavor. Currently, Charese works for Second Harvest Food Bank as part of their Human Resources team, where they focus on fostering a supportive and efficient workplace environment. Beyond her professional role, Charese is deeply committed to serving the community. She actively engages in various volunteer activities, always striving to make a positive impact. Her enthusiasm for helping others is evident in both her personal and professional life, consistently pouring her heart into initiatives that uplift and support those in need. Email: [email protected]

Mr. Seanathan Polidore is the son of Clarence and Versana Polidore. He is a year 2000 graduate of Franklin Senior High School. Mr. Polidore continued his education to earn a master’s degree in psychology. His life has quite a few adventures. Some of those include the U.S. Navy, being a husband and father, health and fitness trainer, co-founder of Pen Business Solutions, motivational speaking for schools and community groups, and being the author or co-author of 8 books. You can find his author interviews on Instagram and YouTube where he has had the pleasure of interviewing a number of nationally recognized authors as well as him being interviewed by others. Mr. Polidore’s mission in life is to get books into more hands and to leave everyone he meets with something to think about. Website URL: https://www.sametreedifferentbranchpublishing.com/product-page/sean-p-the-reader-a-collection-of-thought Podcasts: Sean P. Experience and The Griots Podcast Facebook Group/Page: Seanathan Polidore Instagram: Seanathan the griot Polidore Linkedin: Sean Polidore  

Consuela Gaines is an organizer for Voice of the Experienced/VOTE in the Lafayette, LA chapter. She’s a formerly incarcerated woman who served 22 years of a 47 year sentence. She’s a survivor of solitary confinement and currently serves on the Louisiana Task Force for Safe Alternatives to Segregation. While incarcerated, she participated in various leadership roles from being a counsel substitute to a literacy tutor;  graduate of Office Systems Technology and Welding, just to name a few.  Since her release from prison in 2016, she has been a member of the  National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and  Girls (Andrea James) and presented a workshop about Pardon and Parole  Board Hearings for Incarcerated Women at the FreeHer National Conference  in 2018 in Montogomery, AL; is a member of the local NAACP in  Lafayette, LA, serving as the Criminal Justice Committee Chairperson;  served as a Worthy Matron and Grand Associate Worthy Matron of the Order  of the Eastern Star; won Best Essay prize in Popular Music in 2020,  which she co-authored, “Sounding Lockdown: Singing in Administrative Segregation at LCIW,” which was published in ‘Popular Music and the Politics of Hope: Queer and Feminist Interventions,’  with Georgetown University Professor, Ben Harbert; she was in the  second  cohort of Women Organizing for Justice and Opportunity  Leadership Lab (WOJO) under A New Way of Life Re-Entry Project (Susan  Burton/California) in 2021; in 2022 the African American Heritage  Foundation in Lafayette, Louisiana, named her as one of their Honorees  for Outstanding Community Leadership; she was also in the second cohort  for the 2020-21 Women Transcending Collective Leadership Institute  cohort out of Columbia University, New York; she received certification  as a Life Coach for Justice-Involved Individuals through Morehouse  School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, in 2022; is an instructor for the new  women’s re-entry curriculum, “Life Support”, at the Louisiana  Correctional Institute for Women; and currently studying to become a  certified doula through the Ladies of Hope Ministries (Dr. Topeka K.  Sam); Consuela is a proud registered voter who plans to vote in every election. She prides herself on being a voice for incarcerated women who’ve been silenced by fear of repercussions for speaking up and out.  She dreams of opening transitional houses for justice-involved people.

Val is a native of Long Beach, Ca. Lafayette, La is where she has lived for much of her life and considers it home. She currently resides in the hub city with her best friend and husband Steve of 16 years. Val received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. During her undergraduate studies she was awarded a scholarship to study abroad on Semester at Sea Institute for Shipboard Education where she gained a global educational experience in nine countries. She earned a Master of Social Work Degree with honors from Louisiana State University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Val has worked as a Clinical Therapist for over 23 years. During her career she has been a director of hospital social services, served on mental health treatment teams and provided therapy for adult behavioral health outpatient clinics, children’s shelters, and youth of the juvenile justice program. Val currently operates a private practice in Lafayette where she provides individual therapy sessions for adults. She is passionate about helping her clients overcome depression, anxiety, relational conflict, spirituality issues and other life altering challenges. Val’s mission is to promote healing, restoration, and positive change for victorious healthy living. She has been a featured speaker and spoken word poet performer at conferences and at women’s prison ministry events. Val enjoys encouraging others and inspiring hope. Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/val-jones-melancon-lcsw-lafayette-la/1001113

Originally a native of Alexandria, LA, Diamond has called Lafayette, LA home for over 12 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, with a minor in Psychology, from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has completed the John Maxwell Certification program. In her spare time, Diamond is the Vice President of the Christiana Smith African American Alumni Chapter at ULL, serving on the Alumni Engagement Committee; She serves on University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Women’s Leadership Conference Planning Committee, on the Promotions sub-committee; She serves on the Board of Directors and the Professional Development Committee for The705, Acadiana’s premier young professionals’ organization, dedicated to developing their members, and the community personally, professionally, and civically; she’s an Ambassador for One Acadiana Regional Chamber of Congress, a graduate of The Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s Leadership Lafayette - Class 36 (#LIT36); a Co - Chair for Leadership Lafayette Class 37; and a 2024 Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award Honoree . She is also a lifetime member of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority.   Diamond has been with Lafayette Habitat for Humanity since November 2022 and serves as the Resource Development Director, where she leads the strategic planning, development, and implementation of all LHFH marketing strategies, volunteer efforts, communications, and fund development activities. Facebook Group/Page:https://www.facebook.com/diamond.williams.731?mibextid=LQQJ4d Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamond-williams-44628059

From her early years in Lafayette, Louisiana, Jazmyn Jones exhibited a passion for dance that would shape her life's journey. With a natural talent and dedication, she immersed herself in various dance styles, from ballet to hip hop, nurturing her love for the arts from a young age.   As a teenager, Jazmyn's talent began to shine brightly. At just 14, she took the lead in teaching hip-hop classes and crafting choreographies that captivated audiences. Her dedication and skill caught the attention of renowned figures like Debbie Allen, leading to opportunities such as performing with Urban Souls Dance Company 2 in Houston.   Despite her burgeoning success in dance, Jazmyn remained grounded in her education. She pursued higher learning at Howard University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine with a minor in Chemistry on a prestigious academic scholarship. Armed with her degree, she returned to Lafayette, driven by a desire to give back to her community.   Jazmyn's commitment to her roots led her to become a middle school science teacher, instilling knowledge and inspiration in the next generation. Alongside her teaching role, she joined the staff at F.I.R.E. Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory, where she shared her passion for dance as a ballet and hip-hop instructor.   In the same year, Jazmyn became a mother; she collaborated with her friend Leigha Porter to bring to life The Creole Nutcracker, a one-of-a-kind show celebrating Louisiana's rich cultural heritage. To expand their influence and promote the arts within their community, they jointly established Heritage Parc, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering the youth of North Lafayette through artistic expression.   As her journey evolved, Jazmyn's commitment to her community deepened. She recognized the power of education in shaping young minds and fostering community bonds. This realization led her to her current role as the Community and Family Engagement Coordinator for Love Our Schools. In this capacity, she works tirelessly to unite schools with families, businesses, government officials, and community members, creating a support network around the Lafayette Parish School System.   Jazmyn's journey from a passionate young dancer to a dedicated educator, community leader, and mother reflects her unwavering commitment to making a difference. Rooted in faith and fueled by her love for Louisiana and its people, she inspires and uplifts those around her, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.   Heritage Parc Website:  https://www.heritageparc.org/what-we-do

Shalonda Thibeaux is the CEO and Founder of Talks With Shay Life Coaching, LLC.  She received a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development.  Shalonda has several years of experience with working with children and families.  She has a semi-podcast called Talks With Shay, where videos are posted every Friday on Facebook, YouTube and her website www.talkswithshay.org.    Talks With Shay was birthed during Covid, after she was not able to continue ministering to the ladies in the local jail.  In 2023 Shalonda started hosting quarterly meetings for teen girls.  She is passionate about helping people and empowering women. Website URL:www.talkswithshay.org Podcasts: Talks With Shay (YouTube) Facebook Group/Page: Talks With Shay

Shyra Moran is a native of Geismar, LA, currently residing in Lafayette, LA. In 2005, Shyra received her Bachelor of Science from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Business Administration and has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated since 2003. Shyra is the Community Relations Officer for Advancial Federal Credit Union. Shyra has a heart for her community as she loves to serve loudly and proudly. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for CASA of SOLA, co- chair of Alumni Engagement for the UL Christiana Smith African American Alumni Chapter and a Provisional Advisor for Junior League of Lafayette. Shyra also serves within her church, Progressive Baptist Church, in the Women of Excellence Ministry and as a Benevolent/Outreach Board member. Shyra is a woman of faith; one of her favorite scriptures is Luke 1:45 NKJV - Blessed is she who believed, for there will be fulfillment of those things which were told to her from the Lord. Her phrase of intention for 2024 is this, "In surrender, I SOAR." Shyra is a true servant leader, and she lives to be an impact in the earth as she works to fulfill her purpose.  Facebook Group/Page: Shyra Moran Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shylemo Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyra-moran-80228836? Touch a Truck Event: https://www.juniorleagueoflafayette.com/touch-a-truck-tickets-2024/

Calvary De'Rosa Sampson, LPC, NCC, is a dedicated Teen and Adult Therapist and the owner of Calvary De'Rosa Counseling and Consulting. With extensive qualifications as a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Texas, Calvary possesses the expertise to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. Her additional certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) equip her to provide specialized care in these crucial areas. Beyond her professional achievements, Calvary is actively involved in various organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, The Louisiana Counseling Association, and her role as Member-at-Large in the Louisiana College Counseling Association Division. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Kimberly K. Gallow Foundation. Calvary's mission centers on supporting adolescents and adults in their pursuit of mental well-being. Her specialties encompass anxiety, life transitions, and college mental health, while her focus on empowering individuals to embrace change and thrive through life's transitions is unwavering. She is deeply committed to advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatization, particularly concerning Black mental health. Calvary's passion lies in nurturing self-exploration and self-worth, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more compassionate and supportive society and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. Through her expertise, empathy, and dedication, she aims to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of her clients and the broader community. Website URL:https://www.calvaryderosa.com/ Facebook Group/Page:https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryDerosa/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/calvaryderosa Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvaryderosa/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/calvaryderosa