Fusion Five: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Fusion Five has re-emerged as a launchpad for young professionals. Their solid program of work provides endless opportunities for members to engage with colleagues and the community at large throughout the year.

In 2023, the organization piloted what they believe will turn out to be a one of their most successful programs. The Mentor Program, a visionary initiative aimed at fostering the growth and development of the area’s rising talents is guided by the unwavering commitment of the Fusion Five board, mentors, and this year’s generous sponsor, Healthy Image Marketing Agency.

“We did it in a way that some may call backwards, but it made for the greatest impact,” says Athena Gieger, secretary for the Fusion Five board of directors. “We sought out mentees first and asked what they were looking for in a mentor. From there, we were able to choose five mentors and create the small groups.”

This unique approach, although unconventional, proved to be a stroke of genius. By aligning the mentees and mentors based on shared personal and professional goals, Fusion Five ensured that the mentorship experience was not only impactful but tailored to the individual needs of its members.

“As an example, we were able to pair young professionals seeking work-life balance and juggling parenting with someone who really had prioritized that throughout their career,” says Gieger. “We also had some participants who were very entrepreneurial. Who better to pair them with than the talented Eric Avery?”

The mentorship program quickly became a living embodiment of Fusion Five’s three pillars—civic engagement, networking, and professional growth. It wasn’t merely a professional alliance but a holistic connection between seasoned leaders and the ambitious youth, fostering a symbiotic relationship that went beyond traditional mentorship.

“I never set out to be in leadership, but it happened naturally over the course of my career,” says Erika Doshier, mentor for the program and the programs manager for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who were placed in my path along the way and I’m honored to have been chosen to pass that down to others.”

Take it from program participant Madison Yates, it’s worth it’s weight in gold. “As part of my application, I shared that I’d really love to grow in experience and knowledge in sales,” says Yates. “I ended up in the small group with Matt Young (now with Visit Lake Charles) as my mentor. I truly couldn’t have gotten luckier.”

“My experience is unique in that I actually moved jobs as a result of the relationships formed and connections made,” says Yates. “You just never know what putting yourself out there will yield. The resources are oftentimes right there in front of us. An added bonus is that Matt and I have become great friends, too. He’s such a wealth of insight and an inspiration for the work he wants to do in the community.”

The program unfolded over four months, commencing with a spirited meet and greet that set the tone for the collaborative journey ahead. Monthly meetings between mentors and mentees featured structured agendas, focusing on goals, progress, and shared challenges. As the program drew to a close, a celebratory wrap-up breakfast became the canvas for stories, experiences, and invaluable lessons learned.

“Fusion Five has really come back in a big way since 2020 rocked Southwest Louisiana’s world,” says Gieger. “There’s a lot of exciting growth. One of the things our board of directors is mindful of is that Fusion Five may be the first professional or civic organization that a person joins. If we can provide a valuable membership at this stage, we are creating a solid foundation for our area.”

In the intricate dance between experienced mentors and eager mentees, the Fusion Five Mentor Program is as a catalyst for change, ensuring that the torch of leadership and knowledge is being passed down to the next generation. The mentorship program didn’t just cultivate professionals; it sowed the seeds of a resilient community, grounded in shared experiences and a collective commitment to the future.