Lake Area Industry Alliance’s Women in Industry Event Inspires Next Generation of Workforce Leaders
April 2026
Don’t Let Your Vehicle Stall Your Vacation
April 2026
2026’s Thriving 30-Somethings have very different backgrounds and careers. However, there’s one thing that popped up time and time again when they explained their motivations and what fulfills them. Every single Thriving 30-Something spoke about how important SERVICE is to them. For some, service is directly connected with their faith. For others, service is a way to give back after they were graciously given to by the local community. All 13 winners consider service as a concept that parents or grandparents helped teach them when they were young. This commitment to helping those in need or those seeking to become better version of themselves is truly what this year’s Thriving 30-Somethings stand out for. Sure, they all have great careers, but a career without impact is nothing.
For those whose faith is at the forefront of their life, they will cite what Jesus said over 2,000 years ago: “Faith without works is dead.” Even for those who might not be religious, acts of service are what fills their cup. Whether a belief in service is a moral code instilled at birth or learned through environment, let philosophy decide.
Ladies and gentlemen, Thrive presents to you it’s 2026 Thriving 30-Somethings!
Rosa Fondel Alfred – 39
Director of Development, Evergreen Life Services /. Owner, Rosa’s Floral / Licensed Mortician
Rosa Fondel Alfred grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in a family that taught her both the value of hard work and the importance of serving others with great care. Since her family owns Fondel Memorial Chapel, Alfred says, “I witnessed firsthand what it means to care for people during their most vulnerable moments. Being surrounded by that work from an early age instilled in me compassion, professionalism and a deep respect for serving others with dignity.” Her childhood experiences would later impact her career choices.
Equipped with a degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations from McNeese State University, Alfred’s first job was at Oasis, A Safe Haven, a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to those suffering from domestic and sexual abuse. Her role, she says, “profoundly shaped my understanding of advocacy, discretion and crisis support.”
As the current director of development at Evergreen Life Services, Alfred’s passion for advocacy is obvious. At Evergreen, she focuses on “community partnership, fundraising and advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
However, Alfred’s involvement in funeral home services is still a part of her life since she is a licensed mortician and is the owner of Rosa’s Florals, which makes everything from funeral arrangements to wedding centerpieces. She says, “I am fueled by the belief that leadership is stewardship. Whether I’m building partnerships, supporting families in grief or creating beauty through floral design, I see every role as an opportunity to serve.”
Alfred’s heart for the community is an essential part of what has earned her the title of a 2026 Thriving 30-Something. “Success is not just about titles, it’s about impact,” she says. “I was raised in a family where service wasn’t optional; it was simply how we lived. Growing up around Fondel Memorial Chapel, I saw what it means to care for people during some of the hardest moments in their lives. I saw strength wrapped in compassion.”
Alfred cities her mother and sister as two women who she looks up to. They taught her how to be strong, yet gentle, and how treating people well is the ultimate test of character. Her husband and children also serve as inspirations and keep her moving forward.
With a life dedicated to service, Alfred says, “Helping others strengthens my faith, sharpens my leadership and fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. Thriving means balancing ambition with heart, building businesses that serve and ensuring that as I grow, my community grows with me.”
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
Living a colorful life is a choice to make every day brighter, richer and more meaningful for yourself and your community. It’s about bringing vibrancy to everything I do. Thriving in color means living boldly, loving deeply and serving fully.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Rotary Club of Lake Charles, Member
Junior League of Lake Charles, Sustainer
SWLA Arts & Humanities, Board Member
National Association of University Women, Member
Morgan Alegro – 31
Marketing Manager, CSE Federal Credit Union
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and raised in DeQuincy, Louisiana, Morgan Algero’s strong work ethic was shaped early while growing up on a farm. From gardening and farming to playing sports throughout her youth, she learned the value of discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
Algero attended McNeese State University, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations. Shortly after graduation, she interned with the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, where she discovered a passion for volunteerism and community involvement. What she didn’t realize at the time was that many of the people she met would later become mentors and influential leaders within the community.
Alegro later joined Collins Orthopaedics, managing the organization’s social media presence. That role helped launch her career in financial marketing when she accepted a position as marketing communications specialist at CSE Federal Credit Union. Through dedication and strong leadership, Algero advanced to marketing manager within three years. In her current role, she leads her team in developing strategic marketing campaigns designed to build meaningful connections with both current and prospective CSE members. During her tenure, she has contributed to major initiatives including launching and upgrading the CSE website, expanding the credit union’s digital presence, marketing new branch openings and executing a campaign to promote CSE’s partnership with SOWELA, which launched the cobranded debit card.
Algero has also demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development. She completed a three-year program to earn the designation of Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive and was selected as a 2024 finalist for the Louisiana Credit Union League’s Emerging Leader program. She has played a key role in several award-winning marketing initiatives at CSE Federal Credit Union, collaborating closely with the Marketing and Community Development team to bring campaigns to life.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Algero is deeply committed to serving her community. She was honored as one of CSE’s Top Five Volunteers in 2024 and served on the board of This Is Home Fest from 2023–2024, supporting the organization’s marketing efforts. Alegro also served on the board of Fusion Five for four years, holding the office of president in 2023, when she was recognized as the organization’s “20-Something of the Year.” In addition, she has served as a mentor through America’s Credit Unions mentorship program, helping guide an emerging professional in the credit union industry.
Family remains the heart of Alegro’s motivation. She is married to Nicholas Algero, and together they are raising their two sons, Nicholas Jr. and Leonardo. The family are parishioners at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Morgan strives to set an example for her boys by showing them the importance of service, leadership and community involvement, hoping to inspire them to one day find their own ways to make a lasting impact.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“Living a colorful life means embracing the different colors each stage brings. No two are the same. Some are vibrant and some are dull, but together they create a masterpiece.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk
Bowl for Kids’ Sake
Lake Charles Rotary Club, Member
Leadership SWLA, Participant
Ben Drouilhet – 32
Co-Owner of Servpro of Lake Charles
Born and raised In Lake Charles, Louisiana, Benjamin Drouilhet always felt a passion for the community and a desire to be a positive influence in where we live, work, play and raise a family.
He was educated in the Calcasieu Parish public school system, starting at Prien Lake Elementary before moving into the Catholic school system at Our Lady Queen of Heaven and Saint Louis Catholic High School, SLCHS. He attended Louisiana State University where he studied business with a major in economics with the aspiration to help grow his family business, Sevrpro, which is a disaster recovery business helping the community restore homes and businesses after water or fire damage.
“We are a family-owned business that just started its 37th year,” Drouilhet says. “Although we didn’t get the Servpro franchise until 2009, my family has been in disaster recovery/mitigation since before I was born. My goal is to continue working at Servpro of Lake Charles until I take over for my mother and father, who are majority owners.”
Living in Baton Rouge gave Drouilhet the opportunity to train with other Sevrpro franchises along the Gulf Coast to learn from those who were already in the industry. After graduating from LSU in 2017, he coached football at SLCHS. In 2021, he began working at the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, which lasted three years. He now works full-time at Sevrpro.
Drouilhet considers one of his strengths to be his “tenacity” to chase his dreams while allowing his coworkers to do the same. “I’m a believer that everyone has great characteristics within them, and it’s my job to find out what they are.” Mentors who have helped him along the way include Raissa and Glenn Cecchini, Paula and Carl Bruchaus, Chad Hebert, Ross Blankenship, Joe Crawford, and Mike and Tommy Johns. However, his parents remain his No. 1 teachers in life. “The steady love and support they have shown me along the way has truly been a foundation on which I can hopefully continue to grow into the man I’m capable of being.”
Running a recovery business is a difficult job, but with the right team, the job becomes easier. Drouilhet says, “2026 marks a new adventure as we started a new construction division and are prepared for many years of continued growth! Short of four years of marriage to my wife, Kelsey, my 22-month-old daughter, Charlotte, and soon to be newborn daughter, Kate, helping manage and own Sevrpro of Lake Charles has been the biggest achievement of my life.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“A colorful life is the goal. It’s a balance between family, work, community and golf. So, you could say these are real life primary colors.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, Big Brother
Chamber of SWLA, West Calcasieu, DeQuincy, Kinder and Jeff Davis Parish, Member
Lake Area Regional Business Chamber of Commerce, Member
This is Home Fest, Board Member
Fusion Five, Member
Amelia Washington – 32
Department Head, McNeese State University Undergraduate Nursing Program
Amelia Washington grew up with a worldview that was influenced by her father’s career. Born in Richmond, Virginia, she experienced much of the United States as her family moved every three years due to her father’s job in the U.S. Army.
A position as a nurse’s assistant for Dry Creek Baptist Camp was Washinton’s first job. She fell in love with the profession after she went on a mission trip to Haiti. She assisted her mom in providing medical care to the people in pop-up clinics. (She has also been on missions to Africa and Honduras.) This experience led her to enroll in McNeese State University’s nursing department, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree before obtaining her master’s and doctorate from Grand Canyon University in nursing education and nursing practice, respectively.
Washington has come full circle as she is now the department head for McNeese’s undergraduate nursing program. “I get to help students grow as professionals and individuals as they discover their nursing journey. Getting a nursing degree is very hard and not for everyone, but it is such an honor to hold a nursing license. Not only am I mentoring and guiding future nurses who will care for our community, I also get to come alongside them and work in the community setting doing community service.”
A passion developed in her childhood years, public service is what fulfills Washington. “My dad served our country, my mom served the community as a nurse, and we as a family served our local community through our church. It is part of who we are. When I serve others, it fills my cup.”
Faith is another vital aspect to Washington’s life as she aims to show Christ’s love to the world. “In everything I do I want to serve the Lord. From my job to community service to my relationships with people. It is a mission field, and I want to love people like Christ first loved us. It is not about me when I am working or serving my community. It is about the people God created. When we take ourselves out of the equation, we see more clearly what people need or what God is calling us to do.” She cites her grandmother as her spiritual mentor and her family as those who support and serve with her.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
The color purple means so much to me as the color we drape over the cross on Resurrection Sunday, the Purple Heart for soldiers who were wounded in fighting for our freedom, and for the sense of wonder for the beautiful world we live in.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Junior League of Lake Charles, Fund Director
CSE Federal Credit Union, Associate Board Member
Missionary Work
Gabriel Fontenot – 31
Co-Founder & CEO, HUNT Tech
Gabriel “Gabe” Fontenot grew up on a rice farm in Elton, Louisiana. Being introduced to agriculture at a young age instilled fundamental values that continue to shape his choices today.“Agriculture teaches patience, resilience and responsibility early,” he says. “You can do everything right and still have things outside of your control, so you learn to adapt and keep moving forward.”
During high school, Fontenot worked jobs ranging from parking lot sweeper to busboy. After graduating, he attended McNeese State University, where he studied business administration. He launched his professional career in aviation at Million Air in Houston, Texas, before returning to Lake Charles and transitioning into corporate sales at Waste Management. He went on to manage a sales team at Cintas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Fontenot is co-founder and CEO of HUNT Tech, a company he helped launch through the Business Incubator of Southwest Louisiana. HUNT Tech produces HUNT Refined Repellent, an innovative DEET-free and scent-free insect repellent built for hunters and anyone who spends their time outside.
The concept took root in 2024 when Fontenot recognized that the insect repellent industry had grown stagnant. Louisiana is a prime destination for waterfowl hunting and fishing, but the state’s swampy terrain also makes it a haven for mosquitoes and many other pesky insects. Nobody wants to spend a day in the field battling bugs.“There wasn’t much innovation happening, and there certainly wasn’t a strong Louisiana brand serving hunters and outdoorsmen the way we believed it could be done,” Fontenot says.
When asked what motivated him to start his own business, Fontenot says, “I have always been motivated by doing difficult things,” he says. “If something is easy, it probably isn’t worth building. Building a consumer brand is already an uphill battle. When you add government regulation into the mix, including EPA registrations, compliance requirements and label approvals, it becomes one of the most complex things you can take on. That challenge is part of what excited me about it.”
Fontenot credits several mentors with shaping the leader he is today. His grandfather, Larry Fontenot, a second-generation rice farmer in Elton who was also involved in politics, taught him the importance of relationships, networking and taking time to connect with people. His late father, Timothy Fontenot, taught him something equally valuable: don’t take life too seriously, enjoy your passions and never listen to the noise.
One piece of advice Fontenot would provide to others is, “Don’t let the start stop you. Most people never begin because they’re waiting for the perfect moment. The truth is, that moment rarely comes. You just have to start, learn along the way and keep moving forward.”
What Does Living a “Colorful” Life Mean to You?
During my time at Million Air, someone once told me, ‘If you’re going to waste your time dreaming, dream in color.’ I took that to heart. Nowadays, that color just happens to be HUNT green.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
2025 Fusion Five 30-Something of the Year
Calcasieu Parish Republican Executive Committee
Southwest Louisiana Economic Alliance
Southwest Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Davis Parish ChamberJeff Davis Parish Economic Development, Board Member
Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association, National Wild Turkey Federation
Supporter of the FFA
Tori Hebert Whittaker – 31
Communication Specialist, Healthy Image Marketing Agency
“I’ve always considered myself a SWLA native,” Tori Whittaker says, even though she spent 13 years living in Houston, Texas, during her childhood. She was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and finished high school at Fontainebleau High School in St. Tammany Parish after her family moved back to Louisiana.
Whittaker found her way back to Lake Charles when she attended McNeese State University where she pursued and graduated with a degree in English. Her plan had been to attend law school after obtaining her bachelor’s degree, but after interning at Sasol with the public affairs team and working at McNeese in public relations, she discovered her current career path. She now works as a communication specialist for Healthy Image Marketing Agency.
In her career and life, Whittaker says her heart of service comes from her faith and cites how Jesus spoke of how when we help those less fortunate, we are serving him as well. A life of service was instilled into her at an early age. “My mom always told me, ‘We are blessed so we can bless others.’ It’s a privilege to share my time, talent and treasures with others. So many have done the same for me, and I love any opportunity to pay it forward.”
Whittaker also learned the value of hard work from her parents. She made money by first doing household chores. Anything she had, she learned to work for it.
A heart of service and hard work is what Whittaker seeks to instill with her bonus kids and future children. “Hard work pays off. You must work for what you want. But more importantly, our work is for the Lord, and we serve as his hands and feet.”
Family is the most important thing in life to Whittaker. “The decisions we make today will impact generations to come. It’s important to me to be a good steward of what we’re building for our children and grandchildren to one day inherit.”
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“Color can change everything! Just changing the wall color in a single room can completely change the way you perceive the space. The same is true in life. You have the power to curate your own environment and change the color of your life by purifying the sounds, textures and visuals of your environment. You can make the whole place shimmer.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles, Member
Big Brothers Big Sisters SWLA, Big Sister
Junior League of Lake Charles, Member
This is Home Fest, Board Member
Children’s Museum of SWLA, Former Board Member
Joey Williams – 38
Assistant District Attorney, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office
Joey Williams learned the value of and the joy that can come from serving his community early in life, and he carries that on into his career as an assistant district attorney for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office. “My parents always encouraged me to be involved in the community and to make a difference,” Williams says. “Namely, through my experience in Boy Scouts and becoming an Eagle Scout, I saw the impact I could have simply by being of service to others.” He says he aspires to live his life by the following quote from the Dalai Lama XIV, “A compassionate concern for others’ well-being is the source of happiness.”
Williams is candid on how much he looks up to and respects his parents and says his passion for public service can be traced back to the example they set. “My dad worked in government, so I saw firsthand what a career in public service meant to him personally and the joy that came with it. My mom has always been an active community volunteer, always looking for opportunities to help and give back.”
Williams began his legal career by serving as a law clerk for two judges here in Lake Charles. While working for those judges, he saw the incredible impact and service to the community that the District Attorney’s Office provided, and he knew that’s where he wanted to work. “To this day, I still remember the excitement and hope I felt as I walked over to the DA’s Office to ask for a job.”
Seeing his job as a way to make the community a better place, Williams explains his day-to-day responsibilities. “I strive to hold individuals accountable, fight for victims’ rights and work to keep our community safe. In my current role as juvenile section chief, I oversee a team of prosecutors and staff that work tirelessly to hold our youth accountable for their actions while helping them turn their lives around by providing them with the necessary supervision, treatment, education and guidance.”
Williams is also passionate about the volunteer opportunities he has through working at the District Attorney’s Office. He has volunteered to serve on many of the specialty court programs such as Adult Drug Treatment Court, Adult DWI Treatment Court, Adult Behavioral Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Juvenile Drug Court and Juvenile Behavioral Health Court. “These programs are designed to help non-violent offenders address many of their underlying issues that led to their criminal behavior, such as addiction, drug/alcohol abuse, mental health issues and/or past trauma,” he says. “We accomplish this through intense supervision from each specialty court program team by providing substance abuse counseling, mental health therapy, individual and group counseling, medication management, housing assistance, job assistance, and, at the end of the day, just being a group of people supporting and celebrating the progress and changes these individuals are making in their lives.”
Outside of work, Williams enjoys serving the community through other civic and volunteer opportunities. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Jordan Kolde, and their three sons, Joseph, Theodore and Wesley. Williams hopes he can be an example to his boys of selfless service just as his parents were to him.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“The power of color can be likened to the power and difference your life can have on your community. To live a colorful life means to live a life serving others and making a difference in your community and, by doing so, your color will shine bright through all those you have helped.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Board Member
Children and Youth Planning Board
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, Member
IMPACT Rotary Club of Lake Charles, Member
Pi Kappa Alpha McNeese Chapter, Health & Safety Advisor
Jillyan Bevlaqua – 38
Southern Vanity by Jillyan, Owner and Artist
Jillyan Bevlaqua was raised in Sulphur, Louisiana, “surrounded by horses, barn cats and open land. I grew up outside, playing in the dirt and learning independence early on.” Her grandparents were there as steady guides, hard-working and full of wisdom.
“My grandmother started working at 16 and didn’t retire until her 80s, staying with the same company the entire time,” says Bevlaqua. “She built her career in a male-dominated industry and never shrank herself to fit in. She was strong, outspoken and unafraid to be heard. My grandfather used to say, ‘Ohio,’ meaning ‘only handle it once’—do it right the first time. That mindset shaped the way I approach both my work and my business.”
Discovering her creative streak early, Bevlaqua’s first jobs were in fashion and cake decorating, which she credits for teaching her “precision and attention to detail.” But it wasn’t until she pivoted to makeup artist that she finally felt she had found her niche. The love of helping people transform led her to open Southern Vanity by Jillyan, where she specializes in cosmetic tattooing. The specific service she offers is Nano Brows. “My work focuses on restoring natural, dimensional brows in a way that feels authentic to each client. I’ve built and maintained my business through consistency, continued education and an unwavering commitment to quality.”
What Bevlaqua finds most rewarding is the ability to help those in need. “One of the most meaningful parts of my work is providing complimentary brow services each month to clients who have lost their brows due to cancer and chemotherapy. Hair loss can deeply affect a person’s sense of identity and being able to restore something so personal during such a vulnerable time is an honor. It’s a reminder that what I do goes far beyond aesthetics.”
Bevlaqua is the best-known business owner in SWLA for Nano Brows, so it’s unsurprising that she has been voted the No. 1 in her field time and time again. However, building her business through hard work and diligence has been intentional from day one. “I had my daughter, Avery, when I was young and became a single mom when she was nine months old. From that point forward, there wasn’t room for hesitation. Building this business wasn’t just ambition; it was responsibility. She has watched me choose the harder path, and it’s important to me she sees what it looks like to bet on yourself and see it through.”
What does living a “colorful” life mean to you?
As an artist, the power of color lives in the undertones of skin, the depth of hair and the individuality of each person I work with. No two clients are the same, and understanding how color interacts with different complexions is essential to creating work that heals beautifully and looks natural. To me, living a colorful life means embracing diversity, continuing to learn and ensuring that every person who sits in my chair receives the same level of care and excellence.”
Parrish Burnett – 33
Co-Owner, Family Tire Care | CEO, The Burnett Group | Operator at Calcasieu Refining Company
Born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Parrish Burnett developed a foundation rooted in faith, perseverance and community. Growing up in Southwest Louisiana instilled the importance of hard work and service—values that continue to shape both his professional journey and his commitment to helping others succeed.
Burnett pursued studies in criminal justice at SOWELA Technical Community College and business administration at Delta College of Business. He strengthened his leadership skills through HarvardX’s LEAD1x: Exercising Leadership-Foundational Principles and is currently advancing his professional development through the Google Project Management Certificate program. These experiences have equipped Burnett with strong analytical and business skills that continue to shape his entrepreneurial and leadership approach.
Early in his career, Burnett gained valuable experience working in sales, having to independently find leads and generate new business opportunities. This role required persistence, confidence and the ability to overcome rejection—lessons that proved invaluable as he developed professionally. Learning to navigate despite the words “no” and “not interested” strengthened his determination and helped spark the successful entrepreneurial mindset that continues to guide him today.
Now, at 33, Burnett holds several professional roles that reflect his dedication and work ethic. He is the co-owner of Family Tire Care, CEO of The Burnett Group and an operator at Calcasieu Refining Company. Through these positions, he has built a reputation for resilience, leadership and a commitment to excellence.
Burnett’s passion for service extends well beyond his professional life. He currently volunteers as president of the Lake Area Regional Business Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to supporting small businesses and strengthening economic development throughout the community. In this role, he works to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and help foster a thriving local business environment. He also volunteers with several local organizations and serves as secretary on the local board of his Bible class, continuing his commitment to faith-based service and leadership.
Burnett credits his success first to God, as well as the strong village of family and friends who have supported him in every endeavor he has pursued. Their encouragement and belief in him have played a vital role in his journey. He also expresses deep gratitude to his mentor, Dr. Henry C. Kinley, whose teachings inspired him to believe that, regardless of the challenges life throws your way, you have the power within to conquer them. Burnett believes that keeping a positive disposition can have a powerful ripple effect—sometimes the encouragement or example you provide may be the very spark someone else needs to pursue their own success. For Parrish, thriving in his 30s means striving for personal growth while uplifting others along the way.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
Living a colorful life is about togetherness, purpose and embracing the experiences that shape who we become while making a positive impact on the world around us.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Lake Area Regional Business Chamber of Commerce, President
Fusion Five, Member
Chad Miller – 33
President/CEO, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union
Chad Miller moved with his family from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Sulphur, Louisiana, when he was two. His first job was at Raising Cane’s before he left for college at LSU-Eunice, where he would get his associate degree in management while also playing baseball and becoming one of the players on the 2012 National Championship team. Miller continued his education and baseball career at the University of Louisiana-Monroe and graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in finance.
Unsure of what his passion was at first, Miller originally considered attending law school after he completed his finance degree. He completed internships at both the local district attorney’s office and Billy Navarre Auto Group. However, after being encouraged by his father to consider a career at a credit union, he decided to give it a shot and obtained a position as a loan officer at a local credit union. After working for a while, he was promoted to a management position.
Miller transferred to Southwest Louisiana Credit Union, SWLACU, and is now the acting president and CEO. His main goal is to “empower others to take ownership of their lives. I’m fulfilled when I see others succeed because of advice or shared experience I’m able to share with them. I get excited seeing others become successful in their business or making homeownership a reality for those who thought it was impossible.”
One of the ways Miller gives back to the community is by helping organize volunteer opportunities at SWLACU. The company hosts a back-to-school event for students, which also serves as a community resource fair for local vendors. “We typically give away 100+ pairs of shoes for young students, as well as host over 20 vendors that connect members of our community to resources they need, such as housing assistance and food pantries.
Miller’s giving back mentality was instilled in him by his parents from an early age. “My brother and I were blessed with always having food on the table, shelter over our heads and so much more growing up. But my parents always ensured that we worked hard for what we had and that we understood we were more fortunate than others and to be thankful.”
Miller married his wife, Lauren, two years ago, and the couple share a son, Beau. Creating a family of his own has been motivation for him to continue becoming the best he can be.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
To live a colorful life means to live as the true version of yourself! To not have to change who you are because of the people you’re around, the job you have or the burdens you carry. To let your genuine, awesome and unique personality shine all day every day! That’s happiness. That’s color!”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Christus-Ochsner Southwest Louisiana Foundation, Board Member
Leadership Southwest, Member
SWLA Alliance Foundation, Member
Luminate Louisiana Credit Union, Vice Chairman
Jillian Cormier – 33
CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana
Mentorship can be a key to success in your career. Receiving advice and feedback from those with more experience than you helps you build upon a foundation rather than blinding voyaging into unknown territory without any parameters. Mentorship can be especially valuable to children, especially those who don’t receive it at home. Jillian Cormier, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, BBBS, discovered her passion for service early in her career.
Cormier grew up in Sulphur, Louisiana, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from McNeese State University. She later completed her Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in human resource management through the University of North Alabama and went to work in the mental health field, which taught her valuable lessons she brought to her work at BBBS.
The mental health field taught Cormier “how complex life can be for many people, but it also reinforced something I’ve always believed. When people are given support, encouragement and opportunity, they are capable of incredible growth. While that work was meaningful, it also helped me realize how powerful prevention and mentorship can be when young people have someone in their corner early in life.”
Once Cormier transferred to BBBS, the nonprofit she has worked for over seven years, she put those ideas into action. She was promoted through various roles and became the CEO at the beginning of 2025. In her role, she aims to help children discover their potential and approach the world with confidence. She stresses the organization would not be a success without the great team and community support. “What makes this work so meaningful to me is the impact we see in our community isn’t created by just one person. It’s the mentors who show up consistently, the families who trust us with their children, the passionate staff at BBBS who care deeply about the mission and the community partners who continue to show up and work alongside us.”
A Big herself, Cormier enjoys her time with her Little Sister, Isabella. The reward for mentoring, Cormier notes, is how she is being shaped by her time with her Little Sister as well. “Watching her grow, gain confidence and explore new opportunities has been incredibly rewarding, but she has also shaped me in many ways. She constantly reminds me of the importance of patience, encouragement and simply showing up. Our relationship is a powerful reminder that mentorship is a two-way experience.”
Bringing out people’s inner potential is what Cormier strives to do in every aspect
of her life. “Sometimes all someone needs is encouragement, access to resources or someone who simply believes in them. Even when life is busy, service is something
that fills my cup rather than drains it. Success isn’t just measured by personal achievements but by the positive impact you have on the lives of others.”Cormier continues this mission of mentorship even with her family. She says being an aunt has positively impacted her and she has seen how being a great role model in a child’s life can help determine success. Interacting with her niece and nephews “keeps me mindful that the way I show up, the behavior I model and the opportunities I help create can have a lasting impact on the young people who are watching and learning from us.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“Living a colorful life means embracing the people, experiences and opportunities that bring meaning and joy to your life. It’s about celebrating differences, lifting others up and appreciating the momenåts that make life vibrant.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Junior League of Lake Charles, Provisional Communications Chair
Big Brothers Big Sister of SWLA, Big Sister
Courtney Peveto – 37
Senior Loan Originator, Pemberton Mortgage Group
Courtney Peveto’s life has been shaped by the strength and bravery of those who came before her. While she was raised on the outskirts of DeQuincy, Louisiana, Peveto’s mother is an immigrant from the Philippines. “I was raised by a Filipina mother who emigrated from a third-world country. She taught me resilience, gratitude and the importance of giving back. With no family except my dad, she built a successful career in any sales role that she pursued.”
A core memory for Peveto was seeing her mother sell Mary Kay and win cars through sheer determination and hard work. As her primary mentor, Peveto’s mom taught her how “true success not only comes from effort and resilience but also from lifting those around you.”
Inspired by her mother’s success, Peveto worked in the service industry for years, which, she says, builds a healthy work ethic. She has been in the mortgage industry for eight years, and now serves as senior loan originator at Pemberton Mortgage Group.
Passionate about assisting people in home ownership and fueled by love for her family, Peveto says both of these things “push me to grow and inspire me to be the best version of myself. Being a mother means more than providing. It’s also modeling. I have been able to build success without sacrificing my family and build a family without shrinking my ambition. I’m building a legacy at home and in my business.”
Service to the community is a large part of Peveto’s life, especially because she is involved with causes close to her heart. She witnessed her grandfather fight Alzheimer’s, so she fundraises for the Alzheimer’s Association, among other organizations. “Helping others reminds me that life extends beyond my own needs and that even the smallest gestures can create real impact. If we don’t volunteer or serve, change can’t happen.”
With four kids, you might wonder how Peveto can be so involved with the local community. She says her husband is her “constant support and foundation,” helping her bring the kids to extracurricular activities and supporting her in her endeavors.
What does it mean to live a “colorful” life?
“Living a colorful life means to embrace every moment with heart and intention. It means to live boldly. Ultimately, a vibrant, colorful life inspires growth.”
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Junior League of Lake Charles, Mistletoe & Moss Committee
Cookies 4 a Cure Fundraiser, Alzheimer’s Association
Tyson Queen – 36
CEO, Family First Holdings, Inc. & Area Owner, Home Matters Caregiving
Tyson Queen was raised in Baytown, Texas, but has become quite the entrepreneur in his hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He played basketball at Lee College and Temple College before landing at McNeese State University. Here, he was a member of the 2010-2011 Southland Conference regular-season championship team. During his senior year at McNeese, he and his classmate, Matthew Lundmark, won the first annual SEED Center Business Pitch Competition for GoGoGrocer, an online grocery-ordering service.
After graduating McNeese in 2013 and perfecting GoGoGrocer, Queen joined Waitr after they acquired his company. He began as business development manager and was eventually promoted to vice president of sales and account management. “I played an integral role in taking the company public on the NASDAQ and assisted in a $321 million acquisition that doubled our national footprint,” he says. “It was the ultimate entrepreneurial journey—from a napkin sketch to a publicly-traded company.”
After Waitr went public, Queen decided he wanted to be part of something where his mission was more important than money he made. He is now the owner and operator of Home Matters Caregiving, which has locations in Houston, Dallas and Austin. San Antonio will be the home of the next hub. “We work closely with charitable initiatives aimed at assisting underprivileged and underserved seniors with access to care, meals and support throughout the nation,” he says. “Serving our seniors reminds me daily compassion is powerful and time is our most precious resource.”
The key to business survival is staying abreast of market changes and new technology. Queen says at Home Matters Caregiving, they are “pioneering revolutionary AI technology to support our franchise network’s growth as well as other industries.” Home Matters Caregiving is included in the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, a recognition made possible by Queen being named Franchisee of the Year due to his business being the fastest-growing operation in the whole franchise network.
Queen’s motivation comes from his family and his faith. “My parents Jay and Sandra Queen planted seeds of work ethic, integrity and confidence. I am a huge believer that the harder I work, the luckier I get. I like to surround myself with smart, capable, hardworking people. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that this journey is bigger than any single deal or milestone. My wife, Taylor, is the best deal I’ve ever closed. I proposed to her in Queenstown, New Zealand, where I asked her to ‘be my Queen.’ Together we have two incredible boys, Tyce and Toren who were born on the exact same day two years apart. I named our entity Family First Holdings, Inc. for a reason.”
Another of Queen’s goals is to steward his knowledge and mentor other entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurship is incredibly difficult and not for everybody. Unless you’ve started a business, it’s very difficult to understand the pressure, time commitment and constant challenges. I find great pride in working with entrepreneurs of all ages. I’ve spoken at McNeese State University, Lee College, Temple College and Angel Investment meetings about entrepreneurship, sharing what I’ve learned from launching businesses, navigating uncertainty and building teams. Within our franchise network, I mentor entrepreneurs on a weekly basis—helping them work through the challenges of growing their operations and developing as leaders.”
What does living a “colorful” life mean to you?
“My color is green, and to me it represents deep roots and new growth. It reminds me of nature, how beautiful our planet is and how important it is to protect. But more than that, green is what my parents planted in me—seeds of integrity, work ethic and faith—that I’m now planting in my boys, my team and every entrepreneur I have the privilege to mentor. Living a colorful life means building something vibrant, something with purpose, and something that outlasts you.”
