Lake Area Industry Alliance’s Women in Industry Event Inspires Next Generation of Workforce Leaders

Industry leaders, educators and female high school seniors from across Southwest Louisiana gathered for Lake Area Industry Alliance’s (LAIA) third annual SWLA Women in Industry conference, which took place at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur. 

The program was developed to connected female high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in industry or a related field with female leaders working in different positions within local industry. The event highlights the growing opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields while encouraging the next generation of workforce leaders. 

This year’s event welcomed 90 seniors from schools across the region for a day of engagement with over 70 female professionals representing a wide range of local industries, including manufacturing, energy, petrochemical operations, construction and engineering. Through presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities, students gained insight into the diverse career paths available within Southwest Louisiana’s industrial sector. 

Representatives from McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College were also on hand to discuss degree programs and technical training for students interested in industrial careers. 

The program focused on increasing awareness of the many roles women are successfully filling across the industry today, from plant operations and project management to engineering, safety and technical specialties. “Our Women in Industry event helps students who are about to start their college studies see the opportunities that exist right here in our region,” said Jim Rock, executive director of Lake Area Industry Alliance. “By connecting young women with professionals who are thriving in these careers, we’re helping them envision their own future in industries that are essential to the growth of Southwest Louisiana.” 

Participants heard firsthand from women working in industrial facilities and related fields who shared their career journeys, challenges and advice for students considering similar paths. The keynote speaker was Theresa Dellafosse, Louisiana DEQ undersecretary, who said she knew what it felt like to be the only woman in the room in certain workplace settings. Her advice, “Be strong and own the path you have taken. You have every right to be where you’ve worked to be.”  

The industry professionals leading discussions at the conference emphasized the importance of STEM education, technical training and the strong career potential available in the region’s expanding industrial economy. “I hope the young women attending this event see women who are confident in their roles in industry,” said Kristen Prejean, a process engineering section supervisor with Citgo, who served as a mentor at the event.  

Another mentor, Natalie Bailey, process safety lead with Woodside Energy, added, “I really hope the young women attending this event see that the sky’s the limit for them. I hope they recognize there are great opportunities for them to have lucrative careers, meet people, travel the world and make their mark on our industry. I also hope they learn that being an engineer means helping people. When you put gas in your car or use a machine in a hospital, that energy is available because engineers produce it.”   

The Women in Industry event is part of the Lake Area Industry Alliance’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, industry education and community engagement, connecting students with the companies and careers shaping the region’s future.  

For more information about the Lake Area Industry Alliance and its workforce initiatives, visit lakeareaindustryalliance.com.