2018 Baton Rouge Business Report's Women Leading the Way by Baton Rouge Business Report

Women LEADING 2 O18

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CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT I am so proud to be elected president of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® for 2018.

POWERFUL DRIVE One great piece of advice I heard was, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” It took me a while to understand its true meaning. Once I did, I grew in my personal life and my professional life. INSPIRED LEADERSHIP Growing up in a small rural community, my parents instilled strong values that shaped my life. I made a promise to never forget my roots and to remain loyal in helping others.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED Find your why. I felt my purpose in life was to help others. I wanted to show women that they are enough the way they are at this very moment.

VILLAR & CO. REAL ESTATE

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POWERFUL DRIVE Know your worth. Find something you love, put in the work, never stop learning and success will follow.

Broker/Owner

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CONNECTING COMMUNITY I get the opportunity to work with women on a daily basis, hear their stories, and help them heal and see themselves in a new light. I know with every session I am making a difference in someone else’s life.

DONNA VILLAR

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

The Beauty of You - A Boudoir Experience

Owner/Photographer

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

MELISSA MAYERS

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This special section salutes women in business. Read about what motivates these women, the daily strides they’re making in their industries and what makes them successful.

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are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ANGELA POIRRIER Owner/Designer

Acadian House Kitchen + Bath

POWERFUL DRIVE The construction industry is highly male dominated. As a team of degreed women, we are always challenged to gain the trust of our clients and peers regarding our renovation expertise. CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT I was so proud when I was recognized in the Baton Rouge community as a Business Report Forty Under 40 honoree in 2015. LEADING WITH PURPOSE Each year my team has the opportunity to help design the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. We are proud to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves in our community.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, May 22, 2018

Aimbridge Hospitality Embassy Suites by Hilton Baton Rouge • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

MENTORS MATTER My mother was the first African American nail salon owner in Baton Rouge. She taught me humility, respect, patience, and the value of promoting from within.

CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT I have successfully managed hotel sales while operating my own nail salon for the last 20 years. It has been a rewarding journey as I learned to navigate and market both industries. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Don’t just take a seat at the table, make your voice heard. Research and utilize information to contribute to the conversation and gain valuable insights that will impact your professional growth.

BUSINESS REPORT, May 22, 2018 | BusinessReport.com

CONNECTING COMMUNITY It is important to me to be an advocate and fight for low-income families and others who want to purchase a home with the aid of programs such as FHA and USDA.

SHARON WESTON BROOME Mayor-President

City/Parish

LEADING WITH PURPOSE Now more than ever, citizens look to local government to provide solutions to many of the issues they face. I’m dedicated to creating a community of peace, progress and prosperity for everyone in this city/parish. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Dedicate time for yourself. It won’t just happen. If you fail to make time for yourself, you will eventually fail to be effective in your work.

MENTORS MATTER I met Joanne Gabbin when I was 13 years old. Dr. Gabbin’s personal and professional achievements inspired me as a young teen. She affirmed my dream to live a meaningful and impactful life.

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN The only way you can fail at being successful is if you accept defeat. Success does not come without its share of failures, so be prepared to fail along the way.

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LEADING WITH PURPOSE We must consistently struggle to effectuate change strong enough to break the gender bias in corporate America and end the belief that women can’t effectively run a company.

Business Transient Sales Manager

Ambassador Mtg, LLC

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RENITA MCBATH SPEARS

CEO/Broker

MENTORS MATTER My late sister was my best mentor professionally and personally. She taught me how to handle difficult people, handle difficult situations and speak with authority.

DARLENE REESE

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #2

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

CONNECTING COMMUNITY My biggest challenge is the technological “disruption” that has taken place in my industry. While it may be convenient, it takes away from the “human touch” in staffing and recruiting.

ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Stand up for yourself. Realize your worth and carry yourself with confidence. Never quit learning.

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Frazee Recruiting Consultants, Inc.

Owner

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MARIANNE FRAZEE

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #3

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are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

KRIS CANGELOSI Artistic Director

Cangelosi Dance Project

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED I lacked interpersonal skills because of my high expectations for my students. I learned to differentiate between the recreational students and those with serious intentions, then drive them accordingly. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN When it’s time to work, work! Find a good mentor, be honest with yourself and don’t make excuses. LEADING WITH PURPOSE I am preparing the sequel to my previous work Glass Ceiling, titled Glass Broken. Glass Ceiling was performed in Atlanta, Chicago and New York. See this new show at the Manship Theatre in June.

GABRIELLE KEES Senior Vice President

Cornerstone Government Affairs

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED The world is round. Working as a lobbyist is all about your relationships. Be kind and helpful to people each day. Show respect to everyone. LEADING WITH PURPOSE I serve on the board of Louisiana First Foundation. Our mission is “Music, Arts and Movement.” We teach children about the benefits of daily exercise and proper nutrition. MENTORS MATTER Leah Guerry, founder of the Louisiana Association for Justice, taught me that when you represent consumers at the Capitol, you have to work harder, smarter and more strategically.

MENTORS MATTER I really admire Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. Her hardships motivated her success, and she has the ability to be powerful yet feminine.

I ADMIRE Kathy Kliebert, former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Her complete focus on doing what was right for the people she served, even when it might not have been easy or popular, is something I strive to emulate.

SHARON WILLIAMS Senior Loan Officer

PrimeLending

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP One of the issues women face in the workforce is not knowing their worth. We settle for what is given to us rather than being confident to ask for what we deserve. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Family time should be assigned the same priority as work because it is a source of renewal and support. When setting your daily goals, be sure to schedule personal time too.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE I am committed to teaching middle and high school students about good credit and budgeting habits. These life skills can help them avoid future mistakes that take years to correct.

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #3

ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Base decisions about your career on longterm life goals, not what is the most lucrative path. What would you be happy doing when you’re 60? Choose the career you can enjoy through all stages of life.

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CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT My most significant professional achievement is my ability to care for women. Not just providing treatment, but actual care.

ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Stay true to your core values and beliefs. Work hard, and be resilient, because change is constant and the ability to navigate change is what separates you from others in your field.

Woman’s Hospital

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POWERFUL DRIVE If you want something badly enough, get out and do it. Not many people go door to door anymore. I prefer this traditional approach to digital for connecting to the market.

Breast Surgeon

Saurage Rotenberg Commercial Real Estate, LLC

MARY E. CHRISTIAN, MD, FACS

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

LAUREN BUCKHOLTZ, MBA

Commercial Sales and Leasing | Industrial Specialist

LEADING WITH PURPOSE I admire leaders who recognize people working in all positions within an organization. Businesses cannot run without the hard work of many, and they should be recognized for their contribution.

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Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #4

POWERFUL DRIVE Work very hard. You may have to work harder than your counterpart to get the same recognition, but do not let this discourage you. Let it make you stronger.

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP My daily work with breast cancer patients has not only touched the lives of these cancer patients, but has been such a meaningful experience in my life as well.

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Breast Surgical Oncologist Woman’s Hospital

MINDY W. BOWIE, MD, FACS

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CECILIA CUNTZ, MD, FACS Breast Surgeon

Woman’s Hospital

POWERFUL DRIVE What drives me is caring for my patients diagnosed with breast cancer. I educate them about their disease, so it is less frightening. I am humbled and honored to walk this journey with them. BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED Pick your battles wisely! This is my mantra. Try not to “sweat the small stuff” because at the end of the day, most of it is small stuff. MENTORS MATTER Coach Dale Brown has been a mentor to me. He is supportive, motivational, kind and genuine. He embodies the true definition of a friend and neighbor better than anyone I know.

ROSIE F. DELAUNE Vice President, Marketing

First American Bank and Trust, Member FDIC

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED Abide by the Golden Rule. Treating customers in a sincere and friendly manner makes them feel welcome when they walk through the doors of First American Bank and Trust. MENTORS MATTER My father, J.B. Falgoust and brother, Ronnie Falgoust, current President/CEO have been leaders I admire. My father’s career spanned 60+ years. They remind me that the cornerstone of our business is customer service. CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT We recently opened our newest branch in Dutchtown. It has a new look and a new type of banking. It’s been fun developing a social media campaign promoting the new office.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, May 22, 2018

PrimeLending

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED In life, every experience, positive and negative, defines who we are. Prepare for life’s adversity, because it is the difficult experiences that shape us into the leaders we become. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN Stay true to your core values and beliefs. Keep your head down, work hard and be resilient, because change is constant and the ability to navigate change is what separates you from others in your field. MENTORS MATTER Eight years ago, I met Elizabeth Demarest, pastor and author. Her constant love, support and encouragement has transformed me and helped me navigate some of the toughest seasons in my life.

BUSINESS REPORT, May 22, 2018 | BusinessReport.com

CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT NexusLA is launching a mentorship program, Surge, to accelerate growth and create quality jobs. Participants receive the guidance and connections they need to achieve significant breakthroughs for their companies.

CHRISTEL SLAUGHTER CEO

SSA Consultants

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP Wayne York led the Junior Achievement program. Those opportunities gave me insight into business. I traveled the country giving presentations to CEOs and corporate boards about the free enterprise system. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN If you are not passionate about what you are doing, do something else. Get in the game, don’t watch it from the sidelines.

CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT I am the incoming chair of the U.S. Chamber Small Business Council and will spend the next year immersed in strategies to make U.S. businesses better and more competitive in the future.

SSA Consultants

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

CONNECTING COMMUNITY My priority is to make sure the community knows about the programs we offer to help entrepreneurs scale their companies. Growing companies need capital, resources, talent and mentorship.

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LEADING WITH PURPOSE A mentor once told me, “Never confuse efforts with results.” It’s important to measure how we utilize the resources of our organization to create significant impact on our community.

Senior Home Loan Officer

NexusLA

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BRITTANY BOUDREAUX

Executive Director

MENTORS MATTER I admire our firm’s founder, Frank McArthur. Frank has a passion for serving others and has served on many boards, raising untold amounts for various non-profits.

GENEVIEVE SILVERMAN

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #3

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP You can have it all. I never expect anything to be handed to me, so I worked hard to achieve. You don’t reach the top by being average; sometimes you have to shatter the ceiling.

CELEBRATED ACHIEVEMENT After 13 years with my firm, I was promoted in 2017 to Director of Employee Benefits. Although my role has changed, I love that I still get to work with all of our clients year-round.

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NFP Corporate Services (LA), Inc.

Director of Employee Benefits

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SARAH RAINWATER

Issue Date: 05.22.18 Ad proof #1

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RONNA CORRENTE VP General Manager

WAFB

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. I have learned, over the years, that I don’t have to be right. I just need to do the right thing. ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN I would caution young women to be cognizant of first impressions. Also, know that when you encounter a problem, you should offer a solution. INSPIRED LEADERSHIP Balance is very important. I schedule time on my calendar for the gym or a date night with my husband. I love my job, but know I will ultimately be better in my role when I have balance.

THERESA TOUSSAINT Associations Sales Manager

Embassy Suites by Hilton Baton Rouge

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED It’s not about you. My father taught me to take a global view of things. The world is bigger than ‘us’. This idea prompts me to reach in, so I can reach out. POWERFUL DRIVE I’m an effective sales manager but I know a greater opportunity exists. I just want to tap in and connect to realize my maximum potential. INSPIRED LEADERSHIP I live to give and believe that being a humanitarian is a lifestyle. I sit on the Board of Directors for the Baton Rouge Lodging Association and we share a vision to engage in community service.