inRegister & 225 Magazine's Inspire

INSPIRE

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T IO N

The women in these pages are mentors, role models, advocates and successful professionals who inspire the people around them every day.

SPONSORED BY

g for Generations Carin

A public awareness campaign for the Iris Domestic Violence Center was made possible in part by the support of the women featured in this special section.

HERE’S WHAT A FEW OF OUR PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY:

“

Dr. Eggadi is truly fabulous. She took the time to ask questions to familiarize herself with my medical history. She was easy to talk to, and she talked TO me not AT me, which is so refreshing. I’ve already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so.

—ANNA B.

“

“

Absolutely love Dr. Montcalm. She has such a great bedside manner. I could not be more pleased with how she handled my son. He felt at ease the entire time we were there and we just knew we were getting the best care possible. Thank you for being amazing!

—AMANDA R.

“

“

Love Dr. Talbot! She is the best doctor I have ever had. She actually listens to you concerns and offers excellent care options. She goes above and beyond to make sure you receive excellent treatment. In my experience, woman doctors are much more compassionate, caring, and listen to your symptoms and concerns.

—TERRI J.

“

“

I give thanks to Stephanie Frederic. She decided to do a biopsy of a bump I had. I got a phone call from her a week later and it was cancer and had to be removed. She did a fantastic job of not letting this go and staying on top of it. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her!

—STEVE M.

“

BATONROUGECLINIC.COM

MAIN CLINIC AND PEDIATRICS 7373 PERKINS ROAD l BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 l (225) 769-4044

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SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Katrina Stokes DIRECTOR, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL As an Army child, Katrina Stokes grew up meeting people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe. “Coming to a new place is like starting a new adventure, which I love to share with my teenage sons,” she says. “I’m looking forward to getting to know Baton Rouge and, as a librarian, finding out how I can help meet the community’s needs.”

PASSION & PURPOSE As a child, she loved libraries as the place where she could get all the books she wanted. “As an adult, I especially love the library because it exists to serve everyone by providing access to so many services, which enrich people’s lives personally, educationally or professionally,” she says.

FAVORITES • Book: Dune by Frank Herbert • Song: “Brother” by Saul • Way to spend a Sunday: If I’m up early, watching

the sun rise with a cup of coffee

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

”

All knowledge is worth having.

— Jacqueline Carey

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Prachi Singh ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER UP CLOSE & PERSONAL An associate professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Dr. Prachi Singh lives in Baton Rouge with her husband Raghvendra and two daughters Shreya and Navya. She has a PhD in Botany and Molecular Biology, and before joining PBRC, she was a post-doctoral fellow and a faculty member at the Mayo Clinic Rochester. Her research focuses on obesity, sleep and sleep-related disorders, and as Director of the Sleep and Cardiometabolic Health Lab, she explores strategies to improve health for individuals with sleep-related issues.

PASSION & PURPOSE Dr. Singh encourages everyone, especially women, to take better care of themselves by making time to sleep and recognize when they may need help as it relates to overall wellness, including mental and cardiovascular health. A family history of diabetes has also had an impact on her career choice and study directions. As a mentor, Dr. Singh has a strong record of advising students from diverse backgrounds and says she would love to see more young people choose science as a career path.

FAVORITES • Book: “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand • Song: Devotional songs (Hindu) • Movie: “Polar Express” • Way to relax: Nature walks

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

When the going gets tough,

”

the tough get going.

This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2024. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Jessica Plaisance OWNER, MERAKI MEDICAL SPA UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Jessica has been a makeup artist for almost 15 years, which led to her love for aesthetics. After graduating from LSU and working in medical sales, she knew she wanted to own her own business someday, specifically one that focused on beauty and aesthetics. After visiting a small medical spa out of state in 2012, the idea for Meraki began. On a personal note, Jessica describes herself as “mom” to a 14-year-old Puggle named Zoe.

PASSION & PURPOSE “I have always had a heart for helping women build confidence in themselves,” Jessica says. “When you pour into others and help them feel seen, heard, and beautiful, there is nothing more rewarding. I have had women of all walks of life walk through the doors of Meraki. They all have a story. My hope and purpose is that they will leave feeling better than when they came in.”

FAVORITES • Book: “Overcome your Villains” by Heather

Monahan • Place to Travel: Everywhere!

• Way to spend a Sunday: Any way … just let me

sleep in first.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

When you give joy to other people,

you get more joy in return.

”

You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.

— Eleanor Roosevelt

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Danielle Brecheen OWNER, BRECHEEN PIPE & STEEL UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Danielle began working in the family business in 1985, helping her mother with typing and filing. Over the years, her responsibilities increased from generating orders, to purchasing, to sales. When her sister left the business in 2017 and her parents passed away a few years later, Danielle took over Brecheen Pipe & Steel. She currently serves as president of the corporation.

PASSION & PURPOSE Very few women sold industrial products to chemical plants and refineries when Danielle began her career. “I had to work faster, harder and smarter than my competitors to prove myself,” she says. Today, she helps other women succeed in this male-dominated industry by sharing her experiences and helping them make connections with customers.

FAVORITES • Way to relax: Barbecuing in my back yard,

playing with my dogs, and spending time at my condo in Panama City • Hobby: Hiking and camping, going to LSU games

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

One never achieves success by watching time pass by. One must

engage & never stop improving oneself to meet

”

the never-ending challenges that life brings our way.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Gunjan Raina, MD CONCIERGE FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Dr. Gunjan Raina provides patient-centered healthcare in the Capital region. Being authentic with patients and being able to meet them where they are in their healthcare journey allows her to connect on a different level. “I truly believe that everyone who walks into the clinic on any given day has a story,” she says. “My purpose is to unfold their story so I have a better understanding of who and what I am treating. I am always so grateful to be able to walk with them in their health journey.”

PASSION & PURPOSE Gunjan’s passion is preventing illness and helping patients find the root cause of the disease process. She achieves this through conversation, including patients in the treatment plan that best suits them and their lifestyle. She believes her tenacity plays a vital part in convincing patients to try a new path and ultimately live happier and healthier lives. “Your transformation is my relentless pursuit,” she says. “Seeing others succeed in their health journey is the greatest source of joy and happiness.”

FAVORITES • Movie: “Jerry Maguire,” my childhood crush • Place to Travel: Any sunny destination in Europe • Way to spend a Sunday: Cooking with my daughters,

Diya and Anya

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

A good physician treats the disease.

The great physician treats the patient who has the disease.

”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Jennifer Acosta VP, ACOSTA CONSTRUCTION REALTOR, INTERIOR DESIGNER UP CLOSE & PERSONAL After graduating high school in her native country Cuba, Jennifer moved to Baton Rouge where she met her husband, Alex Acosta. Together, they have a beautiful family with five children. In 2015, they took a leap of faith and founded a family-owned home improvement business. Eight years later, Jennifer is a licensed realtor, a successful interior designer, and Vice President of Acosta Construction Inc. She enjoys working with her husband and together, they have renovated hundreds of homes with a list of satisfied clients that created a niche in the market that no other local company offers.

PASSION & PURPOSE Jennifer’s passion is to help people turn their homes into aesthetic peaceful spaces that can create memories for families while increasing in value. “I use my experience in real estate and design to make sure every dollar you put into your home is an investment that you could get a greater return on,” she says.

Jennifer is also an active member of Healing Place, Highland location. “I enjoy involving my kids in Serve Day, especially at the Dream Center in north Baton Rouge where we have the chance to impact kids’ lives,” she says. “God, family, my career, and helping others are my priorities.”

FAVORITES • Book: The Bible • Movie: “The Notebook” • Way to relax: A beach vacation getaway with my family.

• Way to spend a Sunday: At Healing Place Church.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

I never dreamed about success.

I worked for it!

”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Ellen Pino OWNER & CEO, AVANT TOUS BEAUTY & MEDICAL SPA UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Although she is the owner of a successful business, Ellen describes herself first and foremost as “the proud mama” of three beautiful and strong girls. She is also an avid tennis player and a coach for the Parkview High School tennis team. Professionally, she is a Business Report Leadership Academy graduate and a Forty Under 40 honoree.

PASSION & PURPOSE Ellen is inspiring for many reasons, but she is especially proud that she started her own company at the age of 28. “I was young and pregnant with nothing … but despite incredible challenges year after year such as the Flood of 2016, countless hurricanes, staffing challenges, Covid ... and oh yeah, raising three children … I never let circumstances dictate my future or deter my vision!”

FAVORITES • Book: “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara • Place to Travel: Everywhere! My husband and I are crazy

adventurous. We never miss an opportunity to experience a new place and make new memories.

• Song: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston • Way to relax: Play a tough tennis match with great friends, then grab great Mexican and a spicy margarita!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

If not me, then who?

If not now, when!

”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Gabrielle Johnson FOUNDER & CEO FACE TO FACE ENRICHMENT CENTER UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Geismar native Gabrielle Johnson’s nonprofit organization is committed to providing educational, outreach, and mentoring services to disadvantaged youth and young adults. A country girl with big dreams, her passion is helping others—a resolve she is passing on to her two daughters.

PASSION & PURPOSE Since Face to Face Enrichment Center’s inception in 2006, Gabrielle has reached thousands of youth and families. She serves as founder and international consultant for Aspire Consulting Solutions, where she has helped hundreds of clients across the globe establish their own nonprofits. In 2021, Gabrielle founded the Joy Olivia Foundation and published the children’s book Finding Joy with Type 1 in support of her youngest daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two.

FAVORITES • Place to Travel: Jamaica, or

anywhere tropical • Song: “My Life is a Testimony”

by L. Spenser Smith • Way to spend a Sunday: After attending morning church service, I like coming home and watching movies while enjoying the pleasant aroma of candles.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY

If I can help one person as I travel along the way, then I know

”

my life has not been in vain.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Michelle Vaughn OWNER, PARADISE MORTGAGE UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Michelle says her sons Dylan, 22, and Destin, 17, have been her anchors, providing unwavering support and love. “It has mostly been the three of us,” she says, “setting goals and accomplishing our dreams together. We would embark on journeys, aim to achieve something, and a few months later, find ourselves well on our way.”

Tragically, Dylan passed away last summer. “It has forever altered our lives,” Michelle says. “As Destin and I navigate these new waters, Dylan’s memory remains a guiding light. I will continue to strive for both my sons in all the roles I embrace—mother, writer, mortgage CEO, business consultant, health enthusiast, and many others.”

PASSION & PURPOSE “I find fulfillment in facilitating financing for those who aspire to own a home,” Michelle says. “Every day presents an opportunity for growth and making a positive impact.

I am particularly inspired by the prospect of creating meaningful change in homelessness in America. Advocating for pathways to homeownership resonates deeply with me, fueled by my mother’s struggles with mental issues that resulted in homelessness during my formative years.”

FAVORITES • Movie: “Good Will Hunting” • Place to Travel: Philadelphia … my boys and I lived there for

two years while growing our mortgage company • Way to spend a Sunday: Napping, cleaning the house,

climbing trails in the woods, swimming at the lake or shopping

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Success is liking yourself,

”

liking what you do, and liking how you do it.

— Maya Angelou

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Brandy Gay CO-OWNER, J&B COUNTERTOPS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL A Denham Springs native, Brandy has been a part of the stone industry for more than a decade. In 2016, she and her husband of 18 years started J&B Countertops, a family-owned and operated business. As co-owner, Brandy says, she is the face of J&B, the voice you hear when you call, and the peacemaker among the chaos that goes on behind the scenes.

PASSION & PURPOSE Brandy believes her purpose in this life is to help others.

She leads a Christmas program in the company to provide gifts for children during the holiday season. This year, she started a back-to-school program to help families buy uniforms, school supplies, shoes and other needs. She also volunteers for CASA, a long-held dream.

“Growing up, I watched my family struggle during the holiday and back-to-school season,” she says. “So I knew that if I were ever given the opportunity to help others, I’d help any way I could during those times.”

FAVORITES • Book: “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle • Movie: “Dirty Dancing” • Place to Travel: Disney & Universal

Studios

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

In a world where you can be anything,

”

be kind.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Cheryl Palmer OWNER, CHERYL PALMER DESIGNS, LLC UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Cheryl is married to her best friend David and has three sons, Taylor, Payton, and Eli. After many years of volunteer work and 12 years in administration at a local school, she took a leap of faith and launched Cheryl Palmer Designs, LLC, a wedding and event planning, coordinating and design, original custom art, and styling business. “That faith led me to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined. Not only was I able to maintain those relationships in a whole new way, but all of the new friends I have made in this wonderful new professional world I have entered have been just as much of a blessing to me.”

PASSION & PURPOSE Cheryl’s world was forever changed by the loss of her mother and her youngest son Eli just two months apart. She is inspired by their memories and the support of those who helped her family cope, promising to be open to all future invitations and opportunities. “I am surer than I have ever been that we all have a story and a purpose. We need to care for each other and love one another,” she says. “From something so unimaginably painful can come the most beautiful blessings if we allow ourselves to be open to all that this life has to offer.”

FAVORITES • Movie: “Notting Hill,” “The Holiday,” “As Good As It

Gets” … I am a sucker for a sweet and funny love story!

• Song: “Shower the People” by James Taylor • Way to relax: A simple (extended) visit surrounded by my

family and friends, curled up telling stories or playing games. These are the moments, just being together, that I never want to end.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Be the reason someone smiles.

”

Be the reason someone feels loved & believes in the goodness in people. ⎯ Roy T. Bennett

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Diamond Sherrod, JD VP OF PHILANTHROPY, TRANSFORMTIVE HEALTH FOUNDER, MOLECULAR WELLNESS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Married with twin boys, Diamond is actively engaged in philanthropy and community service, chairing fundraisers for annual galas. As an alumna of LSU and Southern University Law School, she serves as the local Endowment Assistant Chair and Legislative Chair for the Junior League and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “My background as a clinical laboratory scientist in microbiology, combined with my law school experience, has shaped my ethos: ‘Leave people better than you found them,’” she says. Her philosophy drives her philanthropic work at Transformative Health, where she focuses on improving health equity and patient access to medicine. Transformative Health provides plantbased wellness options for debilitating diseases.

PASSION & PURPOSE

She was also inspired to create Molecular Wellness, a brand at the forefront of transforming personal well-being and community sentiment by redefining how people engage with wellness. “We weave carefully curated wellness resources, meaningful experiences, and empowering messages into everyday places—from billboards and schools to businesses and homes,” she says. “We meet people where they are, leaving them better than we found them.”

FAVORITES

• Book: “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi • Song: “Vienna” by Billy Joel • Vacation: Rome, Italy. It’s where I was married and

where I saw my first original Van Gogh.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

”

God’s plan is perfect.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Hazel Regis-Buckels PRINCIPAL, KENILWORTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Grenada native Hazel Regis was an LSU sprinter and 10 times AllAmerican track athlete in 2008 when an injury dashed her Olympic dreams. “You can’t just sit at home and cry,” her husband told her, so she found another calling. She loved children, sports, and mentoring.

She had degrees in psychology and English Literature. Education seemed a fitting choice. “My high school coach has always been a mother figure and mentor. I knew one day I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

PASSION & PURPOSE As principal, she is involved and engaged with her students. “It’s not just my job … it’s who I am,” she says. “It’s important to share my story because it’s very impactful to the students. I try to instill in them that the future is bright, that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard, build their life skills, respect others and practice diligence. Putting together all of these pieces can make you a great person.”

FAVORITES • Book: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama • Hobby: Cooking and spending time with

family • Way to spend a Sunday: Attending church and

enjoying brunch

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Everyone can rise above their circumstances

”

and achieve success if they are dedicated and passionate about what they do.

— Nelson Mandela

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Kristi Muse & Kiara Whitfield CO-OWNERS, MUSE MEDICAL AESTHETICS & LASER UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Twins Kristi and Kiara are nurse practitioners and co-owners of Muse Medical Aesthetics & Laser. Kiara was a NICU RN before becoming a nurse practitioner. She is married to Dr. Rani Whitfield and has two children, Rani Jr., and Raina. Kristi originally wanted to pursue a career as a plastic surgeon but changed her mind once she got into medical school.

“I’m so happy I chose to go to nursing school instead and ultimately go into aesthetics,” she says. “Everything happens as it should.”

PASSION & PURPOSE Kristi isn’t afraid to leave her comfort zone and follow her dreams. “I truly love and believe in what I’m doing,” she says. “It’s great helping people feel better about themselves.” Kiara beat the odds and is thriving after a lymphoma diagnosis at just 28. She currently raises awareness and funds for blood cancers with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“What really drives me is being healthy and able to live a wonderful life with my family,” she says. “Every day is truly a gift.”

KRISTI’S FAVORITES • Movie: “Clueless” • Place to Travel: Paris, France • Way to relax: A staycation with room service.

• Way to spend a Sunday: Lounging at home and reflecting on the

upcoming week (or at the Dome for a Saints game)

KRISTI’S WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

KIARA’S FAVORITES • Book: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho • Place to Travel: Alys Beach • Way to relax: Long baths while listening to guided

meditation.

KIARA’S WORDS TO LIVE BY

“I was given lemons, & I made lemonade.”

This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2024. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Betsy Campbell LAGREE MASTER TRAINER FOUNDER, ÉLEVÉ FITNESS (opening soon) UP CLOSE & PERSONAL St. Landry native Betsy Campbell is a wife and mother of two sons, Brian, 10, and Elton, 7. She has always been involved in sports and fitness, and after marriage and children, chose a career that was flexible enough to be a great mom and also do something she loved. In 2016, she began taking Lagree classes and was hooked. In 2023 she went to Los Angeles and obtained her Lagree Master Trainer title and is just one of 51 active Master Trainers in the world. She says she has truly found her calling.

PASSION & PURPOSE Her passion is helping and serving others. “Nothing is more rewarding than using your passion and knowledge to help people live their very best life,” she says. “As a trainer here in Baton Rouge for the last 7 years, I have made friends who are my family now. I’ve seen marriages, graduations, new babies and so much more. I want to inspire others to live healthier through my new business that opens next spring … Élevé Fitness. I am so delighted to be able to serve individuals in their healthy fitness journeys while doing something that I love.”

FAVORITES • Hobby: Working out and cooking. I love to cook

and try new recipes, and typically cook 5 dinners a week for my family.

• Song: Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” If you listen to the words, the song is about leaving stress behind and seeking happiness.

• Way to spend a Sunday: Mass with my family, followed by lunch in “our fancy clothes” as my youngest son says.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Find out who you are &

”

do it on purpose.

– Dolly Parton

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Deanna Melancon DIRECTOR, BROC FOUNDATION UP CLOSE & PERSONAL In 2003, Deanna Melancon’s passion for athletic training led her to Oregon State University with hopes of becoming one of the first female NBA athletic trainers. Unexpectedly, life took her to Ascension Parish in 2016, where she became the Associate Athletic Trainer at East Ascension High School—a surprising and rewarding adventure. Shortly after, she found her “dream job” as the Director of the BROC Foundation, leading 21 passionate athletic trainers in the Greater Baton Rouge area. “My life and passion transformed, and I owe it all to my incredible husband and two rock star kiddos,” she says.

PASSION & PURPOSE It can be summed up in one word—people. She tries to inspire others by empowering them with knowledge for personal growth and fostering strength in athletic trainers, parents, friends, or spouses. Deanna also serves as an executive board member for The Capital Region’s American Heart Association.

“Spreading awareness and providing tools for life-saving actions deeply resonates with me,” she says.

FAVORITES • Book: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear • Place to Travel: Any new adventure with

my husband, Hayden!

• Song: “A Little Bit of Love” by Weezer

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will

”

never forget how you made them feel.

— Maya Angelou

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Katherine ‘Kate’ Ford Chiasson, MD OWNER, FORD PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL “My life and career path have been majorly influenced by my parents who were both surgeons, and particularly my mother, Dr. Ann Ford Reilley, who helped me tremendously in opening our practice in the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2020,” says Kate. “ I chose plastic surgery because I loved the variety in cases and types of patients we are able to help. Doing both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery allows me to fix problems while using an aesthetic eye, so that we can make patients feel whole and beautiful again.”

PASSION & PURPOSE Her biggest inspiration, she says, is her breast cancer patients. “It is truly humbling and awe-inspiring to see these beautiful women go through such a frightening, challenging time in their lives with smiles on their faces. They are the epitome of grace under fire and I feel blessed to assist them on their reconstructive journeys after treatment.”

FAVORITES • Cause: Breastoration, a local organization that raises funds specifically for breast cancer patients in Louisiana undergoing breast reconstruction • Way to spend a Sunday: A walk around the lakes with my dog Goose, church, music in the afternoon at Beauvoir Park, and then staying home to cook a delicious meal

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience … and over all of these,

”

put on love.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Cheri Johnson EXECUTIVE VP & CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, WOMAN’S HOSPITAL UP CLOSE & PERSONAL As the largest birthing hospital in the state, Woman’s impacts the quality of care provided to tens of thousands of lives. Cheri was drawn to Woman’s because of their mission, joining the team in 2006 as Director of Obstetrical Services, and later serving as Vice President of Perinatal Services. She has more than 30 years of experience in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, and emergency room medicine. The first in her family to receive a college degree, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management.

PASSION & PURPOSE Cheri transitioned from direct patient care into management, knowing she could impact more lives and drive more positive change at the leadership level. She’s active on many committees and task forces including Fetal Infant Mortality Review, Chairelect for the American Hospital Association Maternal Child Health Committee, President for Council of Women and Infants Specialty Hospital, March of Dimes, and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, among others. “I’m passionate about improving the quality of care patients receive at Woman’s and across all healthcare,” she says.

FAVORITES • Book: “All the Light We Cannot See.” My oldest daughter is

blind so this one speaks to me.

• Way to relax: Kayaking, fishing, or anything on the water at

Lake Catherine where my family has a camp • Way to spend a Sunday: Spending time with my grandchildren.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY

I attribute my success to this…

”

I never gave or took any excuse.

— Florence Nightingale

SPE C I A L A DV E R T ISING SE C T ION

Sarah Balladares, PA-C OWNER, SMOOTH AESTHETICS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Sarah, an aesthetic injector for seven years, is the owner of Smooth Aesthetics and a nationally recognized trainer and speaker in her industry. You can catch her on a plane traveling to four different offices as well as across the country to train other injectors. Sarah and her husband look forward to growing their family soon. In the meantime, “we have a lovely dog named Tex,” she says, “and he’s just the absolute cutest.”

PASSION & PURPOSE Sarah’s inspiration comes from giving people back their confidence every morning when they look in the mirror. “Being able to do that for others gives me so much joy,” she says. “It reinvigorates me every single day knowing I get to do this for people.” In the past, Sarah has volunteered her time with the Baton Rouge Best Dressed Ball committee because of the supreme impact it has had in our community over the years by supporting cancer patients. “I don’t think anyone is untouched by this terrible disease.”

FAVORITES

• Book: Motivational business books, which keep her

focused and driven to continue building her brand while growing professionally and personally.

• Place to Travel: Italy ... “I am an old Italian grandma at heart.”

• Way to spend a Sunday: Wake up slow with a cup of coffee in her own bed (which is a treat considering her travel schedule), then making her way downstairs to watch the animals in her back yard and snuggle with her dog.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt

”

those who are doing it.

— Bernard Shaw

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HOW IT BEGAN For 40 years, Iris Domestic Violence Center, a non-profit domestic violence service organization, has provided support to victims of domestic and dating violence.

The agency began in 1979 with the purpose of opening an emergency shelter for battered women and their dependent children in the Baton Rouge area. Iris now services eight parishes including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, Ascension, and Livingston.

HOW IT’S GOING Domestic violence is a social issue that can impact anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, education, or income level.

We are proud to announce that we are now providing transitional housing to domestic violence victims and their children who need our assistance. This program offers 6-12 months of cost-free housing. WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL for the generous donations of Ethan Pocic, formerly of LSU and now with NFL’s Cleveland Browns, and his wife, Heather Duke Pocic, as well as Stacy Duke and his wife, Ricky Duke, who made this goal achievable.

GET INVOLVED The mission of Iris is to empower survivors, prevent relationship violence, and promote justice for victims of domestic and dating violence, their children, and our communities. For anyone looking to get involved in assisting our agency, we welcome volunteers, financial contributions and donations of needed items.

SCAN TO GET INVOLVED

If you suspect a friend or family member is a victim of family or dating violence, take action!

24 HR CRISIS LINE 225-389-3001 OR 800-541-9706 | INFO@STOPDV.ORG

WWW.STOPDV.ORG