inRegister & 225 Magazine's INSPIRE

I NSPIRE

There are many ways to make a difference, and these women are living proof. As role models, advocates, mentors, and successful professionals, they inspire the people around them every day.

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.

Caring for Generations

SPONSORED BY

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

“

I would give her 100 stars if I could. She is kind, patient, and understanding. She listened to my concerns, asked all the right questions, and included me in MY treatment plan. She thoroughly went through my medical history, as well as my entire family history. I’ve never had a doctor like Dr. Talbot. She’s truly one of a kind! —BRANDI

B.

Dr. Calandro is the best of the best! It is clear that she truly loves her job and she understands/values the huge role she plays in her patients’ lives. She has always made a point to remember personal details about our family/children, and she goes above and beyond to explain what she’s doing/make my oldest child feel safe and less afraid. She is so genuine, patient, and comforting for parents too. I always trust what she says and am confident in the care she provides for my children. Toya and Shannon are also fantastic. They are so quick to answer messages, and they never make you feel like you’re bothering them. They help make trips to the doctor more fun, and shot time as quick and painless as possible! I would recommend this team to anyone who is looking for a pediatrician. Our BR community is so lucky to have someone like Dr. C! —RACHAEL

B.

Our sweet Dr. B was out of the office and Dr. Nuss so graciously offered to see us. We were a late afternoon appointment but based on Dr. Nuss demeanor, you’d never know it. She came in full of energy and with a big smile on her face. She first asked us about why we were there, listened to all my concerns and then proceeded to assess my daughter. She was so incredibly thorough and explained everything and educated us all along the way. I left there feeling encouraged that my daughter would be feeling well soon but also knew that if things didn’t get better, she wanted me to reach back out. I would give Dr. Nuss 10 stars if I could! Our experience was amazing and she was definitely a blessing to us that day.

—SOMMER F.

Ed.D.

Luz Danela Randolph

SR. VICE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CITY YEAR BATON ROUGE

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

At nonprofit City Year, Luz Danela Randolph leads 11 staff members and approximately 40 AmeriCorps members serving in four partner schools for the 2022-2023 school year. She previously served as associate vice president for diversity at Louisiana State University and director of the Candidate Empowerment Center at Florida A&M University. She was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and lived in Florida for over 20 years before moving to Baton Rouge. She has two children and a guinea pig named Ginger.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother, I experienced many obstacles, ranging from finances to realizing I was not academically prepared to enter college,” she says. “These challenges helped me make the decision to become an advocate for students with similar backgrounds.”

FAVORITES

• Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

• Song: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Titi Me Pregunto” by Bad Bunny, and “If I Ruled the World” by Nas featuring Lauryn Hill

• Way to spend a Sunday: If the kiddos and I are together, playing or watching a movie. If not, binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy or Abbot Elementary.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ Difficult impossible! does not mean ”

Heike MünzbergGrüning

NEUROSCIENTIST, RESEARCHER & MENTOR, PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Heike Münzberg-Grüning came to the U.S. from Germany in 2001 to do her postdoctoral training at Harvard. She moved to Baton Rouge in 2008 and is currently a professor in neuroscience and metabolism at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. She and her husband Uwe are parents to their sons Maximilian, Johannes and Jonas, and pet parents to their dogs Gabe and Klaus.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Münzberg-Grüning is passionate to push research progress and apply tools to new contexts. As the director of the Central Leptin Signaling laboratory, she has discovered neurons in the brain that actively change metabolism and body weight. She is looking for new ways to tackle the obesity epidemic and is a passionate mentor for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students.

FAVORITES

• Hobby: Beekeeping

• Way to relax: Meditation

• Way to spend a Sunday: Taking a nature walk

WORDS TO LIVE BY

same thing over “Insanity is doing the & expecting different results! & over again ”

Christina Melton

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KNOCK KNOCK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

For 22 years, Christina Melton has lived in Baton Rouge and raised three sons with her husband. In that time, she has worked to improve the lives of local children and families, first as an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and deputy director for Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and now in a dream job at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“Our community has significant needs and disparities in education, health and wellness, and economic conditions,” she says. “But we also have so many resources and generous, passionate and determined people working to improve the quality of life. The Knock Knock Children’s Museum is a perfect example of this. The founding women of the museum were determined to build a place dedicated to educating young children through play and to open doors to spark lifelong learning.”

FAVORITES

• Author: Eudora Welty

• Hobbies: Painting and writing

• Way to relax: Traveling and visiting museums

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

John Wesley

Ally Bayard

LPC-S, CAS

FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR REFINERY COUNSELING CENTER

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

As founder of Refinery Counseling Center, Ally Bayard has a heart for people. A clinical mental health counselor serving all ages for the past 10 years, she could have never imagined the mental health crisis that would arise from the pandemic. “As a Baton Rouge native, I love this city, and I wanted better for our community,” she says. “Being a mother, wife and business owner has allowed me to connect with more people in more walks of life than I could have ever imagined.”

PASSION & PURPOSE

“My drive to remove stigmas and barriers is present in every area of my life,” she says. “Equipping my clients to be their best self allows me to influence people I may never even meet. Mental wellness in one individual can affect so many people in turn.”

FAVORITES

• Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

• Song: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music

• Way to spend a Sunday: Church, lunch at my parents’ house and golf cart rides with my babies.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.”

— Psalms 27:13

Meredith Waguespack

FOUNDER, SWEET BATON ROUGE

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Meredith Waguespack started Sweet Baton Rouge® in 2010 with the vision to create a T-shirt brand that focused on her passion for Louisiana State University game days. She landed on the name after listening to the song “Callin’ Baton Rouge” on repeat. While the company started with apparel focused on the Tigers, pride for Louisiana—whether it be in the form of crawfish, tailgating or Mardi Gras—soon took over. “This business is a way for me to support all things local,” says Waguespack.

PASSION & PURPOSE

A mother of three and a grandmother, Waguespack strives to be an example to other small business owners. “I aspire to do my best, support our community, and give back when I’m able,” she says.

FAVORITES

• Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

• Song: “Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks

• Way to spend a Sunday: Going to church and spending time with family

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Pour myself a cup of ambition.”

Dolly Parton, 9 to 5

Caprice Cline

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, CYPRESS ROOFING

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Caprice Cline went from 22 years in the makeup business to the roofing industry. Since forming Cypress Roofing in 2019, she has worked with her adult children in a faith-based business they all own together. “Being able to watch them grow into the successful people they have become is such a joy,” she says. “It’s been a wild and exhilarating ride.”  She also has a wonderful husband and grandkids that she adores.

PASSION & PURPOSE

God, family and career are priorities for Cline—in that order. “My parents taught me I could do or be anything I wanted if I put my mind to it,” she says. “Now, I feel my purpose is to encourage others to believe they can do anything they want and give them the tools to succeed. To know that you play a small part in someone’s success is immeasurable.”

Cline also serves as a board member of the Better Business Bureau, and is on the Foundations Committee of the EA Rotary Club.

FAVORITES

• Hobby:  Fishing at our camp in Cocodrie or watching sports with the family

• Way to spend a Sunday: Church and football

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

99% of being successful is doing things when they need to be done.

The other 1% will put you in the stratosphere. ”

Lauren Temple

OWNER, PILATES PLUS & TREAD BR

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Lauren Temple, a graduate of Louisiana State University, is a single mother raising two daughters. After overcoming a terrible injury which required her to learn to walk again, she followed a dream to become owner and chief operator of two boutique fitness studios—Pilates Plus and Tread BR (soon to be under a single brand).

PASSION & PURPOSE

“I love making connections with likeminded people,” she says. “After my injury, I found inspiration and encouragement through our fitness community. Our staff and clients (not to mention my incredible family and friends) were there to support me along the way. The Baton Rouge fitness and wellness community is filled with individuals who support one another with the common goal to do better, feel better and get stronger—emotionally and physically. I am honored to be a part of this life-changing community, and nothing fulfills me more than helping others achieve their wellness goals.”

FAVORITES

• Song: “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin

• Food: Brussels sprouts

• Hobby: Crafting, from painting to building furniture to playing with resin

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ You don’t need to dim someone else’s light so yours can shine.”

JordanHefler

OWNER, JORDAN HEFLER PHOTOGRAPHY UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Baton Rouge-based photographer Jordan Hefler has a love for all things colorful and kooky, and brings her unique visual style to everything she does. These days, that’s mostly editorial and commercial shoots for a wide range of clients, including branded campaigns for publications and music festivals. “My work has taken me all over, from the sidelines of football games to warehouse mosh pits, to million-dollar homes and oilfields in the middle of nowhere,” she says. “Wherever I’m working, I bring a sense of adventure and professionalism to every shoot.”

PASSION & PURPOSE

“I believe my purpose in life is to use my photography and creative eye to help people and brands translate their identities beautifully and colorfully,” she says. Her brand tagline and personal mantra in life is “Do What You Want,” and Hefler is passionate about encouraging fellow creatives to carve their own path by putting themselves out there and being authentically excited about what they do.

FAVORITES

• Book: Content Inc: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses by Joe Pulizzi

• Hobby: Scouring estate sales and thrift shops

• Way to relax: Outdoors with a beer

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Living is easy with eyes closed.”

The Beatles

Brooke Barnett-Bernal

PARTNER, LONG LAW FIRM

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Brooke Barnett-Bernal joined Long Law Firm after graduating from LSU Law School and is currently a partner. With more than 15 years of litigation and professional liability defense experience, she also teaches a course in trial advocacy and evidence at LSU Law School. She and her husband Troy have two children, Shelby and Mason.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Brooke is co-founder and volunteer at the new Capital Renaissance International School (CRIS), a Louisiana nonprofit corporation and foreign language immersion school that opened its doors in August 2022. Brooke banded together with other parents, teachers and community leaders to start the new school in just three short months. “It’s a true reflection of what our community can and should be,” she says.

FAVORITES

• Way to relax: I love the beach. The sun, sand and sounds of the ocean—all of it has a soothing effect on me.

• Hobbies: Jogging and softball

• Way to spend a Sunday: Spending time with my family ... they are my world.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

– Michael Jordan

Cassie Bradford Renee Cole &

OWNERS, BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION GROUP

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Cassie Bradford and Renee Cole launched the Behavioral Intervention Group in 2007 after realizing how difficult and expensive it was for families in Louisiana to receive qualified behavior analysis services. They say the best part of their job is to see the growth and progress each child makes.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“Watching a child learn something for the first time or use a skill that you just taught them is an amazing experience,” says Cole. She enjoys mentoring her staff and teaching them to apply and use their classroom in the real world to teach children with autism. Bradford loves spending time with parents of children recently diagnosed with autism to help put them at ease. “As a parent, I am passionate about showing my children that they have the power to make a positive impact on the life of anyone who you come into contact with in a moment,” she says.

FAVORITES (Cole)

(Bradford)

• Book: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

• Way to spend a Sunday: Hanging out with my husband and children

• Author: Colleen Hoover

• Hobby: Thursday night with girlfriends

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Be the change to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi you wish

(From left) Renee Cole and Cassie Bradford

Samantha Rauber

OWNER, SAMANTHA RAUBER LPC, LLC

FOUNDER, BATON ROUGE PERINATAL COUNSELING, LLC

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Samantha “Sam” Rauber is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and advocate, known as an expert in the field of reproductive psychotherapy. She has created a network of Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professionals to provide a safe place for women experiencing distress during pregnancy and postpartum, birth trauma, infertility, miscarriage and loss, and more ... to seek refuge and find healing.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“I want to extend grace and compassion to women during the most vulnerable milestone of their life—the reproductive years,” says Rauber. She offers them an unbiased, nonjudgmental space to release the emotions related to all that goes untalked about given the stigma of mental health.

FAVORITES

• Book: The Art of Holding in Therapy by Karen Kleiman, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle

• Song: “The Story” by Brandi Carlisle

• Hobby: Reading, bike riding with her son Holden, dancing and baking with her daughter Wren, and doing good with her husband Nick

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“We think that love might get hurt if we include all of the brokenness, when in fact it’s trying to keep our fractured, hurt parts out of the whole that we are that breaks us.”

Bethany Saltman

JuanishaHart

OWNER, BOUTIQUE DOPAGE

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Juanisha Hart is married to her best friend, Calvin Hart and together, they have two sons, a godson and a soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Hart is the owner of Boutique Dopage, an online oasis for women of all ages, offering chic fashion and an exceptional concierge service for those who don’t have time to shop for themselves.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“It’s essential for me to advocate for women and uplift them by helping increase their love for themselves, their beauty and their confidence,” Hart says. That’s why she created Boutique Dopage—to make women feel better about themselves through fashion. She also donates to many charitable organizations and adopts a family every Christmas.

FAVORITES

• Song: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston

• Way to relax: Spa time

• Way to spend a Sunday: Attending church and spending time with family

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the Proverbs 31:25 days to come.”

Danielle Kraft

OWNER & CEO, BROWS COSMETIC TATTOOING

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Danielle Kraft, 29, is originally from Quebec, Canada. She started Brows in 2016 in Baton Rouge and has now expanded with locations in Virginia and New Hampshire. This year will be her seventh in the cosmetic tattoo industry.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“It has been such a great opportunity to give back to those who have lost their hair or have skin concerns that prohibit them from growing brow hair,” says Kraft. That’s how one of her favorite charitable programs (“Brows for a Cause”) began. She is excited about all of the fun things Brows has planned for the community in the upcoming year, including a training program for new artists to help them become permanent makeup artists.

FAVORITES

• Book: The Law of Attraction by Michael J. Losier

• Band: Pantera

• Hobbies: Hiking & skiing

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done. ”

David Goggins

Pamela Rafferty

VENTURE EXECUTIVE, EXXONMOBIL UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Pamela Rafferty started her career at ExxonMobil and has spent time working in Singapore, the UK, Japan, China, Canada and Korea. She is happy to be back in Baton Rouge, leading the Polypropylene Growth venture, which will double capacity by 450,000 metric tons a year to meet the demand for highperformance, lightweight durable plastics. She and her husband Brian are addicted to traveling and love to explore different cultures and meet new people.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Rafferty is passionate about encouraging transparency and vulnerability, removing roadblocks, and improving employee engagement, recognition and retention. She is a champion of equity, inclusion and diversity efforts and loves to hear others’ ideas on how to grow in this space. At home, you can find her volunteering with organizations with a direct impact on an individual’s life … or baking a cake for a friend’s birthday.

FAVORITES

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

“Hopeful” by Josh Ritter

Muay Thai, cycling, cooking, reading and taking photos

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

You’re braver than you believe, and stronger Promise me you’ll always remember: than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A. Milne

Barbara W. Auten

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALZHEIMER’S SERVICES OF THE CAPITAL AREA

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Barbara Auten and her late husband moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge following Hurricane Katrina. She has worked at Alzheimer’s Services since 2006, but has always been involved in nonprofit work and developed her fundraising experience through “professional volunteering.” She has two adult children and two grandchildren.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“I was brought up in a home where volunteering was a given,” says Auten, whose first volunteer position was as Girl Scout Leader. “That grew into a profession,” she explains. “I have a passion for seeing my community improve through the many nonprofits that impact our daily lives.”

FAVORITES

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Song: “Lady of Shalott” by Enya Hobbies: Sewing, scrapbooking and cardmaking

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ works, joys, sufferings, May all my failures & successes be offered up to you, God.”

JarrattHaviland

OWNER, SUGAR AND BRONZE CO-OWNER, KE KO BOTANICALS

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

As owner of the premier sugar hair removal and custom airbrush tanning salon in Baton Rouge, Jarratt Haviland is also a mother of five, including a newborn. In addition, she and her husband Mike own Ke Ko Botanicals—a botanical skincare company focused on providing the highest quality sugar hair removal products, aftercare and education to estheticians around the world.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“Serving others is my personal and professional passion,” she says. “You truly don’t know what people are going through at any moment and how your interaction with that person can change everything.” When customers enter Sugar and Bronze, they get the service they came for and are sure to walk out feeling lighter and happier. “Those little interactions create a ripple effect,” Haviland says, “and the world needs more of that.”

FAVORITES

• Way to relax: Getting a killer massage from Adrian at The Woodhouse

• Way to spend a Sunday: Church at Church of the King, Mexican food for lunch and time to sit down with the family

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Capitalize on what comes. Expect the best. Prepare for the worst.

Zig Ziglar

Laura Cedor

OWNER, OPERATOR & LEAD DESIGNER LAURA CEDOR INTERIORS

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Laura Cedor graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Interior Design and was appointed lead designer for a commercial architecture firm. Before focusing on residential design, she designed naval bases, office buildings, dormitories and restaurants. The arrival of twin babies made her take a step back to focus on family and shift from commercial to residential design. In addition to the twins, she and her husband have three other children who keep them very busy.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“My passion is to create timeless spaces that will shape the way families experience life, happiness and love within their most cherished place—home,” says Cedor. She has also served on the steering and grants committees for the Women’s Giving Circle of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge Junior League Holiday’s committee.

FAVORITES

• Hobby: Playing tennis with friends

• Way to relax: Taking a few weekends a year to spend time at my family lake house

• Way to spend a Sunday: Attending mass with my family, followed by outdoor play time, walks and family dinner

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

Just make it happen.”

Deidra Mwalimu

CEO & FOUNDER, NETWORK OF WOMEN NOW

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Deidra Mwalimu grew up in a small town in a community that took care of its own. Nonprofit Network of Women NOW’s mission is to support women and girls with basic human needs in vulnerable populations around the world. The organization’s end goal is to collect enough feminine hygiene products for at least 5,000 girls and women in Louisiana.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“It is through the nurturing of my parents and extended family that I knew my life’s work would always be of service to others,” Mwalimu says.

“The work that I do now is just an extension of the woman my mother raised me to be. It’s all about family, community, good food and great times.”

FAVORITES

• Book: When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America by Paula J. Giddings

• Song: “Can I Live?” by Sampa the Great

• Way to spend a Sunday: Being a domestic goddess!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ maximize your When people minimize your life, you must existence.”

&

Katy Touchstone Jessica Burris

DIRECTORS, CITY GROUP HOSPITALITY

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Katy Touchstone works as Area Director for City Group Hospitality, while Jessica Burris serves as Catering Director. Both women say they are fortunate to work for a company committed to giving back to the Baton Rouge community.

PASSION & PURPOSE

All of City Group’s managers are encouraged to perform 20 hours of service per year, and the company contributes food and hospitality to more than 50 charitable organizations annually. Touchstone and Burris both enjoy working with Grizzly Hospitality Group, teaching high school students about service and hospitality, along with culinary skills. They say they are proud to know their service makes an impact on the community.

FAVORITES

(Touchstone)

• Song: “Something More Than Free” by Jason Isbell

• Hobby: Tennis

(Burris)

• Song: “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison

• Hobby: Traveling

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

C.S. Lewis

Alisa Welsh

PRINCIPAL, MADISON PREPARATORY ACADEMY

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Alisa Welsh, the founding principal of Madison Preparatory Academy, has been an innovative educator for 22 years. After graduating from Southern University, she began her career as an English teacher at Glen Oaks High School in 1998. Madison Prep opened its doors in the fall of 2009 and has grown to become the highestperforming high school charter in Baton Rouge.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Welsh is passionate about encouraging young people to be the best version of themselves. Her mission is to serve the next generation and encourage them to become productive citizens. She is also the founder of a youth leadership organization called the Ladies of Tomorrow.

FAVORITES

• Song: “That’s the Way Love Goes”

by Janet Jackson

• Book: Cane River by Lalita Tademy

• Way to relax: Riding bikes with my grandchildren

WORDS TO LIVE BY

” lies opportunity. In the middle of difficulty

— Albert Einstein

“

Reshma M. Amin

OWNER, OPTOMETRIST & DRY EYE SPECIALIST, TRIO EYECARE

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Dr. Reshma Amin is a Baton Rouge native who has been serving the community’s optometry needs since 2003. She and her husband and general manager, Mitesh Amin, opened TRIO Eyecare in 2019, and are raising three sons together. Dr. Amin is fluent in Spanish and Gujarati, and conversational in Hindi.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Dr. Amin launched The Dry Eye Connection at TRIO Eyecare, a clear approach in connecting dry eye symptoms to healthy solutions. “My purpose is to provide an environment where patients are heard and concerns are addressed and tailored according to the individual’s needs,” she says. “My goal is to make the community aware that dry eye disease is not just a condition that requires using drops, but may be something that could become debilitating if left untreated.”

FAVORITES

• Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Way to relax: Walking my sweet dog, Zoey

• Way to spend a Sunday: Enjoying a long breakfast with my family

WORDS TO LIVE BY

And rent is due every day.”

“Success isn’t owned —it’s leased.

JJ Watt

Laura Welch Taylor

OWNER, LAURA W. TAYLOR ART

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

After graduating from LSU School of Art and Design in 2013, Taylor and her husband took the leap of faith to see if she could “make it” as an artist. Nine years later, she is still happily creating art for the Baton Rouge community and for collectors nationwide. You can find her kids covered in mud while she creates paintings and ceramics in her barn-turned-studio.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“In art or not, I have always wanted to leave the world a little brighter than when I arrived,” she says. “My passion is to make the world a little happier and more joyful through my work, and reflect to my audience the beauty God has already surrounded us with.” Taylor also uses her art to raise money for nonprofits and medical research through local charities.

FAVORITES

• Song: “Your Song” by Elton John

• Hobby: Gardening

• Way to spend a Sunday: Church with family, Mexican food for lunch, a nap and family time in the back yard.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

Pablo Picasso

Jerrydel Rio

BROKER/OWNER, DEL RIO REAL ESTATE INC.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

A native of Baton Rouge, Jerry del Rio started her career in real estate in 1989 and opened her own agency in 2001. Del Rio Real Estate is a small boutique company with 12 agents that “will never go big.” Del Rio has been married to her high school sweetheart for 63 years and has four children and 13 grandchildren.

PASSION & PURPOSE

At 48, del Rio switched careers from nursing to real estate because she loved the flexibility and opportunity to spend more time with her family. Not until age 60 did she start her own business. Del Rio has concern for young people today. “They feel like they need to know exactly what they want to be at 18,” she says. “That is too much pressure.” She believes that young people need to take their time, experience life, and know that they have time to figure out what they want to be.

FAVORITES

• Book: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

• Way to relax: Reading at night before bed.

• Restaurant: French Market Bistro

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“ positive things will happen.

If one looks at life in a positive way, ”

KaylaSliman MD

GASTROENTEROLOGIST AT OCHSNER ADVOCATE FOR GUT HEALTH

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Dr. Kayla Sliman originally worked as a physical therapist but decided to go back to medical school for gastroenterology. She enjoys coaching patients, especially women, toward good gut health and educating them about how it can prevent disease and improve quality of life. She’s been in practice for four years and has two young children, along with a supportive husband.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“Nutrition really affects health,” she says. Her goal for 2023 is to get involved with her children’s school through plantbased cooking demos and classes. “It’s important that we start teaching children how to live healthy lives and make good choices about what they eat, what they do and how they play. All of that is important for overall health.”

FAVORITES

• Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

• Song: “Your Song” by Elton John

• Recipe: Plant-Based Lentil Chili

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“

As you set out for Ithaka, hope your road is a long one, C.P. Cavafy full of adventure, full of discovery.”

Rachel Eggie Gibbs

OWNER, EGGIE SALON STUDIO

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

After seven years, Rachel Eggie Gibbs has decided to pivot her focus and will no longer be behind the chair as a full-time stylist. Through a new partnership with Mary Bird Perkins, she will instead prioritize working with cancer patients on post-chemo hair growth and teaching them to style their “new look.” The rest of her time will be spent on her team development, growing the business and spending quality time with family. 2023 will be exciting— her firstborn will turn 2, a second baby joins the family this spring, and she will open a second salon location!.

PASSION & PURPOSE

Her decision to shave her head last August has allowed her to relate a little more to her customers. Her salon’s partnership with Mary Bird Perkins offers services from wig fitting, wig cutting and styling, to a first postchemo haircut. “This has been an opportunity to give back to our amazing community and to the strong women battling cancer every single day,” she says.

FAVORITES

Book: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Song: “No Longer Slaves” by Zach Williams

Hobby: Working out

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Pastor Mike Haman

“

When your life is in alignment, He can release you into your assignment

There is a calling. There is a destiny. There is a plan. There is a purpose. But you won’t be released into it until there is alignment first.”

Amy E. Jones

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, EBRP SCHOOL SYSTEM

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

With a master’s degree in networking, telecommunication and information science and an undergraduate degree in English literature with a focus in education, Amy E. Jones puts those divergent interests to effective use. As CTO of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, she works to find the right balance to support one of the largest networks in the state. She is a firm believer in public school education and has supported nine children through the parish school system.

PASSION & PURPOSE

“It is a huge responsibility to be the gatekeeper of technology in a school system,” says Jones. “Students’ minds are so impressionable and great care must be taken to protect them from all that technology has to offer.” One of her department’s newest projects is creating an esports league and incorporating scholastic gaming into workforce development.

FAVORITES

• Book: “The Martian” by Andy Weir

• Hobbies: Hiking and dancing

• Way to spend a Sunday: Watching football and reading a good book

WORDS TO LIVE BY

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; Hebrews 13:2