Issuu

A PUBLICAT

ION FOR

FALL 202

In This Issue:

FALL

WCCH Healthwise Insert Inside! IN THIS

ISSUE

• Breast Health • Community Journey 5-Year AnniveHealth Center Celebr rsary ates • A Thank You to Bob Davidson

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HOME & GARDEN

WHO MEAN

GUIDE

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients. 24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today. One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2

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Contents REGULAR FEATURES: 9 Cool Jobs: Gulf Coast Shrimper 25 The Bookshelf 36 Business Buzz

43 Monthly Made: Bespoke Hat Shop 68 Just Imagine SWLA 70 Cowboy Connections

Wining & Dining 6-9 8

SPECIAL SECTION: From Bayou to Table Gulf Waters to the Lakefront

Mind & Body 12-25 14-15 16 18 22

SPECIAL SECTION: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fighting Breast Cancer is a Team Effort at WCCH What Happens After an Abnormal Mammogram? Surgical Options for Breast Cancer Wonderfully Made: Intimate Fittings After Breast Surgery

Money & Career 28-35 SPECIAL SECTION: Holiday Spending Prep 30-31 Start Saving for the Holidays Today 33 Home for the Holidays?

Places & Faces 38-65 56-57 60-61 66-67

SPECIAL SECTION: Women Who Mean Business Success, Redefined American Businesswomen You Might Not Have Heard Of Indigenous Peoples' Day: Coushatta

Style & Beauty 72-75 74

SPECIAL SECTION: Fall Fashion Trends Statement Styles for Maximum Impact

Home & Family 76-83 77 78-79 84-89 86-87 88

THE COVER

WCCH Healthwise CAN BE Insert Inside!

SPECIAL SECTION: Halloween Guide Popular Costumes for 2026 Halloween Events SPECIAL SECTION: Fall Home & Garden Get Your Yard Ready for Fall and the Holidays Don't Let Fall Invite Unwanted Houseguests

FAL L 202 A PUBLIC

IN THIS

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ey Celebrates Health Journ • Breast ty Health Center • Communi versary 5-Year Anni to Bob Davidson k You • A Than

Managing Editor Editor and Publisher Creative Director Design & Layout

ATION FOR

Kerri Cooke Kristy Como Armand Barbara VanGossen Kyra Labrie

FOR DETAILS & RATES CONTACT m

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KATIE@THRIVESWLA.COM

Business Manager Advertising Sales Submissions

Katie McDaniel Stevenson katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 editor@thriveswla.com

@thriveswla | thriveswla.com Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and to be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career. Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions. 4

OCTOBER 2026

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WINING & DINING There’s nothing like the taste of fresh and local seafood.

FROM TO

OCTOBER 2026

Though times have changed and commercial fishing isn’t what it once was, there are still those who persist in this line of work despite the challenges. Some local restaurants still feature fresh-caught seafood in their menus. Discover the versatility of our natural resources and the grit of those who are determined to continue to sell their catch.

COOL JOBS DAVID JAMES HEBERT:

Gulf Coast Shrimper by Kerri Cooke

David James Hebert has always loved being out of the water. Combine this with a passion with utilizing the natural resources that make Southwest Louisiana special, and it’s only natural that Hebert fell in love with commercial fishing. “When I was a kid, my daddy would take us fishing all the time in Hackberry, and I’d see shrimp boats and I’d see barges picking up their pockets,” he says. “And then I had a chance to go one time with David Richard. As long as I’ve been doing it, I’m still excited to pick up that pocket, and I guess as long as that feeling is there, I’ll continue to do it.

road. He continues fishing in retirement. It’s no secret the market for shrimp has changed dramatically over the last three decades, and local fishermen are struggling to make money. “I can’t think of anything since 1998 that has gone down in value,” Hebert says. “The fuel prices are high. Everything you can think of on that boat has gone up in price. The nets went up, the doors went up, the ropes went up. Everything went up except for the shrimp.”

It was around 1987 when Hebert obtained his commercial fishing license. He began with oystering. They were a good starting point because, he says, “It didn’t take any skill. You just find the reef, drop the anchor and start digging.”

Foreign shrimp flooding the market has caused the demand for local shrimp to plummet dramatically. Hebert notes that when Louisiana passed the law that restaurants would have to publicly label whether they served foreign or Gulf shrimp, local shrimpers thought business would increase, but since they can’t compete in cost with imported shrimp, nothing really changed.

As Hebert learned from those around him, he transitioned to shrimping, which is what he has fished for the most. “What you made the most money on was shrimp. When I first started, I just used an old homemade wooden boat.”

The Blue Horizon in Hackberry is the only shrimp house commercial fisherman can sell to in lower Cameron Parish, according to Hebert. The lack of business where shrimpers can offload their catch is a severe problem.

In 1997, Hebert and his family moved to Houston so he could work a job in the oil and gas industry. The Hebert family would eventually come back to Louisiana twice. They settled in Fourchon, where Hebert would resume commercial fishing. “At that point, I didn’t want to try to make a living doing it. I was just doing it as a hobby. My boat was in walking distance of my trailer, so when I came home from work, I’d get in my boat and go shrimping. Within ten minutes of being on the water I was shrimping. "Hebert now lives in Sulphur, with Hackberry right down the

When asked why people continue to fish in local waters even though the profit isn’t there, Hebert says, “Because it gets in the blood. That’s all they want to do. That’s all they’ve ever done. That’s all their parents have ever done.” Hebert continues to hope for a solution for local shrimpers and has a particular interest in how shrimp can help address food insecurity. At the end of the day, Hebert says, “Forget about the world. I’m concentrating on my community. Sometimes things can grow to new levels, but it usually starts with ‘how do we help people in our backyard?’”

David Hebert Middle: Tori Hebert Whittaker (daughter) and Arthur Carroll Jr. (father-in-law)

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Wining & Dining | FROM BAYOU TO TABLE

GULF WATERS to the LAKEFRONT Utilizing Seafood for a Great Dining Experience by Katelynn Mouton

Blackened Tuna Ahi Tuna Steak, Chipolte Slaw with Crispy Brussel Sprouts

OCTOBER 2026

Gulf seafood, bold Louisiana flavors and the familiar tastes of Cajun and Creole cooking meet on the plate at Crying Eagle Lakefront, where Executive Chef Lyle Broussard draws his inspiration from the food and culture of Southwest Louisiana. From shrimp and crawfish to blue crab, oysters and redfish, the ingredients reflect a region shaped by its waterways and deeply rooted traditions.

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp Louisiana-style BBQ Sauce, Smoked Gouda Grit Cake

Chef Lyle says cooking with these ingredients is more than putting a Louisiana spin on a dish; it’s about preserving the sense of place and community that makes the food special. “Here, food is more than something we eat. It is how we celebrate, bring people together and pass traditions from one generation to the next.” Chef Lyle’s love of seafood began early, shaped by the foods that have long been part of life in Southwest Louisiana. Crawfish boils, fried fish, shrimp, crab and seafood gumbo are tied to family gatherings, celebrations and memories, and that connection continues to influence the way he approaches the menu. At Crying Eagle Lakefront, fresh seafood shares the plate with ingredients such as andouille, okra, local peppers, herbs and seasonal Louisiana produce. According to Chef Lyle, the key to working with Louisiana ingredients is knowing when to let them speak for themselves. “Louisiana seafood has its own flavor, story and sense of place,” he says. “As a chef my responsibility is not to cover that up. My job is to bring out its best qualities and build a dish around it.” That philosophy guides his approach to creating dishes that feel rooted in Louisiana while still offering diners something new. The balance between tradition and creativity is central to Chef Lyle’s approach. He often begins with something familiar and then he ponders how he can reinterpret it without losing what makes it special. “I want guests to recognize the soul of the dish, even if it looks different,” he adds. “Creativity should add to the dish, not erase it.” Chef Lyle’s vision carries through to the lakefront experience, where the food is meant to complement the setting. The waterfront naturally creates a connection to seafood, the outdoors and the relaxed way of life in Southwest Louisiana. Guests can enjoy a carefully prepared meal and a cold, craft-brewed beer on the patio while taking in the scenic view of Lake Charles’ namesake lake. Chef Lyle’s goal is not simply to serve Louisiana food but to create dishes that feels like home while offering something new. “The best compliment is when a dish reminds someone of something familiar but still gives them an experience they have not had before,” he says. And maybe that’s what dining on the lakefront should be about: good food, rooted in a sense of place, shared with good company and served in a setting that feels like home in Louisiana’s playground. As Chef Lyle puts it, the food of Southwest Louisiana is about “layers of flavor, patience, resourcefulness and community.” It’s a story that begins with the land and water and comes together around tables filled with people who share in the same spirit.

MORE THAN JUST A BREWERY

Where craft, flavor, and community Crying Eagle University come together.

(337) 990-4871 1165 E. McNeese Street

Crying Eagle Lakefront (337) 915-0547 911 N. Lakeshore Drive THRIVESWLA.COM

Wining & Dining

FOUR DAYS OF

BOURBON, BARBECUE & UNFORGETTABLE GOOD TIMES Every November, Smoke & Barrel rolls back into town with the kind of energy only great bourbon, legendary barbecue and a killer soundtrack can create. What started as a spark of an idea in the spring of 2018, along the banks of the Calcasieu River, has grown into Louisiana’s largest bourbon and barbecue tasting—a four‑day celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and the good life.

Pizza • Library Riot • Coffee: 30 • Luna Downtown/South • Crying Eagle University/Lakefront • Golden Nugget

MEET THE MAKERS NOVEMBER 20 Historic City Hall on Ryan Street

This year, Smoke & Barrel weekend— November 19–22—is already shaping up to be the biggest yet. More bourbon. More barbecue. More music. More of everything that makes Smoke & Barrel the can’t‑miss tradition of the season.

Friday night is your chance to meet the minds behind the bottles. Distillers and brand ambassadors from across the country gather to share stories, pour samples and give you a closer look at the craftsmanship inside every barrel.

Whether you’re joining the celebrations for the first time or you make this an annual tradition, 2026 is the year you don’t want to miss.

The full distillery lineup drops soon. Be sure to check smokeandbarrel.org for updates.

COCKTAIL ROYALE FINALE NOVEMBER 19 The Stables at LeBocage Six weeks. Ten contenders. One champion cocktail. Cocktail Royale brings together some of the SWLA’s most inventive bars and restaurants as they craft signature cocktails built around Rebel 100 Bourbon—a spirit bold enough to inspire real competition and smooth enough to win over the crowd. Expect creativity, personality and a finale that always delivers a few surprises. 2026 CONTENDERS: Calla • Augustine • Area 337 • The Pioneer Club • The Taproom at Crust 10

OCTOBER 2026

THE GRAND TASTING NOVEMBER 21 Historic Parish Courthouse on Ryan Street This is the moment the weekend hits full stride. Smoke rises from the pits, music rolls across the lawn, glasses clink under the oaks—the Grand Tasting is where the best pitmasters, distillers and regional musicians come together for one unforgettable afternoon. 2026 BBQ VENDORS: Blood Brothers BBQ • Rossler BlueCord BBQ • Slaughters BBQ • Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue • Rosemeyer Bar‑B‑Q • Mimsy’s Craft BBQ • LJ’s BBQ • The Hut • Paul’s Rib Shack Barbecue • Peace Love and Smoke • Boerne Brand • Helberg

MUSIC LINEUP: The Droptines • Susto • Justin Martindale DISTILLERS: Full lineup dropping soon — check smokeandbarrel.org for updates.

SMOKIN’ BRUNCH NOVEMBER 22 Crying Eagle Lakefront Sunday is for taking it slow. Smokin’ Brunch brings the weekend home with a relaxed lakeside menu crafted by the talented culinary team at Crying Eagle Lakefront. Expect creativity, comfort and a few dishes and cocktails you’ll be thinking about long after brunch is over. Tickets are all‑inclusive, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view while your tastebuds dance through exceptional flavors and jazz drifts across the water. Menu updates coming to smokeandbarrrel.org soon.

MORE THAN A WEEKEND Smoke & Barrel has always been about more than bourbon and barbecue.

This year, the proceeds support the McNeese Athletic Foundation, helping fuel championship‑caliber programs, elevate athletic excellence and strengthen the future of McNeese student‑athletes. It’s about opportunity, performance and the human stories behind every jersey; the grit, the drive, the work ethic that inspires us all. When you join the celebration, you’re helping create real opportunities for the next generation of studentathletes who will make Southwest Louisiana proud.

THE INVITATION Four days. Bold pours. Big flavor. Music that keeps the whole weekend moving. Smoke & Barrel weekend is where craftsmanship meets celebration— and you’re invited. Tap the QR code or visit smokeandbarrel. org and treat yourself to the premier weekend of the season.

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MIND & BODY

AWARENESS According to the American Cancer Society, women on average have a 13% chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. Of course, genetics, family history and lifestyle choices factor into whether an individual actually develops breast cancer or not. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take the time to learn how to deal with a cancer diagnosis, whether you are going through it yourself or someone you know is. There are skilled doctors and businesses in Southwest Louisiana who will ensure you get the best cancer care, results and aftercare.

Meet the Newest Member of our Physician Team

imperialhealth.com

Dr. Eric J. Knott, Family Medicine Physician Imperial Health is proud to welcome family medicine physician, Eric J. Knott, to our medical staff. A Louisiana native, Eric J. Knott, MD, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. He earned three advanced degrees from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans: a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience; a Master of Public Health, Behavioral and Community Health and a Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Knott completed a family medicine residency at HCA Healthcare Tristar Southern Hills Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. To learn more, or to make an appointment with Dr. Knott, call 337-312-8955. Accepts all major insurances and Medicare.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

501 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr., 4th Floor | Lake Charles | (337) 312-8955 12

OCTOBER 2026

The BEST prevention is always EARLY DETECTION. Genetics play a role in a woman's risk for breast cancer. Do you know your risk?

Scan the QR code to complete Memorial's Genetics Risk Assessment for Breast Cancer.

Amanda Ellington, MD Board Certified Breast Surgeon 337.494.4868

Her passion for excellence exceeds far beyond the operating room and has driven major advances in breast health at LCMHS. Dr. Ellington’s efforts in early diagnosis and treatment have proven life changing for many SWLA women.

lcmh.com/breasthealth

One number, three locations. 337.494.3070 Memorial Diagnostic Center - Moss Bluff | 217 Sam Houston Pkwy., Ste. 102 Memorial Imaging- Memorial Hospital | 1701 Oak Park Blvd. Memorial Imaging - Women's Hospital | 1900 West Gauthier Rd.

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Mind & Body | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Fighting breast cancer is a team effort at A breast cancer diagnosis can change life in an instant, bringing questions, uncertainty and important decisions about what comes next. But advances in screening, diagnosis and treatment continue to give patients more reason for hope, particularly when breast cancer is detected early.

About one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2026. Breast cancer accounts for about one in three new cancers diagnosed in women each year. The five-year relative survival rate is 92% for all stages combined and greater than 99% when invasive breast cancer is detected while still localized to the breast.

provides individualized guidance and support throughout diagnosis and treatment.

At West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH), helping women achieve the best possible outcome means providing coordinated care throughout the breast cancer journey. The hospital’s comprehensive Breast Health Program brings together education, screening, advanced diagnostics, treatment, patient support and survivorship services.

WCCH’s Fast Track program is another important part of that commitment, helping move patients efficiently through the next steps following a suspicious finding.

“Our goal is to make sure women have access to the resources they need for early detection and, if cancer is found, a coordinated team to guide them through what comes next,” says Heather LaBauve, RN, OCN, BHCN. As a breast health navigator, LaBauve is one of the most important connections for women diagnosed with breast cancer at WCCH. She

Kamran Shahid, MD Hematology Oncologist

14 2

Scott E Bergstedt, MD OB/GYN

Adam Olsan, MD Radiologist

OCTOBER OCTOBER2026 2026

Kelly M Fuqua, MD Family Medicine

“A breast cancer diagnosis comes with so much information at a time when a patient is already dealing with fear and uncertainty,” LaBauve says. “My role is to help make the process easier to navigate, answer questions and make sure each patient knows she has someone beside her throughout her journey.”

“Waiting can be one of the most difficult parts of the process,” LaBauve says. “Patients want answers and they want to know what happens next. Our team works to coordinate appointments, paperwork and referrals as efficiently as possible. We try to remove obstacles and connect each patient with the appropriate specialists and resources so she can focus her energy on moving forward.”

Heather LaBauve, RN, OCN, BHCN Nurse Navigator

Stephen Castleberry, MD General Surgeon

Regina Burton, MD Pathologist

Matthew Ayo, MD General Surgeon

Devin Seale, MD General Surgeon

That coordination continues throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. WCCH works closely with surgeons, oncologists and other specialists to provide patients with a connected continuum of breast cancer care. Kamran Shahid, MD, hematologist/oncologist with Ochsner CHRISTUS Health and a member of the WCCH medical staff explains that breast cancer treatment has become increasingly personalized, with decisions based on the specific characteristics of the cancer as well as the individual patient. “Today, we have more treatment options and more information to help us determine the most appropriate approach for each patient, and having access to oncology care and treatment services close to home can also make a meaningful difference for patients who may require ongoing care.” “Breast cancer treatment requires many different areas of expertise, and collaboration among those providers is extremely important,” says Devin Seale, MD, general surgeon with Sulphur Surgical Clinic and a member of the WCCH medical staff. “Being part of WCCH’s Breast Health Program allows us to communicate and coordinate care throughout the process. For the patient, there is tremendous reassurance in knowing the people involved in her care are working together toward the same goal.” In addition to breast health navigation and Fast Track services, WCCH’s comprehensive program includes:

DIAGNOSTICS

Mammography remains an important tool for finding breast cancer at an early stage. The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammography beginning at age 40 for women at average risk, and that all women have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. WCCH offers advanced digital mammography with 3D SmartCurve technology, designed to provide accurate imaging with enhanced patient comfort. When additional evaluation is needed, ultrasound, MRI and minimally invasive biopsy services are conveniently available at the hospital.

TREATMENT

WCCH provides comprehensive breast cancer treatment capabilities through a team of specialists and support services. Available services include surgery, outpatient chemotherapy, port care and infusion services, allowing patients to receive much of the care they need close to home.

GENETIC TESTING

Inherited changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 60% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, compared with approximately 13% of women in the general population. Genetic testing, available through WCCH, can provide important information that may help guide treatment and future decisions about proactive care. Determining whether genetic testing is appropriate should involve careful consideration and discussion with a physician about an individual’s personal and family history, potential benefits and limitations of testing.

PINK CRUSADE SUPPORT GROUP

The WCCH Pink Crusade Support Group provides another layer of support for women facing breast cancer and survivors continuing their journey. Meeting monthly, the group offers a welcoming environment where women can share experiences, learn from one another and find encouragement among others who understand what they are going through. “Breast cancer remains a significant health concern for women, but we also have more tools than ever to detect it earlier and treat it effectively,” LaBauve says. “What we want every woman who comes through our program to know is that she has an entire team behind her. Whether she is coming in for screening, facing a diagnosis, undergoing treatment or moving into survivorship, she does not have to take any step of that journey alone.”

Moving Hope Forward with Every Step Hundreds of people will fill the front lawn of the Lake Charles Event Center on October 17 for the 22nd Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Walk, continuing a Southwest Louisiana tradition built on hope, compassion and community support. Organized by the WCCH Foundation, the annual walk brings the community together to celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those who have been lost and raise funds to help local individuals facing breast cancer. The event was founded by the late Ethel Precht, a breast cancer survivor who understood firsthand the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Several years after her own diagnosis, Precht organized a breast cancer survivors’ walk in 2004. What began with her desire to help others has grown into an annual community event and a lasting legacy of support for breast cancer patients throughout Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. “This walk is more than an event; it’s a movement of compassion and support that continues to grow each year,” says Demi Neely, director of marketing, foundation and community impact at WCCH. “Ethel Precht’s vision was to ensure no individual in Southwest Louisiana walks through breast cancer alone, and we are proud to continue her mission through this annual event.” Today, Precht’s legacy lives on through both the annual walk and the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Program of WCCH. Funds raised through the event provide direct financial assistance to eligible individuals in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes who are undergoing breast cancer treatment. Assistance can help cover medical bills as well as specialized garments, wigs, prostheses, lymphedema sleeves and other expenses associated with treatment, recovery and survivorship. By helping with these costs, the program can ease some of the financial burdenon patients and their families. Neely says last year’s walk raised more than $142,500 and brought together over 2,500 participants. Over the past year, funds generated by the event helped provide more than $72,000 in financial assistance to over 80 local individuals facing breast cancer. “We invite local businesses and individuals to join us to make this year’s event even more successful,” says Neely. “Every person who participates helps us continue Ethel’s legacy and provide hope and support to people in our own community.” To learn more or register for the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Walk, visit ethelbreastcancerwalk.org.

To learn more about the WCCH Breast Health Program, visit wcch.com/services/breast-health.

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Mind & Body | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

What Happens After an

The call after an abnormal mammogram can bring a rush of questions: What did they find? Do I need a biopsy? How long will I have to wait? At Lake Charles Memorial, patients whose mammograms show suspicious findings do not have to navigate what comes next alone. Memorial’s breast biopsy protocol connects patients with a coordinated team that begins moving their care forward, almost immediately. Although the word “protocol” may sound clinical or impersonal, the purpose behind it is human: to make sure every patient is contacted, cared for and guided through every next step. When a mammogram shows a suspicious finding

OCTOBER 2026

and requires a biopsy, the patient is placed into a coordinated pathway. Instead of waiting for new orders to pass between medical offices, Dr. Amanda Ellington, breast surgeon at Lake Charles Memorial, reviews the imaging and orders what is needed. A nurse navigator then contacts the patient to arrange the biopsy, explain what to expect and answer questions. Memorial's breast cancer protocol was developed in response to patient feedback. Patients were arriving at Dr. Ellington’s office after waiting four or five weeks for a biopsy. By then, they were not only worried about the possibility of breast cancer. They were frustrated and exhausted from trying to understand the process. “I heard for years that the waiting and anxiety of not knowing what is next was the worst part of the process.” Dr. Ellington said. “Waiting was

wearing on patients.” After implementing the protocol, there was a noticeable improvement in patients getting their biopsies faster. Today, patients generally move from their abnormal mammogram to the procedure within two weeks. Circumstances such as travel, medications or insurance requirements can affect that timing. Still, the team’s goal is to prevent avoidable delays and help patients reach answers sooner. "Time to biopsy matters, but so does the way patients are treated along the way," states Dr. Ellington. Behind the protocol is a connected team that includes Dr. Ellington, interventional radiologists and surgical and radiology nurse navigators. Their

calls are not appointment reminders. Navigators explain when the biopsy will take place, how to prepare, what the procedure may feel like and when results may be available. “We’re not wanting to just check a box and say we called a patient,” Dr. Ellington said. “We want to call them with meaningful information and a plan.” After the biopsy, patients are offered follow-up with Dr. Ellington to discuss their results and what comes next. Even when the finding is not cancer, a patient may benefit from an examination, risk assessment and monitoring. That combination of personal guidance and behind-the-scenes coordination is what allows the protocol to work. Its structure moves the steps forward, while its people provide reassurance, information and care. “Patients need the right information to feel safe and confident about what’s happening,” Dr. Ellington said. “Our job as healthcare providers is to provide that information and guidance.” A protocol may sound like a set of automatic steps. At Memorial, those steps are designed to lead each patient to something much more personal: a knowledgeable voice, a clear plan and a team that will stay with them throughout their journey.

CANCER IS COMPLEX. The Facts are Clear. Calcasieu Parish’s cancer incidence rate is lower than over 75% of the parishes in Louisiana and is decreasing annually. Where you live isn’t the biggest risk factor—age, genetics, obesity, tobacco use and lifestyle are.

Know the facts. Know your risks.

laia.com THRIVESWLA.COM

Mind & Body | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR by Kerri Cooke

Having a doctor explain the results of a mammogram and what to expect during a biopsy immediately after finding an abnormality removes the waiting time for patients who would otherwise be waiting days or weeks to get clarity on their results. The “what ifs” and worry about the unknown can negatively affect your health as well. Sulphur Surgical Clinic knows that struggle, so doctors make sure you can hear from a doctor right away. “At Sulphur Surgical Clinic, you’ll have the same doctor with you throughout the process, guiding you as you go,” Dr. Devin Seale says. Doctors take care of most steps inhouse, so there’s less time juggling appointments at different locations.

the steps to refer you to a doctor for treatment, which can include chemotherapy or radiation. Once your treatment plan is determined, we can take care of any immediate or future breast surgery needs,” Dr. Seale says.

A biopsy is the next informative step after an irregular mammogram, so be sure to ask any questions about the process and what to expect. (The good news is the majority of breast lumps are benign, but that’s even more reason to be vigilant about your care.)

The most common breast cancer surgery is a lumpectomy, which consists of removing a cancerous tumor and a bit of surrounding healthy tissue. Once this procedure is finished, a patient usually receives radiation therapy to ensure all cancer is eradicated. If breast cancer is found early, the need for more extensive treatment is usually unnecessary.

“If a biopsy does show cancer, you can get treatment quicker as Sulphur Surgical Clinic has taken

OCTOBER 2026

Oncoplastic reconstruction can be done at the same time as a lumpectomy. Since you’re already doing surgery, it prevents the need for a second surgery to fix the area where the tumor was removed. Once the tumor is removed during a lumpectomy, a surgeon will fill in the space where the tissue was taken out with surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on your breast shape and size and the location and size of the tumor, surgeons might just need to make a small closure. In other cases, surgeons reshape the breast to make everything look uniform. This type of surgery gives a patient better results in the long run than alternatives.

If breast cancer is further along, a tumor is large or there are multiple tumors, a mastectomy might be recommended. This surgery involves removing all of the breast tissue. Complete removal might be necessary to get rid of all the cancer, but it can also prevent reoccurrence in patients who have a high risk and concern about it. "Whether your lump turns out to be benign or you need further care, our doctors and staff are there for our patients during this stressful time," Dr. Seale says. For more information about Sulphur Surgical Clinic, call 337-527-6363 or visit sulphursurgicalclinic.com.

FINDING HOPE THROUGH EARLY DETECTION:

At 77, Linda Garrett had never faced a major health concern. That changed in October 2023, when a routine mammogram revealed something unexpected. The screening led to additional testing and, ultimately, a diagnosis from her CHRISTUS Health physician that she never anticipated. "My doctor didn't even wait until the following week to call me," Linda recalled. "That Friday night, he called and said, 'You have breast cancer.'" As appointments and conversations moved quickly, Linda and her husband found themselves shifting from routine preventive care to decisions about treatment. Within days, she met with her surgeon, and surgery was scheduled promptly. The procedure successfully removed the cancerous tissue, and follow-up testing confirmed the cancer had been detected at stage 1, one of the earliest and most treatable stages of the disease. After surgery, Linda turned her attention to the next phase of treatment.

"My husband's a firefighter. He never panics," she said. "We sat down and said, 'Okay, what's next?'" Linda's treatment plan included radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, along with long-term hormone therapy and periodic infusions. As she weighed her options, she considered whether to stay local or seek care elsewhere.

for more treatment options and improved outcomes. Linda hopes her story encourages others to stay up to date on recommended screenings and prioritize preventive care.

Over the following weeks, she completed a sixweek course of daily radiation treatments. The experience proved more manageable than she expected and allowed her to continue recovering close to family and friends. "Everything they told me about side effects was true," she said. "I didn't feel overly tired, and it all went very smoothly." Today, Linda has returned to the activities she enjoys most. Looking back, she hopes her experience serves as a reminder that routine screenings remain important. "There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so it was a surprise," Linda said. "But early detection saved my life." A simple mammogram can help detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, allowing THRIVESWLA.COM

Mind & Body | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Reclaiming During and After Breast Cancer

HOW THERAPY HELPS PAIN AND AGILITY by Kerry Andersen

The surgery is behind her. The last chemo appointment is done. And then she reaches for a book on the top shelf and finds her arm simply won’t go there anymore. That moment is usually when women start thinking about physical therapy. According to the team at Hope Therapy Center in Lake Charles, it’s a conversation that should happen months earlier. “Most women do not know they can begin their therapies before surgery or treatment,” says Reba Desonier, PT, DPT. “We highly recommend being proactive in your care and cancer journey.” A patient can start therapy at any point after diagnosis. Immediately following a lumpectomy or mastectomy, physical therapy most often addresses limited shoulder movement, tight scar tissue, swelling and joint stiffness. Owner Sonya Brooks, a speech-language pathologist, has built a multi-discipline practice with occupational therapists and other specialists on staff to handle the many symptoms that surface during cancer treatment. Pain is the part patients talk about most, and the clinic’s answer isn’t another prescription. 20

OCTOBER 2026

Treatment can include manual therapy and scar tissue mobilization, therapeutic exercise, activity modification and the center’s aquatic facility, which offers a hydro-massage using warm water and controlled jets to ease pain and swelling. Dry needling is another option but is used selectively. “We often do not use dry needling local to the site if there has been removal of lymph nodes,” Desonier says, though it remains an option for referred pain from surgery or radiation. When lymphedema care is needed, the clinic connects patients directly with certified specialists in the area and coordinates the handoff so there’s no gap in treatment. Then there’s the fatigue, which arrives during chemo and radiation and makes exercise sound impossible. Desonier doesn’t dismiss it when a woman says she’s too tired to exercise, but still champions physical activity as therapy. “As movement specialists, we know the positive effects exercise can have on the body and the mind,” she says. For patients cleared to get in the water, the pool allows low-impact movement. For those who can’t, therapists recommend gentle strengthening, breathing and stretching. Realistic expectations matter during recovery. Rebuilding true strength can take six months to a year. Most patients start two to three

times a week, working first on restoring full motion in the arm and shoulder before adding strengthening exercises. If you’re concerned about cost or insurance coverage, it’s less of a roadblock to care than you might expect. Louisiana’s Direct Access law allows a physical therapist to treat a patient for up to 30 days without a physician’s order, and clinic administrators can check individual insurance policies. For Medicare patients, a referral is preferred. Desonier says range-of-motion numbers aren’t the only measure of success. Therapists are more likely to remember when patients achieve milestones that improve their quality of life. “That may look like the first time she can fasten her bra, or perhaps the first time she can lift her grandchild, but it signals that although the road to recovery is long, there is hope.” Hope Therapy Center is located at 1727 Imperial Boulevard, Building #3 in Lake Charles. For more information, call 337-478-5880, visit hopetherapycenter.net, or follow Hope Therapy Center on Facebook, @hopetherapycenter on Instagram, and @hopetherapyctr on TikTok.

Helping Women, Babies & Children Thrive From pregnancy and postpartum care to pediatric therapy, Hope Therapy Center is here to support every stage of your family’s journey.

Specialized care. Compassionate therapists. Hope for what’s ahead.

1727 Imperial Blvd. • Building #3 • Lake Charles

(337) 478-5880 • hopetherapycenter.net

We Tackle

SPORTS INJURIES. Open Early, Late & Weekends.

LAKE CHARLES | MOSS BLUFF • ImperialHealth.com THRIVESWLA.COM

Mind & Body | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

INTIMATE FITTINGS AFTER BREAST SURGERY by Madelaine Brauner Landry

Breast cancer: these words strike confusion and dread into a patient’s heart when first uttered as a diagnosis. Emotions are compounded by the immediate need to make complex medical decisions. Advice and support are essential as they chart a path forward, moving from uncertainty to informed action. Wonderfully Made Intimate Apparel & Mastectomy Care, 3518 Ryan Street, meets women wherever they are in their breast cancer journey. Initially it was opened for ladies who had experienced a breast cancer diagnosis. While still their primary purpose, they’ve expanded their products to ensure all women find great-fitting bras. For the breast cancer patient or survivor, Wonderfully Made’s mission is to help them regain some sense of normalcy, assisting women so they can wear their same clothing all throughout their treatment. Immediately after surgery, patients wear a post-surgical bra that provides compression to aid the healing process. After that, whether they’ve had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or reconstruction, they can be fitted into postmastectomy bras, shapers and prostheses. Wonderfully Made fits patients in bras at post-surgery appointments, realizing it’s not a one-size-fitsall situation. Lingerie options should combine functionality with style. Bras should accommodate prosthetics while still providing comfort and support. Soft fabrics 22

OCTOBER 2026

and seamless designs help avoid irritation. Professional fittings are with sensitive assistants who answer questions and ensure the right fit. Fashionable choices and styles are offered that appeal to various tastes and restore confidence. “We’re here to bridge the gap,” assures owner Julie Lewis. “We work with our clients during surgery, treatment and into survivorship whether they have a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or reconstruction. We want to educate and inform. Too often, we hear, 'I didn't know. Nobody told me what to expect.'" Wonderfully Made provides appointments with fitters who consider the patient's measurements, surgery type, wants and needs. They then select a few bras for the patient to try for comfort and size. “Our vision and purpose has become “For Every Body, Every Season, Every Stage of Healing”— for a fit that truly makes you feel Wonderfully Made,” Lewis says. “While still undergoing radiation treatments, something light and comfortable is needed. Then you need to find a bra fitted with a prosthesis. You deserve to look fabulous under a formal dress or everyday attire post-surgery.” Lewis adds, “Post-mastectomy bras are a lifelong process. Cancer is already tough, so we strive to be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Women should feel confident for the rest of their lives.” Insurance options are available; currently they are in-network with Medicare, BCBS, Humana, Aetna, and more. Additionally, they are the only mastectomy fitters in the region. “We also fit ladies during their early nursing days or those looking for a perfect fit after augmentation or

a reduction/lift procedure,” Lewis says. “We’re here for all the stages; we can fit practically any size.” Wonderfully Made is a family-owned and operated small business offering an exclusive collection of intimate apparel online and in-store. Retail line is 337-761-5525; mastectomy line is 972-982-7066. See more at wonderfullymade.fit.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

PRESENTING SPONSOR

LAKE CHARLES EVENT CENTER - FRONT LAWN Registration: 7 a.m. Ceremony: 8 a.m. Walk: 8:30 a.m.

LEGACY SPONSORS

General Registration: $35 Student: $25 Kids (12 & under): $10

HOPE SPONSORS

There is no charge for Survivors to participate.

www.EthelBreastCancerWalk.org

Why participate?

FRIEND OF ETHEL SPONSORS

CARE

SPONSORED BY:

In the following section, discover Thrive’s 2026 Leading Ladies—a health clinic founder, an executive director of the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce, a vice president at McNeese, an executive director of the Greater Lake Charles Chamber, a vice president of a local health system, a judge, a parish administrator, a director in local industry, a public relations representative in industry and a director of philanthropy at another local health system. Women are in offices where they are making big decisions that affect the community and the individuals within it. Celebrate our local female superstars and discover some early women businessowners and how those forerunners helped women achieve thriving career today.

OCTOBER 2026

ACCELERATING GROWTH

TO BUILD A STRONGER SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

A stronger Southwest Louisiana starts with a strong economy. Through the Accelerate SWLA strategic plan, the SWLA Economic Development Alliance is driving a bold strategy for regional growth by attracting investment, supporting business, strengthening our workforce and bringing partners together across the five-parish region. By bringing together business, government, education and community partners, we’re working to build a more competitive region where businesses can succeed, people can build rewarding careers and communities can thrive. One region. One vision. One Alliance working for Southwest

Connections that Mean

Louisiana. AllianceSWLA.org

BUSINESS Business is stronger when we work together.

The Greater Lake Charles Chamber connects businesses with the people, resources and relationships that help them grow. Membership gives your business access to valuable information and relationships, while providing a stronger voice on the issues that affect business. Don’t just do business here. Be part of the business community. Join the Greater Lake Charles Chamber today. GreaterLakeCharlesChamber.org THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Dawn Hinton Nurse Practitioner, Certified Menopause Specialist, Founder of Revitalized Health

by Kristy Como Armand

Dawn Hinton’s career has been built one step at a time, beginning long before she became a nurse practitioner and business owner. At just 12 years old, she began working as a private sitter for elderly patients in her hometown of Gueydan, Louisiana, an early experience that sparked a lifelong passion for caring for others. Hinton became an LPN in 2000 and continued her education while working, earning her ADN, BSN and ultimately her MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2008. In 2010, she began working as an occupational health nurse practitioner for LyondellBasell, where she continues to work part time. Along the way, Hinton began caring for patients receiving hormone therapy and discovered an area of healthcare that would become a growing passion. When COVID-19 and Hurricane Laura interrupted her ability to see those patients, the disruption became an unexpected opportunity. “I took a leap of faith,” she says. In 2021, Hinton founded Revitalized Health. Five years later, what began as one clinic has grown to two locations with a team of six experienced providers. For Hinton, the most rewarding part of that growth isn’t measured by locations or numbers. It’s measured by the difference she sees in her patients. “I have always loved taking care of people,” she says. “Watching someone feel like themselves again, regain their energy

Community and Professional Involvement 40

OCTOBER 2026

and confidence and improve their overall health is incredibly rewarding.” Hinton’s focus on individualized care also drives her commitment to patient education, particularly when it comes to hormone therapy. She says overcoming decades of fear and misinformation surrounding treatment remains one of her greatest professional challenges. “As evidence evolves, so must our understanding,” she says. “I am passionate about replacing fear with education and giving patients current, evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions about their health.” Building her career while raising a family also taught Hinton important lessons about balance. Early on, she was raising two young children, working multiple jobs and continuing her education. She credits her husband and children with supporting her ambition throughout that demanding period. Today, she has a different perspective on what balance means. “Balance doesn’t mean giving everything equal time,” she says. “I make it a priority to enjoy the life I’ve worked so hard to build.” Family, travel and an active lifestyle help her recharge, whether she’s running, biking, skiing, hiking, scuba diving or pursuing a new adventure. That willingness to embrace challenges has also shaped the advice Hinton offers other women pursuing ambitious goals.

didn’t have the entire path mapped out when I started,” she says. “Be willing to take calculated risks, surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and don’t let fear of failure make your decisions for you.” Some of her greatest opportunities, she says, emerged from circumstances that could easily have caused her to quit. “Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to create your own path to success.” Looking ahead, Hinton hopes to continue changing the conversation around healthcare by placing greater emphasis on prevention, healthy aging and helping patients understand their individual risks. She plans to expand Revitalized Health’s services while preserving the personalized care, education and trust that have been central to its growth. For Hinton, the goal remains much the same as it was when her healthcare journey began: helping people live healthier, better lives.

“My career was built one step at a time, from CNA to NP and eventually business owner. I

• Greater Lake Charles Chamber, member • Small Business Association of SWLA, member • Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners, member • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, member

• Menopause Society, member • Konenki Menopause Solutions- Vetted Konenki Provider (VKP) • Obesity Medicine Association, member

SERVICES: - Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - Medical Weight Loss - Thyroid Optimization - Nutraceuticals - Peptide & Injectable Nutrients - Well-Woman Exams - Contraception - STI Testing/Treatment - Urinary Tract Infections - Advanced Cardiac Prevention Program & Smoking Cessation

2 locations In Walnut Grove

PROVIDERS:

Dawn Hinton, AGPCNP-BC, MSCP Melinda Strickland, FNP-BC Crystal Tarou, FNP-BC, MSCP D. Renee Thornton FNP-BC Amanda Keys, FNP-BC

The Cottage - 1510 William St. Main Office - 2002 West Walnut St. Ste. 101 info@revitalizedhealth.org

337-214-0097 • REVITALIZEDHEALTH.ORG ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE • CASH PAY OPTIONS THRIVESWLA.COM 41

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Jeanne Boudreaux Executive Director of the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce

by Kerri Cooke

Before working for the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce, Jeanne Boudreaux worked in the healthcare field. She received her nursing degree from McNeese State University and began working as a registered nurse in direct patient care and labor and delivery before moving into leadership roles, including homebound care coordination. Boudreaux loved how she was able to help people during a crisis through nursing and says, “It taught me communication, leadership, problem solving and service, skills that have carried into every role since.” Once she made the transition into healthcare business and community involvement, her interest was piqued. She began to seek out opportunities in leadership, business development and how she could invest in the future of her community. Last year, Boudreaux became executive director for the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce. She says nursing and working for the Parish are more similar than one would expect. “Both are centered around people, relationships, advocacy and recognizing a need and finding a way to address it.” Through her role in the Chamber, she has the ability to network and connect business, the public and resources together to help both Jeff Davis Parish and the entire five-parish region. The ability to help shape the local economy is a responsibility Boudreaux enjoys. “I love introducing people or organizations and later learned the relationship resulted in a new partnership, business opportunity or something positive for our community. I am especially passionate about making sure our small businesses know they matter and have someone

Community Involvement 42

OCTOBER 2026

advocating for them. At the same time, I enjoy working with our larger employers and regional partners because strong communities require all of us working together. What excites me most is seeing the potential of Jeff Davis Parish. We have incredible people, businesses and communities. I want to help tell their stories, connect them with opportunities and make sure Jeff Davis Parish has a voice at the table.” While it’s rewarding to be able to do the work of building bridges throughout the community, it isn’t always easy. Some solutions are not straightforward, and one business might require something totally different than another. Boudreaux says, “Progress often depends on relationships, collaboration and circumstances that cannot always be controlled or accomplished quickly. The needs of a small, family-owned business can be very different from those of a hospital, bank, industrial company or major employer. My responsibility is to listen to all of them and continually look for ways the Chamber can provide meaningful value.” Boudreaux’s advice for other women balancing the challenges of modern-day life is simple but has to be put into practice intentionally. “Do not wait until you feel completely qualified or completely ready to take an opportunity,” she says. “Build genuine relationships. Work hard. Ask questions. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Be willing to sit at a table where you may initially feel uncomfortable or inexperienced, and then have the confidence to contribute. Decide what matters most to you and build your definition of success around that.”

where businesses and the community can thrive. “I am particularly passionate about workforce development, leadership development and creating stronger connections between our schools, businesses and future workforce,” she says. “I also hope to continue expanding my involvement throughout Southwest Louisiana and at the state level so I can advocate for our rural communities and help make sure they have a voice and access to opportunities.” Ultimately, Boudreaux wants to stay grounded and show her family that you can “put God and family first” and still use your gifts to make an impact professionally.

When it comes to building stronger communities, Boudreaux is far from done. She wants to continue creating an environment

• Greater Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors • American Petroleum Institute, Board of Directors • Leadership EXCEL Acadia and Jeff Davis Parish, Board Member

• Our Lady Immaculate School Auxilory Board • Our Lady Immaculate School PTO Board • Serra Club

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THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

April Broussard Vice President for Business Affairs at McNeese State University

by Kerri Cooke

April Broussard’s career has taken her through a variety of roles in the healthcare and higher education sectors. While her path to becoming vice president for business affairs at McNeese State University took unexpected turns, Broussard believes every experience she had helps her better serve in her position today. Broussard earned three degrees from McNeese— an associate’s degree in computer information technology, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. While in college, she worked on campus as a student worker. After graduating from college, Broussard moved to San Antonio, Texas where she would gain experience as an auditor at Brehm, Havel & Company, a public accounting firm. Switching gears, she moved back home to Lake Charles to accept a role at Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, which is now Imperial Health. After that she would work for CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. Her roles in the healthcare sector spanned accounting, finance and administration. Returning to McNeese, Broussard would work as the university registrar for six and a half years. She says, “That position gave me a strong understanding of higher education and university operation. It taught me a great deal about managing people, processes and complex administrative issues within a higher education setting.” Broussard then returned to the healthcare field when she became vice president for financial

Community Involvement • Volunteer at United Way and Banners Cultural Series at McNeese

OCTOBER 2026

performance for Texas Digestive Disease Consultants in Baton Rouge. As vice president, Broussard says, she received “extensive experience in financial performance, operations and strategic decision-making within a complex healthcare organization.” As her next challenge, Broussard accepted the call back to McNeese and became operations director for the McNeese Autism Program and the Kay Dore Counseling Clinic. Making the transition to the Business Affairs Department, she was appointed interim vice president for the program in 2024, and that position became permanent in 2025. Broussard never set out with an objective to hold a specific title in a specific job. Instead, she says she focused on doing every job to the best of her ability and learning new skills along the way. But as vice president, she finds the work very rewarding due to the ability to contribute to the efficient running of her alma mater. “The work we do in Business Affairs supports everything else that happens at the university,” Broussard says. “We may not always be the most visible part of the institution, but our work touches almost every aspect of campus; from budgets and payroll to human resources, purchasing, facilities, contracts and day-to-day operations that allow our faculty, staff and students to be successful.” The challenge with working for McNeese is the swift change institutions of higher education are undergoing across the nation. “Universities have to be willing to adapt while still being responsible stewards of their resources,”

Broussard says. “There are increasing costs, changing expectations, new technology, workforce challenges and significant changes taking place across higher education. We have to think about both the immediate needs of the university and its long-term financial health.” While Broussard admits to having many mentors, she highlights her first boss, Garrett Caraway, who she worked under at Caraway’s Pharmacy in Westlake. “Mr. Caraway took a genuine interest in my development and expected me to be more than just a good employee,” Broussard says. “A good mentor doesn’t necessarily give you a roadmap for your career. They recognize your potential, challenge you, expose you to opportunities and ideas, and help you develop confidence in what you are capable of achieving.” As to what the future holds, Broussard says, “I want to leave Business Affairs better than I found it and continue growing as a leader. I don’t think you ever reach a point where you are finished learning.”

ready for them. Broussard’s advice • Become comfortable with your own expertise and voice. for other women is: • Don’t measure your career against someone else’s.

• Be willing to take opportunities before you feel completely

Ana Denison Executive Director, Greater Lake Charles Chamber

by Kristy Como Armand

When Ana Denison arrived in Lake Charles from Mexico City on a tennis scholarship to McNeese State University, she thought it would be one chapter in her life. Instead, she found a community that became home and a career centered on helping others find opportunities within it. Denison earned undergraduate degrees in marketing and management, then completed her MBA while coaching tennis. Her career has since included roles in real estate, business development, higher education, workforce development and community and industry partnerships. Most recently, she served as director of alternative energy & special projects at SOWELA, working closely with businesses, industry leaders, educators and community partners. Those varied experiences came together when she became executive director of The Greater Lake Charles Chamber. “At the heart of everything I have done has been relationships— connecting people, creating opportunities and helping others succeed,” Denison says. “Now I have the privilege of doing that every day for a community that welcomed me many years ago and that I am very proud to call home.” That focus on relationships drives Denison’s vision for the Chamber, where the philosophy is straightforward: listen, connect and educate. She wants members to find genuine value through

Community Involvement

relationships, resources, education and opportunities for greater involvement in the community. “There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a simple introduction or conversation grow into a relationship or new opportunity,” she says. “Keeping those connections relevant requires continually responding to a changing business environment.”

enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, entertaining and fishing.

With business owners and professionals facing increasing demands on their time, Denison sees creating meaningful engagement as both a challenge and an opportunity to rethink programs and find better ways to serve members. “We need to ask, listen and then be willing to respond,” she says. Denison credits her parents as her greatest mentors. They taught her to work hard, treat people with kindness and keep God at the center of her life. Their influence shaped a leadership philosophy that values character alongside accomplishment. “Success is not only about what you accomplish, but also about how you treat people along the way. You can be strong, competitive and ambitious while still treating people well.” Tennis has been another powerful influence. A two-time McNeese Tennis MVP, Denison says competitive athletics taught her discipline, perseverance, teamwork and how to reset after a difficult point. She continues to play and also

• Advisory Board for the Culinary School at SOWELA • Technical Community College, member

That willingness to reset and move forward also shapes Denison’s advice to women pursuing leadership. “Don’t wait until you feel completely ready,” she says. “Some of the best opportunities in my life have required me to step outside my comfort zone, trust what I had learned and be willing to grow into the opportunity.” Denison also encourages women to lead authentically rather than model themselves after someone else. “Work hard, ask questions, cultivate relationships and remain authentic to your own leadership style.” Looking ahead, Denison wants to build a Chamber that businesses genuinely want to be part of, creating connections among established leaders, small businesses, entrepreneurs, young professionals and newcomers. Ultimately, her vision comes back to the same principle that has guided her career: bringing people together.

• Serve on the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities Board • Involved with the Lake Charles Racquet Club Board

THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Bernita Brown Vice President, Women’s Hospital Administrator, Chief Privacy Officer at Lake Charles Memorial Health System

by Kerri Cooke

Bernita Brown grew up in Colfax, Louisiana, where her father was a farmer and factory worker and her mother was a housekeeper.

• Departmental leadership • Resource and staff management • Strategic planning • And cross-departmental collaboration.

“I come from humble beginnings and feel deeply blessed to have been raised by hardworking parents who were people of strong faith and hope who shaped my values and instilled in me a sincere desire to serve others,” she says.

Having a true heart of service, Brown says her experience has “deepened my desire to make a meaningful difference by improving the health and quality of life of the people we serve, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured and facing healthcare disparities. It is a calling and a ministry—an opportunity to serve others and contribute to a purpose greater than myself.”

It was her father’s diabetes diagnosis that sparked Brown’s interest in nutrition and diabetes care. She received her bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition from Louisiana Tech before continuing her education to receive a master’s in business administration from McNeese. She is now working on her doctorate degree, which focuses on healthcare management from a business perspective. One of Brown’s first jobs within the Memorial Health Care System was as a dietician for the team that would establish LCMH’s first Diabetes Education Center. Further down the line, Brown was promoted to director of Nutrition Services. She believes these positions were the stepping stones in her career that helped her develop the experience to later become a healthcare executive and administrator. Brown says she has been blessed with an opportunity to have cultivated an extensive leadership background of successive positions. Her leadership roles have ranged from positions in dietary departments to jobs that serve the whole hospital system, including: • Direct patient care • Healthcare systems, including institutional policies and regulatory compliance

Community Involvement 46

As far as mentors go, Brown mentions her parents and the innumerable other people who have influenced her life’s trajectory. (She calls them her village.) In professional development, Brown says, “My first CEO, Elton Williams, saw in me a hidden potential, a willingness to learn and a capacity to grow beyond where I was. As a result, he began to groom my potential, which was the launchpad for my executive health career.” This launchpad further propelled her to what was at the time, the unchartered territory of pioneering the organization’s compliance with federal HIPAA mandates. While the work is fulfilling, it’s not without its challenges. Some of the tough decisions come in the form of: • Time management • Industry and workforce shifts • Maintaining balance to avoid burnout • Providing affordable healthcare to the community, especially those that are underinsured or uninsured

• SWLA Center for Healthcare Services Board of Directors, Secretary

OCTOBER 2026

• And cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations and practices. Brown has advice for other women trying to manage and grow their career. She advises women to “embrace and lean into every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, remain in a posture of seeking God for guidance in all things, and engage with a team mentality and posture of servant leadership.” She also advises women not to compare themselves to others. Instead take a look at your strengths and weaknesses and assess where you want to be in the future to continually self-improve. As she continues to work hard for the betterment of others, Brown says her goals are “to continue to positively impact the lives of those with healthcare disparities; to have an improved and well-rounded quality of life; to pay-it-forward by mentoring other young men and women to be a servant leader; and to be an overall blessing to our community and the world.”

• CARC Board of Directors, Nomination Committee Chairperson

• Community Foundation Southwest Louisiana, Civic Committee

The Business Behind SWLA's Babies Congratulations to

Bernita Loyd Brown,

Administrator at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women Honored as one of THRIVE's Leading Ladies in Business for 2026. Whether she's welcoming another OB/GYN to the team, advocating for women and babies, or expanding service delivery to families across Southwest Louisiana, Bernita leads with a compassionate purpose. This recognition is a true tribute to the extraordinary heart, skill, and leadership Bernita brings to women's health at Lake Charles Memorial.

THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Patricia Prudhomme Executive Director Philanthropy, CHRISTUS Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana Foundation

by Kristy Como Armand

Patricia Prudhomme’s career is proof that professional success does not always follow a predictable path. As executive director of development for the CHRISTUS Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana Foundation, she has built a career around connecting people, resources and opportunities to strengthen healthcare and the community she serves. With an undergraduate degree in religion and graduate work in counseling, Prudhomme did not initially envision a career in philanthropy. Some of her most valuable early professional lessons came during college breaks while working for a familyowned electrical supply company whose owners encouraged her to learn and take on as much responsibility as she was willing to accept. “I learned about business, customer relationships, operations and, most importantly, people,” she says. “That experience gave me a broad foundation that I still draw from today.” Her career eventually took her from North Carolina to Louisiana, then into the non-profit sector and, ultimately, healthcare philanthropy. Rather than following a carefully mapped career plan, Prudhomme continued taking the next step that felt right. “Looking back, the path makes more sense than it did while I was walking it,” she says. “Each experience taught me something I needed for the next one.” Coming to Louisiana, where she met her husband Brian, was an unexpected part of the journey, and she says finding that life partnership brought new dimension. “His passing brought a painful turn in the path, but even through loss, I learned valuable lessons about resilience,

Community Service Roles • Volunteer Louisiana, Commissioner • Rotary Club, member

OCTOBER 2026

perspective and continuing to move forward.” Today, what makes her work most rewarding is seeing the tangible difference philanthropy can make in people’s lives. In healthcare, that impact may come through better access to care, new equipment or services, support for a family during a difficult time or helping make an important new initiative possible. “I love connecting people who want to make a difference with opportunities to do exactly that,” Prudhomme says. “The work is about people and strong, trusted relationships. That is what keeps me passionate about it.” Caring deeply about a community, however, can create the desire to solve every problem. Prudhomme has learned that meaningful leadership also means recognizing where you can have the greatest impact. “Meaningful impact does not require solving every problem,” she says. “It means understanding where you can make a difference, doing that work exceptionally well and partnering with others who can address the needs you cannot.” That perspective extends to balancing professional and personal priorities. Prudhomme doesn’t view balance as something achieved once and maintained indefinitely. Instead, she believes the boundaries between work and personal life require ongoing attention. Time with family and friends, travel, laughter and simply stepping away provide grounding and perspective. “Creating that distance doesn’t make me less committed to my work. It helps me return to it with more energy and clarity.” Prudhomme’s advice to other women pursuing professional success is equally clear: “Protect the parts of yourself that make you uniquely effective.”

Women, she says, can sometimes receive feedback suggesting that qualities such as passion, emotion or empathy need to be tempered to be taken seriously. While self-awareness and growth are important, Prudhomme cautions against changing the very qualities that can make someone an effective leader. “You do not have to become someone else’s version or definition of a successful leader to be one,” she says. “Learn. Grow. Be willing to change. But know the difference between something you need to improve and something that is simply part of what makes you good at what you do.” Looking ahead, Prudhomme isn’t sure what her next step will be, but she hopes to continue doing work that helps Southwest Louisiana become an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Her career has taught her that a straight path isn’t necessary to make a lasting difference.

“If I can look back and know that the communities and organizations I have been part of are stronger because I was there, I will consider that a career well spent.”

The faith, courage and compassion

of the religious women who founded our ministry continue to inspire today’s female leaders to serve with integrity, uphold our core values and transform health care for the communities they serve.

More Than a Policy... A PARTNER! Let Us Help You!

Shayne M. Laughlin

4328 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605

337-477-7354

www.InsureSWLA.net Shayne@insureswla.net THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Hope Buford 14th Judical District Court Judge – Division D

by Kerri Cooke

Hope Buford’s passion for the legal system runs in her blood. Her father, retired Judge Robert Wyatt, served as an assistant district attorney for 17 years. “This gave me the opportunity to experience and learn the legal system as a prosecutor and as a public servant. I loved witnessing my dad combining these two services on a daily basis, which resulted in an outcome of satisfaction and passion he had for his job. I knew then that this is what I wanted to experience in my career choice.” After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a minor in business administration from Louisiana State University, Buford attended Southern University Law Center and graduated with her juris doctor. While working towards her degree, she interned under Chief Judge of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Gene Thibodeaux and at the Baton Rouge Office of the Attorney General in the medical malpractice division. Buford was hired an as assistant district attorney at the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office upon graduation. She served in that position for 14 years in divisions including traffic, misdemeanor, appeals, domestic violence, felony, severe child abuse, and adult sex crimes. Next, she became the section chief for the Special Victims Unit and was also the District Attorney’s representative in Drug, DWI and Veterans Court.

Desiring to further her career, Buford ran to become a district judge for Calcasieu Parish. “I knew this would take me to the next step in making a difference in the lives of those in the courtroom. I believe everyone deserves their day in court, no matter which side of the courtroom you are sitting on during a civil or criminal case. As a judge, I am there to listen and come to a resolution.” Buford didn’t have to look far for a mentor since her father preceded her in the same career path. “His career consisted of clerking for a district judge in Calcasieu, working as an associate at a local law office, opening his own law office, then beginning his career as an assistant district attorney for 17 years before being elected as a district judge, where he served for 22 years. He instilled in me how to be a judge for the people of our community by having the courage to do what is right and the compassion to be fair. Through all these years, learning from him and listening to his peers in the legal community, I saw the kind of person I wanted to become. From the love of his community to his ethical standards and his temperament in the courtroom, I could not have had a better mentor than my dad.”

One of the keys to success, Buford says, is to have a strong support system. In addition, she advises women to not be afraid to ask for help and to recognize the importance of faith and prayers. The future looks bright, and Buford hopes to continue contributing to the betterment of the community. “I am part of the modernization of the new Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, and I hope to make sure that we get the maximum use of this facility for the betterment of the community and legal system. Also, I would like to become a part of the many specialty courts offered by the 14th Judicial District Court. With every passing year on the bench, I strive to become a better jurist and to make Calcasieu Parish an even better place to live.”

• Junior League of Lake Charles • Graduate of Leadership of SWLA Community • SWLA Young Lawyers Section • Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking in SWLA, board member SUPPORTER OF: Involvement • Southwest Louisiana Bar Association • Local Heart Foundation, Whistle Stop SWLA, Girlie Girls Mentoring Program • SWLA Republican Women’s Association

OCTOBER 2026

Katie Armentor Parish Administrator, Cameron Parish Police Jury

by Haley Tarasiewicz

A career in local government has never been simply about budgets, projects or policies to Katie Armentor. Instead, it’s about people, places and understanding how the decisions made today can shape a community for generations to come.

and discovered that she genuinely enjoyed finding workable solutions to move things forward. “I think one of the best things about working in local government is that the work is very real,” she says. “You can see the people, the problems and, hopefully, the results.”

After graduating from Louisiana State University, Armentor began her career with the Cameron Parish Police Jury in grant management. She later became parish treasurer before stepping into her current role as parish administrator. Each position gave her a deeper understanding of the parish she serves—both where it has been and where it is going.

For Cameron Parish, those results increasingly depend on finding the right balance between growth and preservation. Armentor wants the parish to embrace new opportunities while protecting the culture and quality of life that make it home. “We want to grow and embrace opportunity, but we also want to make sure the community still feels like it belongs to the people who live here,” she says.

“I learned the financial and operational side of local government, but I also learned the institutional history that you simply can't get from a textbook, such as why a project was built, why another one wasn't built 50 years ago and how those decisions still shape Cameron Parish today,” she says.

With significant growth anticipated over the next five years, that means planning beyond the needs of today. Resources are limited, and local government must provide quality services while remaining responsible with taxpayer dollars. For Armentor, preparing for the future is part of the job now.

Much of that knowledge came from the people around her, including Darrell Williams, who served as parish treasurer before her. As a mentor, he taught her the practical skills of the job while also encouraging her to understand the reasons behind past decisions.

“We aren't just responding to today's needs, we have to build an organization prepared for the needs of the next five to ten years,” she says.

That foundation has become an important part of how Armentor approaches leadership. Her career path was not something she mapped out; it has evolved as she took on more responsibility

For Armentor, thinking about what comes next extends beyond her work. As a mother, she is intentional about making the most of the present, knowing that some seasons of life cannot be revisited. She credits her own mother with showing her what it means to be fully present and engaged with family, and she has

found that many of the qualities that make her a good mother, patience, empathy, rationality, fairness, and occasionally, refereeing arguments, also make her a good coworker and public servant. “I believe in giving people grace, listening to criticism without taking it personally and, perhaps most importantly, not being afraid to ask for help,” Armentor says. “Leadership is not about getting credit but about doing what needs to be done for the good of the organization and the people it serves.” Looking ahead, Armentor wants to continue investing in her own personal and professional growth while helping the Police Jury evolve alongside Cameron Parish. “The better I become at my job, the better I can serve Cameron Parish,” she says. “I want to contribute to a community where people are proud of where they come from, proud to live and work there, and proud of what we’re building together.”

• Louisiana Community Development Authority board member • Cameron Lions Club, member Community and • Governor's Advisory Commission on • Southwest Regional Planning Commission, board member • SWLA Alliance Foundation, board member Protection, Restoration and Professional Involvement Coastal Conservation Commissioner THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Amy Miller Director of Local Government & Community Affairs, Cheniere Energy

by Haley Tarasiewicz

Amy Miller’s career path has been anything but traditional, but looking back, each chapter has prepared her for the work she does today. After graduating from Johnson Bayou High School, Miller earned a degree in English Education from McNeese State University and spent 13 years teaching English in Calcasieu Parish schools before moving into the energy industry. In 2013, she joined Cheniere Energy, where she held several roles within the engineering department before moving into her current position as director of local government and community affairs. While the transition from education to energy may seem unlikely on paper, Miller sees a natural connection between the two. Her years in the classroom taught her the importance of communication, relationships and adaptability, but perhaps most importantly, they taught her to put people first. “Teaching taught me very early that leadership isn’t about me,” Miller says. “It required me to put my ego aside, connect with individuals from different backgrounds and learn that my success was not measured by how much I knew or how well I performed. It was measured by whether my students were learning, growing and gaining confidence. Those skills are incredibly valuable and serve me well today.” That mindset continues to guide her as she works with community leaders, elected officials, nonprofits, employees and other stakeholders connected to Cheniere’s facilities in Cameron

Parish and Corpus Christi, Texas. Her experience in engineering also gave her firsthand knowledge of the technical, operational and safety sides of the LNG business, allowing her to understand complex issues and confidently communicate them in a way that makes sense to others. The most rewarding part of Miller's work is seeing those relationships turn into meaningful results, whether supporting education through scholarships, helping address infrastructure needs or simply sitting down with someone for an honest conversation. But relationship-driven work is not always immediately measurable. Some of the most important progress happens quietly through developing a record of consistency and credibility. “You must be patient and understand that trust is built long before you need it,” she says. Not every conversation ends with everyone getting exactly what they want, either. As a selfdescribed people pleaser, Miller jokes, “I would love for everyone to leave every conversation happy, preferably smiling and maybe even giving me a hug.” Over time, she has come to see that leadership is less about making everyone happy and more about listening, respecting different perspectives and finding a way forward. That perspective also shapes how Miller approaches balance. Rather than trying to give every part of life equal attention every day, she focuses on being present in whatever season she is in. “As women, I think we sometimes place unrealistic expectations on ourselves to excel

in every area of life at the same time” she says. “Balance is something you continually adjust rather than something you permanently achieve.” For women building their own careers, Miller emphasizes preparation, consistency and humility. She encourages women to keep learning, treat people well regardless of their title and never underestimate the value of being someone others can trust. “Empathy, listening, emotional intelligence and communication are not weaknesses,” she says. “They are leadership skills.” Looking ahead, Miller hopes to continue developing the next generation of leaders and creating opportunities for people to grow into roles they may not have initially imagined for themselves. Her own career is proof that the path does not always have to be predictable to be purposeful. Sometimes it is only when you look back that you realize each experience was preparing you for what came next—and that every chapter was shaping the story all along.

“Empathy, listening, emotional intelligence and communication are not weaknesses—they are leadership skills.” 52

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Familiar Faces, Local Decisions. First Federal Bank of Louisiana proudly supports women in business throughout our organization and in our community.

SITTING FROM LEFT: Laci Heffernan, Sulphur Branch Supervisor Julie Miller, SVP, Private Banking Manager Erica McCreedy, AVP, Marketing & Community Impact Manager Catherine Furs, AVP, Private Banker Debra Lewis, VP, Lender Amy Hooper, Controller

STANDING FROM LEFT: Jennifer Pugh, VP, Security & Facilities Manager Melissa Dickson, AVP, CRA Manager Mallie Hebert, SVP, Director of Human Resources Shana Maxfield, VP, Lender www.ffbla.bank

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Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

Kayla Powers Senior Public Relations Representative, Cameron LNG

by Haley Tarasiewicz

“Dream it, then do it” is more than career advice for Kayla Powers; it is a philosophy she has put into practice throughout her professional journey. After graduating from McNeese State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing, Powers moved to Houston and began her career with a global custom clothing manufacturer and retailer. She valued the experience but knew she ultimately wanted to build her career in her hometown. Powers returned to Southwest Louisiana and joined Cameron LNG as an administrative associate supporting the Health, Safety, Security and Environmental department. Nine months later, she was promoted to Human Resources, where she spent seven years before transitioning to her current role as senior public relations representative in 2022. When she joined Cameron LNG, Powers already had a vision for her future. “In 2014 when I began working for Cameron LNG, my dream was to transition to Human Resources or Public Relations,” she says. “My mom, who is also my mentor, told me I would have to work hard to earn the opportunity to be promoted by excelling in my initial role as administrative associate.” More than a decade later, Powers has worked in both departments, an achievement she attributes to determination and diligence. Today, her public relations role allows her to connect Cameron LNG with its employees and

surrounding communities. She finds fulfillment in seeing the impact the company makes throughout Southwest Louisiana through strategic partnerships, charitable contributions and volunteerism. Although born and raised in Calcasieu Parish, her work has also given her a strong connection to Cameron Parish. She is passionate about advocating for its residents, locally owned businesses, civic organizations and nonprofits. “I am committed to ensuring residents, locally owned small businesses, civic and nonprofit organizations within the parish receive the support they need from Cameron LNG,” she says. Powers also makes time to recharge outside of work. Travel gives her an opportunity to experience new places and return refreshed, often with new ideas and perspective. She says navigating the unexpected challenges of travel also strengthens adaptability, problem-solving and the ability to embrace change. Throughout her career, Powers has learned from many leaders, but one mentor has had the greatest influence. “My mom has served as my most significant mentor,” she says. “Her guidance has been a consistent catalyst for my personal and professional growth.” After attaining an executive-level position with a major telecommunications holding company, Powers’ mother became a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. Her

experiences have provided Powers with valuable guidance throughout her career. That influence can also be seen in the advice Powers shares with other women. She encourages them to be reliable, responsive and consistent, communicate clearly and be willing to take on greater responsibilities before officially stepping into the next role. “Lastly, my personal favorite piece of advice is to dress for success,” she says. For Powers, that advice goes beyond clothing. It means presenting yourself with confidence, professionalism and intention. Looking the part can also build your own confidence and help you believe in the possibilities ahead. After more than 12 years with Cameron LNG, Powers is proud of the milestones she has reached and looks forward to continuing to grow. Her career reflects the advice that helped guide her from the beginning: Set the goal, put in the work and be ready when opportunity comes.

“My mom has served as my most significant mentor. Her guidance has been a consistent catalyst for my personal and professional growth.” 54

OCTOBER 2026

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Success, Redefined

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

by Kristy Como Armand

Women are no longer simply working to earn a place at the table.

Increasingly, they are deciding what they want that place—and the rest of their lives—to look like. Leadership, entrepreneurship, flexibility, family, purpose and personal fulfillment are all part of a broader definition of professional success, one that looks different for every woman. The numbers demonstrate how firmly women have established themselves in the professional landscape. Women now earn 60% of all degrees awarded by Title IV colleges and universities annually. In 2024, the last year complete data is available, women earned nearly 60% of bachelor’s degrees, more than 63% of master’s degrees and 59% of doctoral degrees awarded in the U.S. That educational achievement is reflected in the workforce. In 2025, women represented 52.2% of workers in management, professional and related occupations. Yet they accounted for only 41.8% of management occupations and 33% of chief executives, illustrating that progress has not translated equally to every level of leadership. Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, director of Solutions Counseling & EAP, has watched women’s expectations of career and success evolve over several generations. For many Baby Boomer women, she says, success meant proving they could compete in a workplace largely designed by and for men. “Their idea of success was to get married like their mothers and have careers like their fathers,” she explains. “Their goal was to be superwomen who successfully juggled challenging, meaningful and well-paid careers with a beautiful home, smiling children and handsome husbands.” Women proved they could succeed professionally, but many also began questioning the cost of trying to do everything at once. “Women had proven they could make it in the workplace, but at what price?” Forbess-McCorquodale says. “Many successful working women began to reevaluate what they really wanted from their careers and what they were willing to sacrifice to get it.”

OCTOBER 2026

Today, she says that reevaluation is helping broaden the definition of ambition. For some women, success means reaching the executive suite. A record 55 women—11%—lead Fortune 500 companies in 2026. It is significant progress, although women remain substantially underrepresented at the top of corporate America. For others, success means creating their own opportunities by starting a business of their own. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, women owned 14.2 million U.S. businesses in 2023, generating $2.8 trillion in receipts. The number of womenowned businesses with paid employees grew nearly 20% between 2017 and 2023, further demonstrating women’s growing role as entrepreneurs and business leaders. Greater opportunity, however, has not eliminated longstanding disparities. In 2025, women working full time had median weekly earnings of $1,089 compared with $1,326 for men, meaning women earned about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Forbess-McCorquodale believes one of the most important changes is that women increasingly recognize there is no single model they must follow. “Instead of focusing on the next rung of the corporate ladder, more working women are realizing they have options, along with the power and confidence to say, ‘I can create my own version of personal success.’” That may ultimately be one of the most meaningful measures of progress. Women are leading companies, launching businesses, building careers and making choices about how work fits into their lives, setting an example for the next generation. “Success is no longer defined only by a title, paycheck or corner office,” adds Forbess-McCorquodale. “It can also mean purpose, flexibility, influence, fulfillment and the freedom to decide what matters most.” After generations spent challenging expectations about what women could achieve, today’s women have greater opportunity to answer a different question: “What does success mean to me?”

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Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

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Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

American Businesswomen You Might Not Have Heard Of

Mary Katherine Goddard

by Kerri Cooke

Women did not always have the economic opportunities they have today. We can thank the trailblazing women who came before us for breaking down barriers and doing what seemed to be impossible. Women continue to push the limits of what seems to be possible. Someone had to start successful women-led businesses in the United States. While you’ve likely heard of Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden, here are some female businesswomen you might not have heard of.

Victoria Woodhull

Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816)

Mary Goddard began working as a printer in her brother William’s printing shop in 1762. She later joined his business in Philadelphia and managed the print shop, which happened to be one of the largest among the British colonies. In 1773, William started another printing shop in Baltimore. When the Philadelphia shop closed, Mary transferred to the Baltimore location where she would officially publish and print the Maryland Journal.

Tennessee Claflin

In 1775, Mary was named postmaster of Baltimore and is widely believed to be the first woman to hold such a position in the British colonies. In 1777, she would be the first to print The Declaration of Independence with the founding fathers’ signatures on it.

Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927) and Tennessee Claflin (1844-1923)

Victoria and Tennessee were two sisters raised by poor parents who had a traveling medicine show. Their father was a con man who eventually advertised his daughters as mediums and healers. In 1868, the two sisters moved to New York City and continued to work under the title of spiritualists. The two were introduced to the recently widowed and very rich Cornelius Vanderbilt. It is believed Tennessee became his mistress and Victoria his advisor, which she accomplished under the veil 60

OCTOBER 2026

of a séance. She had actually been provided with financial advice from friend with knowledge of the gold market. Vanderbilt made significant profit under this advice and financed the sisters' brokerage called Woodhull, Claflin, & Co., located on Wall Street. The sisters became the first female stockbrokers and became involved with politics, fighting for women’s rights.

Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919)

A woman with another rags to riches story, Madam C.J. Walker, originally Sarah Breedlove, was born on a plantation in Delta, Louisiana. Her parents were originally slaves but became sharecroppers after the Civil War. After being orphaned at age seven, she lived with her sister Louvenia and worked in a cotton field. At age 14, Sarah married but was widowed with a two-year-old daughter in 1887. In 1889, Sarah moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to try to find her way out of poverty. She worked at her brothers’ barber shop as a laundress and cook. The turning point happened when Sarah began using “The Great Wonderful Hair Grower” by Annie Turbo Malone and became a sales agent for the product. Sarah moved to Denver, Colorado, and married Charles Joseph Walker. (This is where the Madam C.J. Walker comes from.) Charles was skilled in marketing and helped his wife advertise her own line of hair products for African American women. The couple divorced, and Madam C.J. Walker moved to Indianapolis where she would build a

Women-Owned and Growing Strong. Madam C.J. Walker

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factory, Walker Manufacturing Company. She believed in the importance of African American women being financially independent and ended up employing 40,000 African American men and women. (Sales agents made significant commissions on their sales.) Madam C.J. Waler holds the title of the first female self-made millionaire in the Guiness Book of World Records.

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DISCOVER SOMETHING

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

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women IN BUSINESS

Places & Faces | WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

12.6 TO 12.9 MILLION

people employed at women-owned business across the country

OCTOBER 2026

Amount of businesses that are woman owned in the U.S., which equals 14.5 million companies

17.1

50 57.5

female CEOS running Fortune 500 businesses

31 38 %

Women-owned businesses increased by this amount between 2019-2024, Growth was 43.5% higher than new male-owned businesses

Female representation in C-suite roles from 2021-2025 in companies tracked by McKinsey

Over half the workforce in the U.S is female

Of new women-owned businesses are started by women of color (2023 data)

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA’S ENERGY GOES FARTHER

Southwest Louisiana has long been a force in energy, and its reach continues to grow across the globe and toward new heights in space. Our region is home to the technology and infrastructure that move the world forward. We play a critical role in the global energy market, by representing nearly HALF of the United States’ energy exports. The Lake Area Industry Alliance brings industry and community together to advance innovation, strengthen our workforce and help ensure our energy is local, our impact is global and our future is limitless.

Scan to learn more about LAIA. THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces | INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 12, a Great Introduction to Native American Culture and Impact by Kerri Cooke

Long before Europeans set foot on the shore of the Americans, the continents were teaming with Native American tribes, each with their own language and culture. As the number of Indigenous Americans dwindled after the Europeans arrived, it can be easy to believe they around anymore. However, there are still vibrant communities around the country that carry on traditions that have lasted hundred, or possibly thousands of years. The most recognizable tribe in Southwest Louisiana is the Coushatta tribe out of Elton. Called the Koasati in their original tongue, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is actively preserving their culture every day. Raynella Fontento, tribal archivist for the Coushatta, says, “So much of what we have today exists because our ancestors held onto their language, stories, traditions and identity, even during the most difficult of times. We are still here. We are raising the next generations of Koasati people, speaking our language, practicing our traditions, creating art and teaching our children.” The Coushatta recognize the importance of Indigenous Peoples' Day as an opportunity to show the community their culture, but cultural heritage is something that is not limited to one day. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity for Native American dancer at the Coushatta Powwow 66

OCTOBER 2026

people to understand that being Coushatta or Native is not something that belongs only in the past,” Fontento adds. “Our cultures are living cultures. We are continually learning from our elders and passing that knowledge to our children and grandchildren.” Juliet Hayes is Coushatta and grew up with her four brothers in Elton. Raised by her ‘Aapo,’ which means ‘grandmother’ in Koasati, Hayes grew up hearing the language, and while she isn’t fluent, she says she can still speak and understand the language. Hayes says she is proud to be Native American and her upbringing made her appreciate all the things that makes Indigenous Americans special. “Being raised by someone who was born in the ‘40s, during a time when being Native American was anything but popular, I’ll always be in awe of what our ancestors have overcome to get us to this point, and the challenges we are still fighting to this day.” While getting to know the Coushatta culture is the easiest for people in SWLA, they are only one tribe out of many in the nation. Fontento adds, “There isn’t one single Native American culture or language. There are hundred of distinct Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, each with their own histories, languages, traditions, beliefs and ways of life.” You won’t get the whole Coushatta experience through the casino events or powwows. The culture is “something we live every day,” Fontento says. “Through the Coushatta Heritage Department and other Tribal programs, we

have opportunities for cultural education, traditional art, storytelling, demonstrations and community events. We also work with schools, museums and other organizations to help share Coushatta history and culture.” Hayes knows the importance of passing down knowledge and culture, which is why she has taught her son, Vincent, words in Koasati since he was born. She also wants to share the impact Native Americans generate in modern day society. “It’s important to know Native American people are doing incredible things. We are business owners, public servants, attorneys and doctors.” She remembers how her grandmother sacrificed life on the reservation so her and her brothers could be better prepared for a world that isn’t always the most accepting. Fontento stresses, “The importance of celebrating the history of indigenous people is that our histories are American history. Our stories don’t begin with European contact, and they certainly don’t end there.” Hayes is ensuring her heritage lives on. She is not only an advocate every day, but she has also been in two awardwinning Indigenous documentaries and on Dr. Phil where she spoke about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis (MMIW).

Juliet Hayes

Native American dancer at the Coushatta Powwow THRIVESWLA.COM

Places & Faces

What Southwest Louisiana Learned About Rebuilding, and Why Others Are Listening Just Imagine SWLA—what began as a communitydriven response to one of the most difficult chapters in Southwest Louisiana’s history is now offering lessons to communities beyond our region. In August, Just Imagine SWLA was featured at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) 2026 in Philadelphia, where travel and tourism industry leaders from across the country gathered to exchange ideas about the future of tourism and the communities they serve. Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana President and CEO Sara Judson presented alongside Visit Lake Charles President and CEO Kyle Edmiston and Director of Communications Candy Rodriguez during a standingroom-only session titled “How DMOs (Destination Marketing 68

OCTOBER 2026

Organizations) Can Support Community Vision Without Mission Drift.” At the center of the conversation was a partnership that has been years in the making. Just Imagine SWLA emerged following the devastation of Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020 as Southwest Louisiana shifted from immediate recovery toward a longterm vision for the region’s future. The 50-year resilience master plan for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes was shaped through 12 months of extensive community engagement and ultimately identified 11 catalytic projects addressing priorities ranging from coastal protection and resilient housing to waterfront development, the Bayou Greenbelt and the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District. From the beginning, Just Imagine SWLA was designed as a community vision, not the work of any one organization. Residents helped shape the

priorities. Community leaders and organizations brought different areas of expertise to the table. As that vision moved from planning to implementation, those partnerships became increasingly important. Visit Lake Charles became one of those partners, using the communications skills its team relies on every day to reach a wide range of audiences, build relationships with local media and stakeholders, and tell Southwest Louisiana’s story in meaningful ways. At ESTO, Judson, Edmiston and Rodriguez shared how that relationship developed and, more importantly, what the organizations have learned from it. The session focused on three ideas that have helped guide the partnership. First, organizations must determine whether an opportunity genuinely aligns with their mission and where their

expertise can add value. Second, partners need clarity about what each organization owns, what it supports and what falls outside its responsibility. Third, communications should be integrated thoughtfully so community progress reaches the audiences who need to hear about it without creating a separate operation disconnected from an organization’s core work. For Just Imagine SWLA, that communications partnership has helped expand awareness as the initiative has moved from vision to

action, but community engagement does not end when a plan is published. As projects advance, residents, stakeholders and potential partners need opportunities to understand what is happening, why it matters and how individual efforts connect to the larger vision for Southwest Louisiana. Continuing to tell those stories helps keep the community connected to a plan it helped create. Sharing the Just Imagine SWLA experience nationally serves another purpose. It creates an opportunity for Southwest Louisiana to contribute to conversations happening in communities across the country about resilience, quality of place, economic development and collaboration. It also gives local leaders the chance to exchange ideas with others navigating similar challenges and bring new perspectives back home. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrates that the work happening in Calcasieu and

Cameron parishes has value beyond our geographic boundaries. Southwest Louisiana has learned difficult lessons about recovery and resilience. It has also learned what can happen when residents are invited into the planning process, organizations contribute their strengths and partners remain committed long after the initial vision is created. A standing-room-only audience in Philadelphia was an encouraging sign that those lessons resonate. But the most important audience for Just Imagine SWLA remains the community that created it.

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The real measure of success will continue to be found here, in projects moving forward, partnerships growing stronger and residents remaining connected to the future they helped envision. If you have not already, stay connected with Just Imagine SWLA signing up for the newsletter and following their social media for project updates, community stories and opportunities to get involved.

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From the Desk of the McNeese Prez A new semester means new beginnings for first-year students as well as returning students. We welcomed our students back with golf cart rides to class on the first day and food and celebrations nearly every day of the first week. We are celebrating a third year of enrollment increase as fall 2026 enrollment rose by 1.6% to 6,663 students, up from 6,556 in 2025.

Mike Reese

McNeese State University President

I am so proud of the faculty and staff at McNeese who have worked tirelessly to bring new students to campus and support those who were already here. Our goal is not only to attract students, but to help them stay, get involved, find their place in our community and ultimately earn their degrees. We know a college degree can change a student’s life and when our graduates succeed, they have the opportunity to make an even greater impact on their families,

their communities and the future of Louisiana. Enrollment increases are not just about new students but also retaining students year over year. Continuing student enrollment increased by 5.4%. Additionally, the first-time-freshman cohort continuing from fall 2025 to fall 2026 is at 71%, an increase of 2% over the previous year. We believe the best connections start early! That’s why we visited with students in all the Calcasieu Parish School Board high schools on their first day of classes. We visited with students, listened to their hopes and dreams for their futures and shared a little of what makes McNeese special. We want all high schools students to know there is a place for them in the McNeese family. Watch for us at a high school near you!

At Cheniere, we strive to make a difference in our communities through job creation and investments in education and career training, which is why we are proud to be the founding sponsor of McNeese’s Cowboy Energy Club. Learn more about Cheniere: cheniere.com 70

OCTOBER 2026

Dr. Rhonda Johnson Honored With Emeritus Status McNeese State University honored Dr. Rhonda Johnson with Emeritus status for her exemplary service to students, the university and the community at a recent reception during McNeese Week for faculty and staff.

Dr. Rhonda Johnson and Mike Reese, McNeese State University President

Emeritus titles are awarded to retired faculty and administrators in recognition of distinguished academic careers and professional contributions and those who

have served significant portions of their careers at McNeese. Johnson began her career with McNeese in 2000 as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and retired in 2025.

Doug Warner Named McNeese Distinguished Alumni of the Year The McNeese State University Alumni Association will present its 2026 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to Doug Warner, a news anchor with KNWA in Northwest Arkansas, during halftime ceremonies at the McNeese vs. Tarleton State football game on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Doug Warner

This award recognizes McNeese graduates who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavor on a national or international level and is the highest award presented by the alumni association.

A native of DeRidder, and a graduate of McNeese, Warner has worked in several news markets including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Beaumont and Waco, Texas, and Shreveport and Lake Charles. Warner’s award-winning career spans nearly four decades across Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He is a four-time Reporter of the Year recipient, honored by a host of professional industry organizations including the Louisiana Associated Press, the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and

the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmy award). In all, he has earned 14 Emmy awards with over 40 nominations along with multiple regional and national Edward R. Murrow awards for his reporting. His feature, investigative and sports reporting has also been honored multiple times by the Associated Press of Texas, the Press Club of Southeast Texas, the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.

It’s Never Too Late: Student Returns to Earn His Degree Twenty-eight years between taking Calculus 2 and Calculus 3 and the possibility of sitting in classes with his children’s friends did not stop McNeese State University student, Duston Erwin, from coming back to school.

Duston Erwin

The Lake Charles native graduated from LaGrange High School in 1997 and was a chemical engineering major at McNeese, but he had no idea what that career really looked like. Erwin pivoted to processtechnology and spent many years as an

operator in the local industry. He says working the rotating shift schedule was hard on his family. McNeese offers students who want to come back to school opportunities to transfer their credits from another school, to pick up where they left off or to pivot into another degree program. In fact, there are several degrees that are online and fit into a busy schedule. Erwin switched to civil engineering when he came back to McNeese.

Coming back to school hasn’t been without challenges for Erwin. He credits the civil engineering professors for helping him figure out how the credit he had already earned fit into civil engineering. The professors have also been forgiving when Erwin missed class and even allowed him to bring his youngest child to class in certain cases. The American Society of Civil Engineers Acadiana Branch named Erwin the Outstanding Junior in May 2026.

THRIVESWLA.COM

STYLE & BEAUTY

l l a F Fashion Trends

As the strongest El Niño in recorded metrological history has occurred this year, causing record breaking heat for parts of the United States, fall has never looked more appealing. It’s finally time to pull out the plaid shirts and ensure your wardrobe is stocked with the essential items for fall. There are some chic new arrivals in stores. And if you want to customize a hat, there is a local business that can either take care of the process for you or offer you the opportunity to do it for yourself. Happy fall y’all!

OCTOBER 2026

THRIVESWLA.COM

Style & Beauty | FALL FASHION TRENDS

FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT Turn Heads this Fall and Winter with Bold Colors and Accessories by Kerri Cooke

It happens every year. You feel that first little bit of crisp fall air and instantly want to transition to a fall wardrobe. That can look different for everyone, but camel, dark brown and burnt orange are common neutrals found in almost everyone’s wardrobe. Even if you’re satisfied with what’s in your closet, a girl needs at least a couple, or 10, new pieces to celebrate the change in season. (We’ve earned it with the historic heat this year.) Asymmetrical garments add personality to an otherwise basic outfit. The eye is drawn to pieces that imply movement, so when you choose an asymmetrical dress, skirt or top, be prepared for compliments on your outfit. The asymmetry is further enhanced this season by lace details or opposing fabrics. Tired of crew necks and collared shirts? Boatneck tops bring back the elegance of Audrey Hepburn. Simply by changing the neckline of a blouse, you can change the whole personality of an outfit. Boatneck tops look chic, can be paired with a headscarf and elongate the neck. If you’re a fan of French girl style, a boatneck shirt is one simple item to add to your collection. Dropped waist dresses are not just popular in the bridal industry. You can find plenty this fall and winter for that wedding you have to go to or for a holiday gala. A dropped waist silhouette lengthens the torso, so the shape is not for everyone. With a renewed interest in period, gothic romances this year, the obsession with flowy, lace black dresses is only growing. Whether you're looking for a lingerie-inspired garment or a sophisticated yet sexy ensemble, you can find a lace LBD in all silhouettes and styles. Spoiler: These dresses are perfect for date night. Cherry red will be the standout color this year. Expect plenty of accessories, such as handbags and

OCTOBER 2026

shoes, in this brighter shade of red to add a vibrant pop of color to outfits. Red makes a statement any time of year, but during the colder, gloomier days, the perfect red can make you feel alive again. Forget minimalism. Statement accessories have returned. Think large and colorful ‘80s style earrings, large necklaces that transform an outfit or a ring so large it covers multiple fingers. Jewelry this season is meant to stand out and spark conversations. Feel free to go as bold as you want to. Leather gloves, not necessarily the kind that are meant to keep your hands warm but will do the job anyway, are the accessory of the season. Varying in lengths from elbow to opera, these gloves are all about adding an edge to your outfit. Cons: You won’t be able to text with these on. Slouchy boots are overtaking sleek, tall boots. They give an effortless vibe to an outfit that says, “I just slipped these on and left the house.” They are perfect for those who like boho style. But before you buy, ensure the boots have enough of a structure for the shaft to stay in place. The ballet trend is continuing its evolution. First, we started with ballet flats, then we had ballet heels and now ballet sneakers are lighting up the market. Puma, Adidas and Keds all have their own versions, so you can take your choice between something a little dainty like a satin sneaker or one that will hold up a little more to dirt and wear and tear. Celebrate cooler days from head to toe with these tips!

MONTHLY

Dan’elle Clark

Bespoke Hat Shop Dan’elle Clark on Taking Over the Shop and the Power of Customized Hats When I took over Bespoke Hat Company in 2024, I stepped into an already established and welcoming hat shop with a great foundation. I wanted to honor what had already been built while also adding my own personal touch and continuing to grow the creative, customized side of the business. My hope was for Bespoke to remain a place people enjoyed coming into, while also becoming somewhere they could be part of creating something that felt truly personal to them. My love for hats really started before I ever took over the shop. A good friend of mine was battling breast cancer, and a few of us came together and hosted a hat bar benefit for her. That experience stayed with me. I loved watching everyone choose their hats, pick out the details and make each one their own, all while coming together to support someone we loved. I think that’s when my love for hats —and especially the customization side of them—really began to grow. That creative side is still one of my favorite parts of Bespoke today. I love that you can start with a simple hat and completely change its look and personality. Depending on the person, it can become classic, western, feminine, edgy, distressed or completely one-of-a-kind. Inside the store, customers can find a variety of well-known hat brands including Stetson, Resistol, Charlie One Horse, Gigi Pip and Bailey, along with other styles for both men and women. We also carry Bed|Stu leather bags and accessories, as well as a selection of clothing and other pieces throughout the shop. Customization is really at the heart of what we do. We have a wide variety of hatbands, silk ribbons, conchos, feathers, pins, charms, stones and specialty accessories that allow each customer to create something unique.

We can shape hats, cut brims, distress them, add branding, burning and custom artwork depending on the look someone is going for. Sometimes a customer walks in knowing exactly what they want, and other times we create the look together as we go. That’s one of the things I enjoy most—taking someone’s ideas, helping them choose the right pieces and watching the entire hat come together. We also offer private hat parties, which have become such a fun part of the business. Groups can come in together, choose their hats and accessories and enjoy the whole customization experience with their friends. It turns buying a hat into a memory and an experience. For someone wanting something even more special, we can also create handmade hats using nutria fur felt. Those can be customized from the beginning, from the shape and style to the finishing details, allowing us to create something truly oneof-a-kind. Looking ahead, I would love to continue growing that personalized side of Bespoke. I want to do more private parties, events and collaborations, and continue expanding what we’re able to make and customize ourselves. The handmade side of the business is something I would especially love to continue growing. There are plenty of places where someone can buy a hat, but my hope for Bespoke has always been that people come here for more than that. I want them to walk out with something that feels personal, something they had a hand in creating and something they’re excited to wear. THRIVESWLA.COM

HOME & FAMILY

E D I GU It’s the time of year when bubbling cauldrons and 12-foot-tall skeletons pop up in yards around the community. In fact, it seems like those in Southwest Louisiana decorate their yards for Halloween almost as much as they do for Christmas. It’s easy to see why. Halloween thrives on imagination. There are not many other nights of the year where you can dress outlandishly and nobody will blink an eye. Discover the popular costumes for Halloween and how to ensure everyone in your family has a good experience, even those children with special needs.

OCTOBER 2026

This Halloween Be Iconic POPULAR COSTUMES FOR 2026

by Kerri Cooke

Every year Halloween costumes are much the same as the year before. The boys like the superheroes and the Avengers. (Spiderman will continue to be extremely popular due to the movie out earlier this year.) The standard girl costumes often include Disney princesses or Cleopatra. The change in the market year to year is mostly due to the influences of pop culture. Here are a few costume ideas that will be popular in 2026: Dolly Parton – As Dolly Parton’s death is still fresh on people’s minds, fans young and old alike will dress in tribute to Dolly. Her songs and movies are trending, following the usual trend that happens when an American icon dies. Don’t forget a guitar with the blonde wig and a bedazzled outfit. The Odyssey – As the biggest blockbuster of the year, The Odyssey inspired method dressing for those attending a movie screening, so it’s the perfect time to dust off your sandals and create or purchase a Greek-inspired outfit. Character inspiration can include Odysseus, Penelope or Calypso. Toy Story – The fifth movie of the Toy Story series came out earlier in the year and will have the kids wanting those Buzz and Woody costumes again. But this time, Jessie is the protagonist of the movie, so more girls will want to go as the iconic cowgirl. Frankenstein – After the success of the popular Guillermo de Toro adaptation, Victorian fashion is trending. Dress like Elizabeth in an elegant and colorful dress, mirror Victor Frankenstein by utilizing the color red or go as Frankenstein’s monster. The latter look would be best accomplished by makeup or prosthetics. The Couple on the Empire State Building – For daredevils seeking inspiration, nothing compares to the viral clip of a couple scaling the Empire State Building, planting a flag and getting engaged. The outfits aren’t hard to recreate, so any couple can copy the entirely black outfits. A ski mask with ears for women might be the one thing you don’t have in your closest.

The Devil Wears Prada – Throwing it back like it’s 2005, a new wave of Miranda Priestly’s will hit the streets this Halloween. (Sass not included with the outfit.) Another fun choice would be to dress up like Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – With another new Mario movie hitting theaters this year, those who are fans of the video game and characters will dress up as Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi and Bowser. These costumes would be great for friend groups. Jimothy – Don’t be shocked if you see a few people dressed as raccoons. After a raccoon with short spine syndrome went viral and united the nation, there’s definitely some Jimothy fans who will be committed to the bit. Moana – Since the live action Moana hit theaters, more girls will be choosing this Hawaiian Disney princess as a character. Nostalgic Characters – With the sequels of millennial classics coming out, get ready to revive some iconic characters. There’s Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games, Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries, Cher from Clueless and Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Whatever costume you, your friends or your kids choose, there’s plenty of room for personalization and diversity.

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Home & Family | HALLOWEEN GUIDE

Now through October 31 (Fridays and Saturdays) The Lost Hollows Lines open at 6:00 p.m., trails open at sunset $30 for general admission, $50 for fast pass Closed toe shoes required The largest outdoor haunt in the area, featuring a hayride and the terrifying Deadly Pines trail.

October 2-31

Jellystone Park Lake Charles Halloween Weekends Themes will be Monster Mash, Zombie Fest, Witches & Warlocks, Ghouls & Ghosts, and Bats & Bonfires. Features trick-or-treating, costume and golf cart decorating contests, and a haunted trail. Cost varies dependent on booking at book.jellystonelakecharles.com/ reservations/search

OCTOBER 2026

October 9-31 (Fridays and Saturdays) Gothic Jail After Dark 7:30-11:30 p.m. 205 W. 1st St., DeRidder Admission: $20

October 10-31 (Select nights)

Haunted Candlelight Tours Imperial Calcasieu Museum October 10, 7:30-9:00 p.m. October 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m. October 23, 10:00-11:30 p.m. October 24, 7:30–9:00 p.m. October 31, 7:30-9:00 p.m. October 31, 10 p.m.–midnight 13+ Beneath the shadowy boughs of the Historic Sallier Oak, guests are invited to explore the galleries of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in a different light.

Join staff for a special late-night candlelight experience exploring the haunted history, legends and unexplained stories of Southwest Louisiana. Discover the histories connected to nine mysterious locations, including the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, ACTS Theatre, 504 Reid Street, the Calcasieu Courthouse, the Gothic Hanging Jail, Ellis Hill, Hyatt High School, Big Woods Cemetery and Barnes Creek.

October 22

The experience also incorporates the Cryptids & Curiosities Hall, where guests can encounter unusual natural specimens, curious objects, and creatures of legend.

October 23

October 22

Refreshments - Family Activities Live Music - Raffle - Silent Auction

4:00-6:00 p.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Each guest that donates a new or gently used coat will receive a FREE drinking glass, beverage token and raffle ticket.

Halloween Trunk or Treat WCCH Therapeutic Riding Center

Inclusive Trunk or Treat 5:30-7:00 p.m. Lake Area Adventures Sensory-friendly environment Designed with the special needs and neurodiversity community in mind to provide a welcoming, accessible trick-or-treat experience.

Spooktacular Coats for Kids 5:00-9:00 p.m. Crying Eagle – University

Your Halloween Headquarters Corner of Lake Street & McNeese Street

337-477-2789 October 24 Trunk-or-Treat at Imperial Pointe

October 30

3:00 – 5:00 pm

Groovy Botanicals

Hosted by the businesses at Imperial Pointe:

Trick-or-treating with vendor booths handing out candy, a spooky night of plants, local shopping, art, music, and a decorated trunk contest for a groovy prize.

The Eye Clinic, Center for Orthopaedics, CHRISTUS Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center, The Villages of Imperial Pointe

October 24

Moonflower Hallow Fest 6:00-9:00 p.m.

October 31

CYPHACON Halloween Pub Crawl

GP’s 3rd Annual Halloween Party

6:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

3:00 p.m., sensory hour 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Lake Charles

The Venue, Lake Charles

21+

Family activities, free cotton candy for kids (while supplies last), food trucks, and pop-up giveaways. Free admission. Pay per craft.

You and your group of friends will begin at Pujo Street Café and proceed to any location on the crawl including Panorama Music House, Tia Juanita’s, Luna Bar and Grill, and ending at MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub.

THRIVESWLA.COM

Home & Family | HALLOWEEN GUIDE

GIVE BACK IN A

SPOOKTACULAR WAY!

Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles Launches Coats for Kids Campaign with 10th Annual Spooktacular Event by Tori Hebert Whittaker

For nearly 40 years, the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles has helped families in Southwest Louisiana stay warm in the winter through the club’s Coats for Kids campaign. In 2016, the Kiwanis Club introduced Spooktacular at Crying Eagle Brewing Company – University as a kickoff event to the two-week coat drive. Over the last 10 years, this event has grown from a simple community gathering to a family-friendly Halloween party with fun for all ages! “Every year this event grows, both in activities and attendees,” says Randy Fuerst, Spooktacular chainman. “We’re thrilled the community continues to support this project. Last year, in total we collected $52,000 and over 3,400 coats. We truly have such generous neighbors.” A project of this scale is only made possible through partnerships. Crying Eagle – University serves as the host venue, and Runte Lake Cleaners dry cleans every donated coat free of charge. “Crying Eagle has been a supporter of Spooktacular from the beginning and we’re thankful they welcome us back each year," Fuerst says. "Runte Lake Cleaners is a huge piece of the puzzle to make the Coats for Kids drive a reality. They clean every coat we receive, and they also help us store our coats until it’s time to distribute them. We truly couldn’t do this without them.” The Spooktacular event is the perfect way to have fun while supporting a good cause. During the first 90 minutes of the event, children enjoy playing

OCTOBER 2026

games, filling up on Halloween candy, testing their skills on the mechanical bull and visiting furry friends at the petting zoo. In between the outdoor fun, mom and dad are sure to find something of interest inside at the silent auction. “Bring the entire family. We really have something for everyone,” says Fuerst. “New this year is our live auction! We have two George Rodrigue Blue Dog prints and an electric bike for a lucky winner to take home. Our silent auction has other great selections like guided fishing tours, weekend getaways, fine jewelry and more!” Raffle prizes are announced every hour, live music by Boomerang keeps the party alive and Crying Eagle provides the beverages and food from The Bistro. In addition to winter coats, all monetary proceeds are donated to 10 local charitable agencies. Abraham’s Tent, Boys Village, Care Help of Sulphur, CARC, CPSB McKinney-Vento for Homeless Children, DeWanna’s Closet, ETC Harbour

House, OASIS A Safe Haven, Potters House, and The Lord’s Place are all beneficiaries of the coat project. “Last year each of our benefiting agencies received $5,200. The year before that we were able to donate $4,250. Every year our community shows up bigger than before to support these agencies that do so much for those in need,” says Fuerst. The Spooktacular Coats for Kids kickoff will be held at Crying Eagle Brewing Company – University on Friday, October 23, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. To learn more or find sponsorship information, visit kiwaniscluboflakecharles.com. You may also call Randy Fuerst at 337-540-3554 or Jim Meyer at 337-853-1820.

One Dentist for the

Whole Family

Lake Charles | Moss Bluff RobinsonDentalGroup.net Don’t let your dental benefits go unused! Schedule your cleaning, exam or needed dental treatment before the end of the year and make the most of your 2026 benefits.

All donations are made tax-deductible through the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana.

Now accepting new patients.

live auction items A Number One Tiger Fan

COATS FOR KIDS

George Rodrigue

The Three Amigos

FRIDAY OCT. 23, 2026 5pm ‑ 9pm donate a coat to receive a free glass, drink token, and raffle ticket.

All proceeds go to 10 local charities

George Rodrigue

Concord Electric Folding Bike

coat donations can be new or used and any size

partnered with THRIVESWLA.COM

Home & Family | HALLOWEEN GUIDE

Making Halloween More Inclusive:

Milestones’ Trunk or Treat For many families, Halloween is a time filled with costumes, candy, excitement and special moments. It can be a night when children get to be creative, have fun and celebrate with others. But for children with autism or other special needs, Halloween can feel different, especially when traditional celebrations include sights, sounds, crowds and expectations that may be overwhelming. For some, Halloween can mean large crowds, loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings and long lines. What is exciting for one child may feel overwhelming for another, making trick or treating difficult to fully enjoy. Some families find ways to adapt. Some leave early. And some may quietly stop participating altogether.

every day, the team sees what kids are capable of when the environment is built with them in mind. The Inclusive Trunk or Treat applies this idea to Halloween: keeping the fun of the night while ensuring children of all abilities feel welcomed, comfortable and supported.

opportunity to enjoy Halloween in a way that works for them. Through events like this, Milestones hopes to continue promoting inclusivity in Southwest Louisiana and help foster a community where inclusion isn’t a special occasion but simply the way things are done.

Families can move from trunk to trunk at their own pace and in any order, giving children the flexibility to participate without having to wait in line. Costumes are completely optional, and children are welcome to dress up, wear something comfortable or simply come as they are. If a child becomes overstimulated or needs a break, families can step away and return when their child is ready. At every trunk, supportive volunteers will understand that not every child will say “trick or treat,” and that’s perfectly okay.

The evening offers something for parents, too. With Milestones and local providers sponsoring the event, families will have opportunities to connect with people who can answer questions, offer support and share helpful resources. Everyone is welcome, especially families who may have found traditional Halloween celebrations challenging in the past. Milestones’ hopes this event gives families the opportunity to experience the fun of Halloween in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming, and right for them.

"Different needs shouldn't mean missing out on the Halloween fun," Melissa Raymond, founder and clinical director of Milestones Behavioral Services, says. "That's why we've created our Inclusive Trunk or Treat, so that individuals of all ages and abilities can come for some Halloween fun."

“At our Inclusive Trunk or Treat, all forms of communication are welcome and accepted,” Raymond says. “Some children will use words, while others may communicate through gestures, eye contact or a wave. Their communication may look different, but it is all accepted. Every child gets to participate in a way that works for them.”

Milestones provides ABA services and support for children with autism and their families, and

The Inclusive Trunk or Treat is open to the community at no cost, giving all families an

OCTOBER 2026

Join Milestones for the Inclusive Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lake Area Adventures. Families are invited to come enjoy the evening at their own pace, participate in a way that works best for their child and simply enjoy being part of the celebration. To learn more about the event or about ABA services at Milestones, email info@milestonesbehavioral.com or call 337-429-5248.

October gets SCARY busy in Scan here to plan your October

Beaumont

comes alive with activities in October! Museum Madness Month offers everything from pumpkin walks to cemetery tours, bug eating to owl pellet dissection...there is truly something to keep your whole family entertained and engaged. Come see why October is our busiest month! Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau | 505 Willow St., Beaumont, TX 77701 | (409) 880-3749

THRIVESWLA.COM

FALL

Home & Family | FALL HOME & GARDEN

HOME & GARDEN

It’s time for a yard refresh.

Make sure your lawn, garden and the exterior of your home are primed and ready for both cooler weather and the holidays. Ensure all holes and entrances into the home are sealed to prevent any unwanted guests inside. And if you’re not comfortable with exterior holiday setup, check out local professionals who will do the hard work for you. Cheers to the cold fronts ahead! 84

OCTOBER 2026

Home & Family | FALL HOME & GARDEN

Fall Holidays Get Your Yard Ready for

AND

THE

In Southwest Louisiana, the seasons may not always follow the calendar, but your landscape can still celebrate every one of them. There’s a certain magic to the transition to fall. The days begin to soften, outdoor gatherings take on a more comfortable rhythm and attention naturally turns toward the holidays ahead. In Southwest Louisiana, where fall is more about subtle changes than dramatic displays of color, creating that seasonal feeling often starts right outside the front door. That’s where a professional touch can make all the difference. For homeowners and businesses, fall is an opportunity to refresh the landscape after months of Louisiana heat, humidity and summer storms. And with the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to begin thinking beyond landscaping—toward the lights, greenery and festive details that transform a property after dark. 86

OCTOBER 2026

A professional firm like Twisted Vines can help bring these details together.

FRESH START FOR FALL “Landscapes endured a lot this year,” said Twisted Vines owner Ryan Boyd. “Lawns may be showing the effects of summer stress and lack of rain. Flower beds can look overgrown or tired. Shrubs and trees may need some attention. Fall landscaping is a chance to hit the reset button.” A professional landscape team can assess the property and recommend seasonal improvements that make an immediate visual impact: • Fresh plantings can bring color to beds and containers. • Pruning can restore shape and definition. • New mulch can give planting areas a clean, finished appearance. • A thorough cleanup can clear away the remnants of summer. • Professional turf care can provide year-round lawn care that’s petfriendly and resists pests.

In Southwest Louisiana it’s about embracing the season in a way that works beautifully with the local climate by using plants, textures and design elements that feel natural to the region. Sometimes, the most impressive transformations are the simplest: a crisp lawn, beautifully edged beds, thoughtfully selected seasonal color and a front entry that feels inviting.

THEN: THE GLOW As fall gives way to the holiday season, the landscape becomes the stage for something entirely different. Holiday lighting has a way of changing how we see a property. A familiar home takes on a warm, welcoming glow. Trees become architectural features. Walkways seem to invite guests in. Rooflines and entryways stand out against the evening sky. But creating that look is an art and installing lights can be a job in itself. That’s one reason more homeowners and businesses are turning to professionals. With a

company such as Twisted Vines, a professional team creates a cohesive design that works with the architecture, landscaping and personality of the property. The result can be understated and elegant, traditional and nostalgic, or bold and unmistakably festive.

MORE THAN LIGHTS The best holiday displays aren't necessarily the ones with the most lights. They’re the ones that feel intentional. Wreaths, garlands, illuminated trees, architectural lighting and carefully placed decorations all work together to create a polished seasonal experience. For businesses, that experience can extend to entrances, walkways and outdoor gathering spaces, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers and employees throughout the holidays. And there’s another advantage to professional holiday decorating: convenience. Instead of spending precious weekends installing and eventually removing decorations, homeowners and businesses can

leave the work to a team that understands how to make the process efficient, safe and visually impressive while providing the installation, takedown and even storage. With thoughtful landscaping, creative design and professional installation, your property can

welcome autumn with fresh curb appeal and enter the holiday season with a little extra sparkle. And when the lights come on at dusk and the landscape takes on a warm holiday glow, you won’t be thinking about the ladders, mulch, pruning or extension cords. You’ll simply get to enjoy the view.

For more information, contact Twisted Vines—the official landscaper of McNeese Athletics—at 337-240-6254, or visit twistedvineslc. com or its social media.

We know good landscaping changes with the seasons. Fall is the perfect time for a fresh landscape refresh from Twisted Vines. We’ll clean up your beds, add fresh mulch, and bring in colorful fall annuals that thrive in our Louisiana climate. Don’t forget the lawn! Add Turf Care and give your grass some extra love for the new season. Twisted Vines Landscape. Beautifully maintained. Thoughtfully designed.

Ready for any season.

TwistedVinesLC.com • 337-240-6254 THRIVESWLA.COM

Home & Family | FALL HOME & GARDEN

DON’T LET FALL INVITE

Unwanted Houseguests As temperatures drop across Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles homeowners turn toward football, festivals and family gatherings, which can include some uninvited guests—rodents.

health. Fall rodent prevention is not optional upkeep. It is home protection.

to each individual client's specific needs to help create a rodent-free environment.

• For pets that live outdoors, only put enough food in their bowl that they can eat at one time.

J&J Exterminating has been servicing homes in Louisiana since 1959. They know pests and that the most effective rodent work happens before an infestation takes hold.

What homeowners can do now:

An investment in exclusion now can help prevent infestations later. Rodents have the potential to reproduce quickly. A few mice in October can become a serious problem by the holidays.

Mice and rats look for warmth, food and shelter when outdoor conditions change. A gap the size of a dime is large enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Once established indoors, they can gnaw on wiring, damage insulation and contaminate pantries with urine and feces which carry pathogens that can have adverse effects on

Their approach combines inspection, minor exclusion and targeted treatment. Technicians look for entry points around foundations, eaves, garage doors and utility line penetrations. They seal what they can and let the customer know when a contractor is required for larger construction work. They tailor rodent solutions

OCTOBER 2026

• Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers. • Keep outdoor trash cans tightly closed and pulled away from the house. • Trim shrubs and vines from the exterior and the foundation. • Repair torn screens, replace damaged weather stripping and close gaps around pipes. • Don’t leave fallen fruit, spilled bird seed or standing water near the foundation or entry ways.

If you hear scratching in the walls, find droppings in the pantry or simply want a fall inspection before the first cold snap, don’t delay. For an inspection, call your neighborhood team at J&J at 337-607-1188.

2026

ou Y k n a Th for Voting Us

BEST BEHAVIORAL SERVICES

VO T E D

THE BEST 16 TIMES!

THANK YOU! We are proud to have been voted BEST Landscape Company 16 times in local reader polls. This is a true validation of our commitment to our customers and we appreciate their support. We’ve been growing strong in Southwest Louisiana for over 35 years and look forward to many more years of serving our residential and landscape clients.

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GARDEN CENTER 5005 Cobra Road, Lake Charles (337) 478-3836 landscapemanagement.org

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PEOPLE FIRST

Advocating for People with Disabilities

If you have a disability, you are not alone. There is an organization which advocates for you. The organization is People First of Louisiana, a self-advocacy group run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. People First can help individuals become more independent and learn to advocate for personal life, community and civic responsibilities, and policies and legislation. A monthly meeting is held the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at CARC, 4100 Senator J. Bennet Johnston Avenue in Lake Charles. The Lake Charles Chapter is open to all in the five-parish region of Southwest Louisiana. The meetings are also able to accommodate participants on Zoom. There is no cost to join, but an application must be completed. Objectives are building personal advocacy, serving on boards and councils, addressing community, state and national policies that affect those persons with disabilities, or other issues decided by the local group. If you have a disability or are a family member of a person with disabilities, you are urged to join People First. For more details, contact George Swift, Lake Charles Chapter Advisor, at 337-309-0870 or email gswift@bellsouth.net.

OCTOBER 2026

Debra J. Cancer Survivor

A simple step toward peace of mind. Schedule your mammogram today.

A mammogram takes only minutes and offers years of peace of mind. Regular screenings can save lives by detecting breast cancer early when it’s most treatable. Don’t let it go unnoticed. Did you know? In the United States, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

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OCTOBER 2026