WOMEN’S FALL CONFERENCE
2025 Women’s Fall Conference Keynote Speaker
Thursday, October 16
Lake Charles Event Center
w w w. wo m e n s co m m i s s i o n s w l a . co m
A Message from
The Conference Chair Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence: “Empower! Encourage! UPLIFT!” We have empowered, encouraged and continue to uplift women in our community for the past 35 years. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be your 2025 Fall Conference Chair, which will take place on October 16, 2025 at the Lake Charles Event Center. As we embark on this milestone, Coral Anniversary, I invite you to enjoy our Market Place with vendors from across Southwest (Southbest) Louisiana and Texas. Our presenters, workshops and dynamic keynote speaker will indeed EMPOWER, ENCOURAGE and UPLIFT each and every one of you. Invite a friend or two and make it an opportunity to network. Our mission is to educate, empower and expand the status of women living in Southwest Louisiana and this year will be no different. I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the women of the Commission, who have worked tirelessly to keep this nonprofit organization, going strong with 100+ members on the roster and growing. We could not do the activities that we do without you the community and our sponsors. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I look forward to working with you and for you during our 35th year celebration.
Amanda Fontenot Johnson Fall Conference Chair
PL AT I N U M S P O N S O R S
Register now at www.womenscommissionswla.com
2025 Women’s Fall Conference Keynote Speaker:
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Having been dubbed ‘The Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century’ by Sports Illustrated, Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s athletic accomplishments are literally second to none. By the conclusion of her career in the heptathlon and long jump events she had amassed six Olympic medals (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) and four World Champion titles over four consecutive Olympic Games. Jackie was the first woman in history to earn more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon and today, over 20 years later, she still holds the world heptathlon record of 7,291 points. She continues to hold the Olympic and national records in the long jump and her 1994 performance in the long jump remains the second longest in history. In addition to heptathlon and long jump, Jackie was a world class 100m and 200m runner and, after a decorated All-American career in basketball at UCLA, she eventually played professional basketball for a short time. Jackie’s athletic accomplishments have been well documented and remain some of the best ever across all of sports. Less well known are her tireless efforts and remarkable accomplishments off the field as a philanthropist and an advocate for children’s education, health issues (in
particular asthma from which she has suffered throughout her life), racial equality, social reform, and women’s rights. Born in 1962 in East St. Louis, IL, Jackie came from very humble beginnings but despite very strained conditions she describes her early home life as being full of love, principle, and discipline. These ingrained values have served Jackie well both on and off the field through her life. She has been described by the sports media as one of the warmest, most even-tempered, grace-filled persons in all of athletics. One of four children to Mary and Alfred Joyner, Jackie’s older brother Al went on to become an Olympic Champion triple jumper and married Florence Griffith (Joyner), a five time Olympic medalist. In 1986 she married her long time coach, Bob Kersee. Jackie is the author of both A Kind of Grace (1997), her autobiography, and A Woman’s Place is Everywhere. She is an active professional speaker and is widely
considered one of the most inspiring motivational speakers in all of sports. Jackie speaks on topics of athletics, business success, living with the limitations of medical issues, nutrition, women’s issue, and youth advocacy.
2025 COMMISSIONERS Jasmine Abel Melisa Adrian Verda Anthony Susan Ash Tuwanna August Anita Barker Sharon Bayard Alicia Bell Gwennette Bellard Satricia W Bensaadat Jeanine Blaney Susan Blevins Debbie Boudreaux Roxanne Boxie Somer Brown Prissy Bult Kimmie Carriaga Stefanie Clemons
Laurie Cormier Linda Lebert Corbello Patricia Chretien Daigle Lisa Kelly Dautriel Orleana Davis Becky F Delaney Sybil Douglas Belinda Dugas Marilyn Dunn Vicki Dupre Elaine Dyer Ashley Edwards Mia England-McKay Daelynn Flagg JoAnn Frank Zelda Fry Cheryl Fuselier Loretta Gallien
Kim Goad-Myers Donna Green Dr. Harriet Green Kimalee (Kim) Guidry Rev. Mary Guidry-Ringo Jan Guillory Leslie Harless Cynthia Hawkins Selena Heckard Cheryl Heisser Carol Henry Debbie Holt Velika Hurst-Trahan Corinne Jackson-Mouhot Frances Jeffords Amanda Johnson Debra Johnson Krystle Johnson
Sandra Jones Angela Jouett Jada King MaryAnn Kohnke-Borel Debra Lastrapes Sandy Laurel Dorothy Leger Rose Malveaux Carol Ann Martin Ollie Mayes Sharonda Moore Lisa Morgan Anita McMorris Roma Mitchell Anna Murphy Marlana O’Key Karla O’Reilly Angel Papadimitriou
Brittany Pete Thail Pete Kristina Pershing Juanita Poland Leah Prudhomme Patricia Prudhomme Chante Rankins Diana Rentrop Monica Rideaux Amber Ringo-Bellard Andrea Robinson Dinah Robinson Stephanie Rodrigue Cynthia L Roy Princella Ryan Bernadette Seaberry Stephanie Seemion Crystal Scott
Shawntel Simmons Kathy Sonnier Carol Spence Bernadette Stevens Elizabeth (Liz) Stewart Beverly St Mary Sadie Thibodeaux Tammy Thibodeaux Cynthia Tomlinson Bettye Tousaint Nancy Hinch Tower Melonie Wallace Brenda Wilkinson
FALL CONFERENCE SESSION I 9:00 – 9:40am
“THE ART OF NETWORKING!”
Tiffany Colburn, Lake Charles Founders BNI Chapter Helping women stand out and be SEEN at events! These practical strategies will help you build meaningful relationships, boost your confidence, and navigate networking spaces with intention and impact.
SESSION II CHRISTUS Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana
10:10-11:00am
PLATINUM SPONSOR
“FOOD THE WAY GOD MADE IT!”
Dr. Prasanna Sugathan Non-Invasive Cardiologist If you have ever wondered about the best way to eat for good heart health, this is your workshop! Learn how a focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
“GET HYPED WITH HOPE”
Hope Snider, Pastor, Christian World Have you ever wished someone would stand in your corner and shout, “You’ve got this!”? This isn’t just another session – it’s a joy-charged, faith-fueled pep rally with Pastor Hope!
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital PLATINUM SPONSOR
“DON’T SETTLE FOR A LEAKEY FAUCET!” Dr. Joseph Semien, Jr.
Have you ever experienced a little “leak” when you coughed or sneezed?! There are options…come and see!
“LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!”
Mary Ringo, Author & Retired Pastor You can live your best life despite life’s setbacks, disappointments and even tragedy. This session will inspire and motivate you to rise again, and soar to your personal victory!
Judge Ron Richard
PLATINUM SPONSOR
“3 F’S OF COURT: FIRM, FAIR, FUN”
Ron Richard You may be uptight and full of anxiety not knowing what to expect in a court of law. After this workshop we promise you will leave feeling assured and knowing that this too shall pass!
“WOMEN AT WORK”
Keri McCorquodale How can women use our differences to our advantage. We will address all the nuances of communication styles, non-verbal behavior and self-management for your best chance of success in the workplace.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital PLATINUM SPONSOR
“CHOOSE YOUR SEAT ON THE ROCKETSHIP!”
Janie Fruge, CEO WCCH FACHE Ready to launch your career to new heights? Learn to navigate obstacles, overcome strategies and how to collaborate. Buckle up, choose your role and let’s soar – because the future is built by those who dare to take off!
WORKSHOPS 2025 “WHEN YOU’RE FEELING ‘CUCKOO’... YOU’RE NOT ALONE!”
Lauren Henry MS, PLPC, Mental Health Counselor, McNeese State University A state of mental well-being is vital to all. It helps people cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn to work well with others and contribute to their community.
SESSION III 1:30-2:20pm
Cox Law Firm
PLATINUM SPONSOR
“THE POWER OF PRESENCE: HOW TO COMMAND A ROOM WITHOUT RAISING YOUR VOICE”
“CULINARY MEDICINE”
Stephanie Stanfield, Med, RD,RN,RYT500, LDN, SOWELA Technical Community College Using food as medicine. Come learn simple ways to incorporate food to boost your health and increase your energy!
SESSION IV 2:30-3:15pm
“LINE DANCING CLASS” Peggy Stollsteimer, Bayouland Ballroom Don’t be left behind on the Dance Floor at the next event! Come learn the newest moves and have fun getting your groove on.
“BAGS ARE PACKED…NOW WHAT?” Pat Landry, Travel Agent Whether traveling solo or with a group, it’s good to have smart tips on travel and safety…now Geaux Have Fun!
Somer Brown, Attorney Confidence isn’t loud. It’s consistent. This workshop teaches women how to show up with strength and clarity in interviews, meetings, and everyday leadership moments!
“CAJUN 911 CUISINE”
“THE RIGHT COLORS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!”
“GOTTA KEEP MOVING!”
Ashley Lambert, Bloom in Color Helping you BLOOM in your best colors! Discover your best shades, elevate your style and feel confident every day in your clothing, lipstick and more!
HHC2000
PLATINUM SPONSOR
“JOURNEY TO VITALITY!”
Stephanie Morris, Director of Public Relations This dynamic presenter will offer attendees tips and ideas to enhance your health and your life!
Tammy Jumel, Bayou Cajun Cook & Cocktail Queen A dash of this and a pinch of that…That’s Cajun Cooking! Learn something delicious, sha!
Liz Kingham, Owner, Pure Vita Mobility is the fountain of youth! In this interactive workshop you will learn the principles of effective mobility to transform your lifestyle.
Legac y of Leadership 35 YEAR HISTORY PRESIDENTS 1989 Penny Houston 1990 Lisa Ferguson 1991 Daphne Saxby Oliver 1992 Wava Reigel 1993 Dr. Harriet Green 1994 Carole Blair 1995 Anne Chitty 1996 De Ann Derbonne 1997 Beverly Gradney St. Mary 1998 Sattaria “Tari” Dilks 1999 Karen Barrington 2000 Linda LeBert-Corbello 2001 Carol Machado Henry 2002 Cindy Morrissey 2003 Debbie Acuff 2004 Betty Harlow Anderson 2005 Karen Drewett 2006 Betty Harlow Anderson 2007 Melisa McMillian Adrian 2008 Melisa McMillian Adrian 2009 Pamela Stracener Golding 2010 Angela Worley Pierson 2011 Fran Clophus 2012 Debra Lastrapes 2013 Debbie Boudreaux 2014 Sue Conn 2015 Krystle Johnson 2016 Krystle Johnson 2017 Tammy Thibodeaux 2018 Tammy Thibodeaux 2019 Cynthia Tomlinson 2020 Kathy Sonnier 2021 Kathy Sonnier 2022 Carol Henry 2023 Velika Hurst-Trahan 2024 Cynthia L. Roy 2025 Dorothy Leger
FALL CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSONS 1990 Lisa Ferguson 1991 Wava Reigel 1992 Dr. Harriet Green 1993 Carole Blair 1994 Anne Chitty 1995 De Ann Derbonne 1996 Beverly St. Mary 1997 Sattaria Dilks
1998 Karen Barrington 1999 Erica Toatley 2000 Carol Henry 2001 Cindy Morrissey 2002 Debbie Acuff 2003 Karen Drewett 2004 Melisa McMillian Adrian 2006 Melisa McMillian Adrian 2007 Melonie Himel 2008 Pamela Stracener Golding 2009 Angela Guth 2010 Fran Clophus 2011 Debra Lastrapes 2012 Debbie Boudreaux 2013 Sue Conn 2014 Krystle Johnson 2015 Dena Everage 2016 Tammy Thibodeaux 2017 Selena Cisneros 2018 Cynthia Tomlinson 2019 Kathy Sonnier 2020 Carol Henry 2021 Carol Henry 2022 Velika Hurst-Trahan 2023 Cynthia L. Roy 2024 Dorothy Leger 2025 Amanda Johnson
JACK V. DOLAND AWARD RECIPIENTS 1991 Joanna S. Viccellio 1992 Willie L. Mount 1993 Leona Clements 1994 Blanche Michel 1995 Rose Spencer 1996 Angela Miller 1997 Dr. Lajuana Lee 1998 Dr. Nancy Shepard 1999 Faye Barnhart 2000 Evelyn Cloutman 2001 Bertha Stoner 2002 Rosalie “Poddy” Champeaux 2003 Judge Patricia H. Minaldi 2004 Koni Bridges 2006 Anne Gillett Monlezun 2007 Jennifer Jones 2008 Ann Polak 2009 Clarice Raichel 2010 Pearl Cole 2011 Dr. Susan Jones
2012 Jennie Finch Daigle 2013 Christy Papania Jones 2014 Ethel Precht 2015 Stella B. Miller 2016 Jeri Christ Landry 2017 Judge Lilynn Cutrer 2018 Dianne Frelot 2019 DeWanna Tarver 2021 Sister Miriam MacLean 2022 Kelli Stawecki 2023 Jacqueline J. Green 2024 Erin Davidson
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 1990 Devon O’Day 1991 Dr. Ruth Westheimer 1992 Judge Ellen Morphonios 1993 Mary Landrieu 1994 Mary Lou Retton 1995 Ann Jillian 1996 Cathy Lee Crosby 1997 Trisha Hessinger 1998 Bertrice Berry 1999 Phyllis Yvonne Stickney 2000 Morgan Fairchild 2001 Kim Alexis 2002 Peggy Fleming 2003 Naomi Judd 2004 Mariel Hemmingway 2006 Barbara Mandrell 2007 Dixie Carter 2008 Debbie Allen 2009 Meredith Baxter 2010 Jane Pauley 2011 Vicki Lawrence 2012 Joan Lunden 2013 Leigh Anne Tuohy 2014 Star Jones 2015 Leeza Gibbons 2016 Phylicia Rashad 2017 Genevieve Gorder 2018 Tamron Hall 2019 Taya Kyle 2021 Marilu Henner 2022 Dr. Melva K. Williams 2023 Korie Robertson 2024 Judge Lynn Toler 2025 Jackie Joyner-Kersee
registration:
marketplace application:
ONLINE: Register at www.womenscommissionswla.com. Registration Cost – $45. Deadline is Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Name of Business or Agency as it should appear on print materials:
MAIL-IN: Complete this form, and mail with check/money order
(payable to Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc.) to the address listed at the bottom of this form. Must be postmarked on or before Friday, October 10, 2025.
ON-SITE: Available at the Lake Charles Event Center Ticketmaster Box
Office Monday, October 13, 2025 until Thursday, October 16, 2025 (day of Conference). The cost of on-site registration is $55 plus a service fee per person for the entire day, or any portion of the day. Credit cards will be accepted at Ticketmaster during on-site registration.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION: Last Name: First Name: Home Address: City:
State:
Zip:
Marketing Agency Name, if different than Business Name: Items you will be displaying or selling: Business Address (Street, City/State/Zip): Contact Person: Daytime Phone Number: Website Address: Email Address:
Table Registration and Fees: Include a 10 x 10 ft. space provided with two passes. Please review the Marketplace Guidelines enclosed and posted on the website.
Price Per Table
Early Bird Registration – Starts April 3, 2025. Fee must be paid in full. Envelope must be postmarked by June 30, 2025 which is the deadline.
$
175.00
Regular Registration – Starts July 1, 2025. Fee must be paid in full. Envelope must be postmarked by September 16, 2025 which is the deadline.
$
225.00
Late Registration – Starts September 17, 2025. Fee must be paid in full. Envelope must be postmarked by October 6, 2025 which is the deadline.
$
Additional Worker Passes:
Email:
YES
I will provide my own table covering!
Daytime Phone:
NO
Alt./Cell Phone:
250.00
$40.00 per pass: Total: $
YES
($5.00 per white table cloth if we provide)
TOTAL
NO YES
NO
TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED How did you hear about the conference? Commissioner
Billboard
Social Media
THRIVE
TV
Other
Name of Worker #1 Worker #1 Email Address:
SPECIAL SERVICES: If you require special accommodations, please check below): I will need handicap access
I am hearing impaired/hard of hearing
MAIL-IN: $45.00 (Mail must be postmarked on/before Friday, October 10, 2025) Check/Money Order #__________
Name of Worker #2 Worker #2 Email Address: NOTE: Each vendor must furnish his or her own electrical extension cord(s) and equipment. For companies that allow only one vendor per event, the first to register will have priority. Vendors table placement is based on first-come, first-served basis. Floor Preference (cannot be guaranteed)
Mail Completed form, with check or money order to:
Women’s Commission of SWLA - Registration PO Box 6712, Lake Charles, LA 70606
Additional Comments:
GROUP INFORMATION: TABLE OF 8 FOR $500.00 Online: Please click on link to complete list of participants Mail-in: Please include list of attendees on a separate sheet of paper
Group Registration - $45.00 per person Online: Please click on link to complete list of participants Mail-in: Please include list of attendees on a separate sheet of paper
PLEASE USE ONE FORM PER PERSON TO REGISTER. This form can be duplicated as needed. FOR COMMITTEE USE ONLY: Postmark Date:__________________Check/Money Order #____________ Amt: _______
Payment and form may be submitted by check or money order no later than the dealine stated above. You must return this form with your check made payable to: Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc. - MarketPlace P.O. Box 6712, Lake Charles, LA 70606 QUESTIONS: Please contact: Leah Prudhomme, MarketPlace Chairperson (337) 912-9984, or Roxanne Boxie, MarketPlace Co-Chair (337) 274-8452, or email marketplace@womenscommissionswla.com CANCELLATION POLICY: $25.00 non-refundable fee. Balance may be refunded if canceled by September 20, 2025. No refunds will be granted on or after September 24, 2025.
Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana Inc. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
PL AT I N U M S P O N S O R S
DIAMOND SPONSORS ENTERGY ◊ IMPERIAL HEALTH ◊ VEIN GUYS ◊ WARD 3 MARSHAL’S OFFICE L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT Register now at www.womenscommissionswla.com