Ascension Impact Initiative

06/02/2026

⭐️Team Member Tuesday⭐️ Meet Chris Haslitt

"Hello all, my name is Chris. I am, firstly and most importantly, a forgiven child of God. I am a recent widower, the father of 3 grown children, and known as “Poppy” to my perfect 18-month-old grandson (Major). My vocation is an Architect with over 30 years of experience working at firms in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. And now, a member of the Leadership Ascension Class of 2026 and one of the senior members (polite way to say older) of the Ascension Impact Initiative team.

I joined Domain Architecture early last year. Domain is an established firm with a history of projects in Ascension Parish. We are currently working on several projects for a variety of municipal agencies and private clients in Ascension Parish. We are also heavily involved with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Ascension program. As one of the newer members of the Domain team and a resident of Baton Rouge, I wanted to be part of the Leadership Ascension program to learn more about Ascension Parish, the cities, and the organizations in the community I am working in. The Ascension Leadership program is giving me the opportunity to learn about the parish and to meet some of the people who lead it. The Ascension Impact Initiative volunteering program is letting me work with and get to know a group of like-minded people who want to serve the people of Ascension Parish. This is a win-win for my personal goals.

In my personal time, I try to spend as much time as possible with family. Enjoy them while you can. I like to fish with my college roommate when I can get away from work. I am also passionate about music. I have what my wife called the “Old Guy Tour” list. Better go see the older musicians/bands now while they are still here to be seen. I saw Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson in the last 6 weeks. Don McLean and Buddy Guy are next on the list."

06/01/2026

We are incredibly grateful to CF Industries for serving as a Platinum Sponsor of our Leadership Ascension Class project, the Ascension Impact Initiative.

During our recent visit to Donaldsonville, we had the opportunity to learn more about CF Industries’ deep commitment to strengthening the communities where their employees live and work, from supporting education and sustainability initiatives to investing in long-term community advancement right here in Ascension Parish. Their mission-driven approach to corporate stewardship aligns closely with the heart of our project and the impact we hope to create.

A special thank you to Justin Garner for presenting this generous sponsorship on behalf of CF Industries and for believing in the power of local leadership and community collaboration. We are honored to partner with an organization so dedicated to making a lasting difference.

05/29/2026

Follow along as Pencils & Possibilities works to empower teachers, enrich learning, and strengthen Ascension Parish. We'd say that the Leadership Ascension class of 2026 is tackling some amazing projects, and might just be the best class ever...

Now that you have met the team, it’s time to learn about our mission. ✏️🍎

Pencils & Possibilities, a Leadership Ascension Class of 2026 initiative benefiting The Ascension Fund, was created with one goal in mind — supporting educators and creating brighter opportunities for students across Ascension Parish.

Through community support, sponsorships, and donations, we hope to help provide classroom resources, educational opportunities, and funding that empowers teachers while enriching the learning experience for students. 📚✨

Every contribution — big or small — helps us move closer to making a lasting impact in our schools and community. Together, we can invest in classrooms, inspire possibilities, and help shape brighter tomorrows for the next generation. 💙💛

We invite you to join us on this journey by sponsoring, donating, sharing our mission, and helping us spread the word!

05/28/2026

Check out Threads of Opportunity and give them a follow to stay up to date on everything this Leadership Ascension project team is doing to prepare students for the workforce 💪

05/28/2026

Check out what another Leadership Ascension team is building for our community! Great work Spark Ascension!

Fire safety starts early. Spark Ascension is helping teach life-saving habits to kids and families across Ascension Parish ❤️🚒
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05/27/2026

💜Project Sneak Peek!💜
We are thrilled to be working with our local Alzheimer's Association Chapter in June and supporting the very first Ascension-based Walk to End Alzheimer’s later this year.

Stay tuned for more!

05/26/2026

⭐️Team Member Tuesday⭐️Meet Layne Bordelon!

"Hi everyone! I’m excited to get involved and serve the community through the Ascension Impact Initiative. I’m new to Ascension Parish...I moved here last summer with my husband, Jeff, and our three daughters, and we’re loving getting to know the community.

I was raised in New Roads and spent the past 17 years in Houma before making the move. I’m a proud graduate of Catholic of Pointe Coupee and LSU, and professionally, I serve as the Director of Philanthropy with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

I’m passionate about connecting with others and giving back, and I’m looking forward to being part of something meaningful here in Ascension!"

✨What first motivated you to get involved in the community?
"Because I'm relatively new to the area, getting involved with Leadership Ascension seemed like a great way to learn more about the area, meet new people, and make an impact."

✨What's your favorite way to connect with people during events?
"My favorite way to connect with people during events, both in the community and professionally, is to lead with a compliment. Walking into a space where you may not see familiar faces can be daunting, and a simple, genuine compliment can immediately break down that barrier. It shifts the moment from uncertainty to connection.

Whether it’s recognizing someone’s work, their presence, or even something as small as their smile or a cute pair of shoes, it creates an opening for a conversation that feels natural rather than forced. I’ve found that people remember how you make them feel far more than what you say, and starting from a place of kindness sets the tone for a more meaningful interaction.

It’s a small approach, but it has helped me build authentic relationships and feel more at ease in new spaces, and I hope it does the same for others, too."

05/21/2026

📣 Pelican Pays it forward! 📣
We are sending so much gratitude to Pelican State CU for their generous support of our project as a Silver Sponsor! Thank you for believing in our mission to elevate service in Ascension Parish!

05/19/2026

⭐️Team Member Tuesday⭐️

Meet Desmond!👋
Desmond Lloyd is a native of Meridian and has proudly called the greater Baton Rouge area home for more than 11 years. A devoted husband and father, Desmond is deeply committed to serving his community through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism.

His community involvement includes serving with the Leadership Ascension Class of 2026, as a Board Member for Eagle Federal Credit Union, on the Louisiana Society of CPAs Financial Literacy Committee, and as a youth soccer and baseball coach in Ascension Parish.

Professionally, Desmond brings more than 13 years of corporate accounting experience and is the founder of Lloyd Financial Group, where he is dedicated to helping families and individuals build, manage, and protect their wealth through high-quality financial services and education. Most recently, Desmond earned his Master of Jurisprudence in Wealth Management from Texas A&M University School of Law, further strengthening his commitment to financial empowerment and generational wealth building.

Help us welcome Desmond, and check back each Tuesday as we continue to spotlight our amazing project team!

05/18/2026

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