Leadership Institute of Acadiana

06/15/2026

It's Class Member Monday ✨ Meet the Class ###IX

Meet a class member who is passionate about storytelling and using communication to make a positive impact in our community, Leadership Lafayette ###IX, Hannah Lafleur.

Born and raised in Opelousas, Hannah Lafleur has been a writer from an early age. Whether crafting full stories or short poems, writing has always been central to who she is. Her creativity and genuine interest in people naturally led her to a career in public relations.

Hannah graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2019, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in creative writing. She then continued her education at ULL, obtaining her master’s degree in strategic communication in 2021.

During her master’s program, Hannah sought to develop hands-on skills in the public relations industry. She received this opportunity with a Lafayette-based creative communications firm, BWPR. There, working alongside Billy Hobbs, founder of BWPR, and his team, Hannah was encouraged and supported to try new things and broaden her skill set. After graduating, Hannah worked full-time with the BWPR team for four more years. The experiences she gained working in the agency world over those years made her the confident public relations professional she is today.

In late April 2025, Hannah joined the Ochsner Lafayette General team as a public relations specialist, working on internal and external communications for the Acadiana region. She enjoys working to connect our local communities with the teams who are caring for them in the healthcare setting.

In giving back, Hannah serves on the Hearts of Hope board and is a member of the Media Committee for the American Cancer Society’s Black and White Gala. She enjoys reading, writing, being outdoors in the sun, and spending time with family and friends in her free time.

Help us welcome Hannah to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX 👏

06/10/2026

Last week, Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX explored the organizations, businesses, and initiatives driving economic development across Acadiana!

From LEDA, One Acadiana, and Louisiana Economic Development to Opportunity Machine, the LEED Center, Jack & Associates, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, class members gained valuable insight into the partnerships, resources, and strategies that support business attraction, entrepreneurship, innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth throughout our region.

A special thank you to our Economic Development Day Sponsor, Jack & Associates LLC, for making this program day possible, and to our Coffee Sponsor, Jet Coffee, for keeping Class ###IX fueled throughout a full day of learning and discussion.

Leadership Lafayette alumni, we want to hear from you! What’s one lesson or insight from your Economic Development Day that has stayed with you over the years? Share it in the comments below. 👇

06/08/2026

Class Member Monday ✨ Meet the Class ###IX

Meet a class member who is dedicated to strengthening community connections and cultivating vibrant spaces, Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX, JoElle Judice!!

With over a decade of experience spanning hospitality, operations, events, and communications, JoElle strives to bring a dynamic and deeply rooted commitment to community and culture. Her background includes operating businesses in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, where she gained firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges of running vibrant, people-centered spaces.

Throughout her career, she has built and trained high-performing management teams, championed inclusive workplace cultures, and executed impactful events that bring people together and energize everyday life. Her approach to leadership emphasizes empathy, clarity, and empowerment, creating environments where both businesses and individuals can thrive.

In her current role, she leads strategy, messaging, and programming for Downtown Lafayette, helping to amplify the organization's mission and foster meaningful collaboration among members, partners, and stakeholders across the district. In addition to this work, she consults with organizations to optimize operations, strengthen internal and external guest relationships, and ensure measurable return on investment through strategic, people-centered processes.

She also proudly represents Lafayette as part of the Strong Towns Community Cohort, working to advance people-first urban design and sustainable growth principles in the city.

Outside of work, JoElle finds joy in cooking and spending time with her family, celebrating the everyday moments that connect people around the table and within the community she loves.

Help us welcome JoElle to Leadership Lafayette 👏

06/04/2026

Want to better understand what makes Lafayette thrive?

Join us for Intro Lafayette, an immersive one-day civic leadership experience designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, and ideas shaping our community, all while building meaningful connections.

Whether you're new to Lafayette, recently returned, or looking to become more engaged, you'll hear directly from business, civic, and community leaders and explore topics including local government, economic development, education, regional history, and quality of life.

Participants leave with a stronger understanding of the region, expanded professional networks, and greater confidence in how to engage meaningfully in the community.

📍 One Acadiana | 523 Jefferson Street, Lafayette
$300 Registration | $275 for LIA Members
Light breakfast, coffee, and lunch included

Ready to connect, learn, and lead?
Register today: https://leadacadiana.org/events

06/01/2026

Class Member Monday ✨ Meet the Class ###IX

We're spotlighting a class member who is passionate about connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities. From Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX, meet Rachael Hood!

Rachael Hood is a strategic talent leader who specializes in connecting world-class leadership with transformative opportunities. She currently serves as Director of Executive Talent Acquisition at Moloco, a tech start-up, and is focused on building her leadership coaching practice, helping rising executives navigate career inflection points with clarity and confidence. Rachael’s path into executive search has been anything but linear; before moving into high-stakes recruiting with firms like Spencer Stuart and leading the executive talent function at tech giants including Google and Cruise, she spent a decade as a small business owner and creative entrepreneur working in the film, television, and advertising industries. This background instilled in her a natural aptitude for navigating ambiguity, and she remains passionate about how the right leaders can fundamentally change a company’s trajectory.

With a global perspective shaped by living in more than 10 cities, including time abroad, she brings a deep appreciation for both culture and connection to her work. Originally from Lafayette, Rachael returned during the pandemic after more than 30 years away. What began as a short-term stay to be closer to her four godchildren turned into a meaningful full-circle moment that reshaped her perspective and grounded her commitment to work-life harmony and her personal long-term vision.

Outside of work, Rachael is a devoted dog mom to her two Shih Tzus, Birdie and Oliver, an audiobook ju**ie, and a live music fan. She still feeds her wanderlust through international travel, often skipping landmarks in favor of sidewalk cafés and local culture. However, she is equally enjoying the rediscovery of her home state through weekend road trips and Louisiana’s unmatched culinary scene.

Help us welcome Rachael to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX and celebrate the experience, perspective, and leadership she brings to this year's class. 👏

05/26/2026

Happy Class Member Monday… or should we say Tuesday! 😉
Yesterday was a holiday, but we couldn’t let the week pass without spotlighting another incredible leader from Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX. Meet Shelly Fontenot!

Shelly Fontenot is the Business Development Manager at St. Landry Bank & Trust Company, a full-service community bank with 8 locations across Lafayette and St. Landry Parishes. Shelly loves sowing into the community and is very active within the communities they serve. She is the Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Opelousas and recently ended her board term with the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce; she currently serves on the Better Business Bureau Board of Directors. Shelly is a founding member of the St. Landry Chamber Ambassadors and was recognized as Ambassador of the Year for three consecutive years. Shelly is a graduate of the Inaugural Leadership St. Landry Class of 2021. She is an Ambassador for One Acadiana and a Krewe member (Ambassador) for the Acadian Homebuilders Association. Through her work, Shelly is also affiliated with the Carencro Business Association, Eunice Chamber of Commerce, and Scott Business Association. Shelly is passionate about connecting people and resources, as such partnerships move our community forward.

Shelly has been married since 2000; she has a son who attends LSU and a daughter who is a junior in high school. Her husband recently opened The Backwoods Enchanted Trails, and she is supportive of bringing his long-term dream to reality. Shelly enjoys listening to audiobooks on her commute to and from work. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with friends, and spoiling her feline fur babies.

Help us give Shelly a warm welcome to Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX in the comments 👏

05/20/2026

05/18/2026

Class Member Monday ✨ Meet the Class ###IX

We’re spotlighting a class member who is using innovation, leadership, and technology to help businesses and communities grow! From Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX, meet Ryan Farnell. 👏

Ryan Farnell is originally from Lake Charles, LA and has called Lafayette home since attending UL Lafayette and earning his degree in management of information systems. Ryan's career in application development spans nearly 2 decades and he specializes in modernizing and improving technology products for small and medium sized businesses.

He currently serves as Manager of Applications Development at Dupre Logistics where he leads a team of skilled professionals building systems to support dynamic operations across the business. He enjoys using his free time for creative activities that integrate his technology background as well as volunteering with local organizations that benefit the community.

Help us celebrate Ryan as a member of Class ###IX!

05/13/2026