Leadership Institute of Acadiana

10/30/2026

Our October social with The705 was a great night! We loved seeing so many new faces, catching up with familiar ones, and making connections with professionals from across Acadiana. 🍻

It was a fun opportunity to bring our communities together, share what both organizations have to offer, and meet people looking to get more involved.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the evening special. We hope to see many of these new faces again soon! Thank you, The Yard Goat, for having us!

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about joining The705 at The705.org or explore Leadership Lafayette Class XL and apply at LeadAcadiana.org/ClassXL!

10/28/2026

TOMORROW! 📣 Leadership Lafayette Class XL Virtual Information Session

Interested in applying for Leadership Lafayette Class XL? Join Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s Executive Director today for a virtual information session to learn more about the program, get tips for preparing a strong application, and ask questions about the application and selection process.

Still deciding if the program is right for you or putting the finishing touches on your application? We’re here to help!

Thursday, October 29 | 4:00–4:45 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Can’t make it? Join us for our next session on Friday, November 6, from 12:00–12:45 PM.

🔗 Register here: http://LeadAcadiana.org/InfoSessions
Applications and nominations close November 20 at 5:00 PM!

10/27/2026

JOIN US TOMORROW!

The Leadership Institute of Acadiana and The705 are teaming up for an evening of networking, conversation, and new connections.

Looking to get more connected with either organization? We’d love to see you there!

📅 Wednesday, October 28
5:30–7:00 PM
The Yard Goat

Register today at leadacadiana.org/events

10/26/2026

Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX wrapped up the year with a Closing Retreat! 🧡

"The Fine 39" took time to look back on their favorite memories, reflect on what they learned throughout the program, and share ideas for the kind of Acadiana they want to help build. It was a chance to recognize how far they’ve come this year and think about how they’ll carry those lessons into their continued leadership and community involvement.

A special thank you to the Children's Museum of Acadiana for having us and to our co-chairs, Billy Hobbs and Dianne Trim, for helping make the day special!

We can’t wait to celebrate The Fine 39 at graduation on November 4! 🎓

10/23/2026

Want to play a bigger role in shaping the future of leadership in Acadiana? 👏 Applications for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s Board of Directors are now open!

Board members help guide LIA’s mission, support leadership development programs, and build connections that strengthen our community. If you’re ready to get more involved and make an impact, we encourage you to apply!

🔗 Visit leadacadiana.org/about-us/board-of-directors to learn more and apply.

10/21/2026

Interested in applying for Leadership Lafayette Class XL? Join Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s Executive Director for a virtual information session to learn more about the application process, get tips for preparing a strong application, and ask questions about the program and selection process.

Whether you’re just getting started or putting the finishing touches on your application, we’re here to help!

Info Sessions:
Thursday, October 29 | 4:00–4:45 PM
Friday, November 6 | 12:00–12:45 PM
Via Zoom

Register Today: http://LeadAcadiana.org/InfoSessions

10/20/2026

Thank you to Unitech Training Academy - Lafayette Campus for welcoming The Fine 39 for a campus tour and roundtable discussion! We enjoyed learning more about the amazing work happening at the Lafayette campus and the impact Unitech is making in our community.

A special shoutout to President and CEO Noah Brandon and VP of Education Kristi Waltrip, current Class ###IX member, for hosting us!

We love seeing Leadership Lafayette connections come full circle! Noah is a Class ###IV alum and served as co-chair for Class ###V.

10/19/2026

One year of learning, new connections, and lasting impact across Acadiana. Now, it’s time to celebrate The Fine 39!

Join us Wednesday, November 4, as we recognize Leadership Lafayette Class ###IX and all they’ve accomplished throughout their year of leadership and service. Alumni, LIA program graduates, friends, family, and community members are invited to celebrate this milestone and toast to what’s ahead!

📅 Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Le Pavillon | 1913 Kaliste Saloom Road
5:30–8:00 PM
Graduation Program: 6:30–7:30 PM
Cocktail attire encouraged

The Fine 39 are giving back! Class ###IX is hosting a donation drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation to support families across Acadiana. To arrange an advance drop-off, email [email protected].

Purchase your tickets here: leadacadiana.org/graduation

🥂 Let's raise a glass to The Fine 39 and all that's ahead!

Thank you to our Leadership Lafayette Graduation supporter, One Acadiana, for helping us celebrate this year's class!

For sponsorship inquiries, contact [email protected].

10/19/2026

We’re excited for this one! Join us and The705 for an evening of networking, new connections, and good conversation with fellow young professionals and community leaders across Acadiana.

🔗 RSVP at leadacadiana.org/events

Join Leadership Institute of Acadiana and The705 for our annual October Social, bringing together young professionals, Leadership Lafayette alumni, aspiring leaders, and community-minded folks from across Acadiana.

It’s a chance to step away from the workday, meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and make connections across different industries and organizations.

Interested in getting more involved in the community? We’ll also have information available about Leadership Lafayette’s 2027 class and The705’s 20 Under 40 program, so you can learn more about both opportunities from people who have been part of them.

📅 October 28th, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Yard Goat

Whether you’re a member, an alum, or just looking to meet more people in Acadiana, come mix, mingle, and spend an evening with us!

RSVP today: https://leadacadiana.org/events

10/13/2026

Leadership Lafayette Class XL applications are OPEN!

What does it look like to get more involved in Acadiana? It starts with learning more about the people, organizations, and issues shaping our community, building relationships with local leaders, and gaining new perspectives on the place we call home.

Leadership Lafayette brings professionals together for a year of hands-on experiences, meaningful conversations and opportunities to grow as leaders while becoming more engaged in Acadiana.

Interested in being part of the 2027 class or nominating someone you know? Applications and nominations are open through November 20 at 5:00 PM!

Click here for more information: leadacadiana.org/classxl