YPI - Young Professionals Initiative

06/12/2026

:::YPI Board Member Spotlight:::
Erik Evenson (even-son) joined the Independence Bowl Staff as the Director of Media and Community Relations in July 2018 and was elevated to the role of Director of Communications in March 2022. As Director of Communications, leads all the organization's communications and messaging efforts – including communications, marketing and advertising, media and community relations, and digital and social media.

In the two years prior to the Independence Bowl, Evenson served as Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and as a sports radio talk show host, as Co-Host of the Midday Sports Zone on Middle Georgia ESPN Radio. Erik grew up in the Atlanta, Ga. area and is a graduate of the University of Alabama – earning a Bachelor’s degree in sports broadcasting and communications in May 2016.

He got married to his wife, Chase, in January 2024.

06/10/2026

A few familiar YPI faces were excited to attend the Revel reveal celebration and show their support for this upcoming iconic community event. We’re proud to celebrate alongside the Revel team as they honor five decades of bringing people together through the arts.

Taking place October 8–11 and October 15–18, 2026, in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, this year's Revel lineup shines a spotlight on artists with deep local roots and connections to our region. From The American Tragedy featuring the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and Cowboy Mouth to Better Than Ezra, The Highland Collective, Shinyribs, Windstorm, and many more, Revel 50 promises unforgettable performances and hometown pride.

🎟️ Revel tickets are on sale now! Grab your festival passes and be part of this historic celebration:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/50th-annual-red-river-revel-arts-festival

🎵 View the full headliner lineup:
https://redriverrevel.com/rrr/music-lineup/

Here's to 50 years of memories—and many more to come. Congratulations, Red River Revel! ❤️💙

06/07/2026

Supporting the places we love helps strengthen the communities we call home. ❤️

YPI was proud to volunteer at the ROBBY’s event at the Robinson Film Center, an evening that highlighted the power of community, creativity, and local impact. Organizations like the Robinson Film Center create spaces where people can connect, learn, and celebrate together—and they thrive because of the support of community members who show up, volunteer, and give back.

We encourage everyone to support the local organizations, businesses, and cultural institutions that make our region special. Whether it’s attending an event, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps ensure these community treasures continue to grow and serve future generations.

Thank you to the Robinson Film Center and everyone who made ROBBY’s a memorable evening. We were honored to be part of it!

06/06/2026

YPI is proud to spend time volunteering at the Shreveport Farmers’ Market, supporting an event that brings together local farmers, small businesses, and community members. 🌱💚

Serving our community is at the heart of what we do, and we were honored to help make this vibrant local tradition a success. From fresh produce and handcrafted goods to live entertainment, the Farmers’ Market is a wonderful place to connect, shop local, and experience the best of Shreveport.

If you haven’t visited yet, we encourage you to stop by and support the hardworking vendors that make our community thrive.

06/04/2026

🎈 Volunteers Wanted! 🎈

Join us on Saturday, July 11th as we help make the Red River Balloon Rally a memorable experience for our community!

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back, meet new people, and be part of one of the Shreveport-Bossier area's most anticipated summer events. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or looking for a new way to get involved, we'd love to have you on the team.

From stunning hot air balloons and live entertainment to family-friendly activities and local food vendors, the Red River Balloon Rally offers an exciting atmosphere and a rewarding volunteer experience.

Sign up here:

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

06/02/2026

📣🎾⚖️Juneteenth on the Court ⚖️🎾📣
The Black Lawyers Association of Shreveport-Bossier invites you to join this FREE community event, open to everyone! Whether you'd like to learn more about the law, participate in a tennis lesson, or simply enjoy fellowship with friends, family, and neighbors, there's something for all ages to enjoy.

Juneteenth on the Court, a free family-friendly celebration!!

05/29/2026

:::YPI Board Member Spotlight:::
Demetria Gilliam is a results-driven leader and board member of the Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana, known for her grit, vision, and ability to turn ideas into impact. As YPI’s Social Media Co-Chair, she plays a key role in keeping the community connected—amplifying service opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking events that empower young professionals across the area. Originally from Long Island, New York, Demetria made Shreveport-Bossier home in 2007 and has since become deeply rooted in the community. She earned her degree in Business Administration from LSU Shreveport, laying the foundation for her career in leadership and operations.

Professionally, Demetria serves as Intake Supervisor at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, where she leads and optimizes the intake team and drives community engagement efforts. She is known for her ability to build meaningful partnerships and execute initiatives that deliver real value both inside and outside the firm.

Her commitment to service extends well beyond YPI. Demetria serves as Public Service Chair for the American Advertising Federation of Shreveport-Bossier, Treasurer for the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, and a board member for the Fuller Center for Housing. She is also actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Louisiana and Junior League, contributing to impactful initiatives such as the King Cake Classic 5K.

Above all, Demetria is most proud of her role as a mother to two teenagers, whom she is already inspiring to lead through service and community involvement.

Driven by purpose and grounded in integrity, Demetria is dedicated to strengthening her community and leaving a lasting legacy through leadership and action.

05/28/2026

Thank you to The Arc Caddo-Bossier for including YPI in such a meaningful Reading is Fundamental event at Goldman School! 📚💙 We truly enjoyed spending time with the students and supporting an initiative that encourages literacy, learning, and community connection. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it!

05/27/2026

📚✨ Quarter 2 Reading is Fundamental Recap ✨📚
YPI was honored to partner with The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School & Child Development Centers at the Jordan Street Campus for this quarter’s Reading is Fundamental event! ❤️

This quarter’s theme, “Everyone Is an All-Star!” brought so much joy, excitement, and encouragement to the students and educators we had the privilege of spending time with. From reading engaging stories to sharing smiles and laughter, the experience was truly meaningful for everyone involved. ⭐🏆

We are grateful to The Arc Caddo-Bossier team for the warm welcome and for the incredible work they do every day to support children and families in our community. Thank you for allowing YPI to be a part of such a special initiative that promotes literacy, learning, and connection. 📖💙

A special thank you to the staff, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event a success. We look forward to continuing to support programs that inspire and empower our youth!

05/26/2026

This past weekend, a few of our YPI members had the opportunity to volunteer at the annual Mudbug Festival! 🦞🎶

Lending a helping hand to support one of our community’s favorite events was a great way to give back, connect with others, and represent YPI in action.

We’re proud of our members for showing up and serving our community with enthusiasm and teamwork. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped make the festival a success!