The Natchitoches Young Professionals, an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, is set to host the fourth annual Louisiana Young Professionals Conference Friday, July 9. The conference will be at the Chateau Saint Denis from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Though the conference is marketed toward young professionals, professionals from all ages and industries are invited to attend the conference. The conference is to provide a full day of valuable professional development, along with the opportunity to engage in networking and idea sharing with professionals from around the state.
“Employers and employees will both find real value in the session topics for this one-day conference,” said NYP Immediate Past Chair and Chamber Marketing Director Maggie Matuschka. “I think this is one of our best speaker lineups yet.”
Author, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champion and licensed attorney Dr. LaToya Burrell will deliver the keynote address. Burrell’s keynote is entitled – “Understanding and Embracing DEI Efforts in the Workplace: Your Guide to Uncomfortable Conversations”. Additional session speakers and topics are as follows:
“How to Crush Any Interview” with Jeremy Bennett, Owner of J Bennett Recruiting. Even if you’re not looking for a job, you’re always being interviewed. Whether it’s a new job, a new location or a promotion, be ready with training from an expert.
“Taking Learning & Leadership to the Next Level” with a Leadership Programs Panel featuring Anthony Moore, Josh Howard, Sheree Blanchard and Van Erikson. The panel will discuss how leadership programs help transform your professional life and your community.
“Leading from the Cheap Seats” with Dr. Nikki Ceaser Small, Associate Dean of Curriculum and Assessment at Dallas College. Dr. Small will present on the importance of leadership no matter the position or title, and how that mindset can help you manage up or manage down.
“What’s Your Social Status?” with Emily Zering, Instructor at Northwestern State University in the Department of New Media, Journalism & Communication Arts. Zering will discuss effectively launching your business on new and emerging social media channels.
“Rum Runners” with Dr. Tait Martin, President & CEO at Wildcat Brothers Distillery. Learn how to run with your brand story.
“Moving the Needle; taking an active role in the development of your community.” with Kelsea McCrary. McCrary is the Director of Civic Design and the Cultural Districts Program for the Louisiana Division of the Arts in Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser’s Office of Cultural Development.
The $60 registration fee includes 10 dynamic speakers, breakfast, and lunch. The conference will kick-off with a social at Mama’s Blues Room Thursday, July 8. Door prizes will be given at both the social and the conference. Following the conference will be an afterparty at Jimbo’s Bar and Grill. Register at NatchitochesChamber.com/LeadershipConference.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making the Natchitoches area a thriving business community by promoting commerce, strengthening people and improving life.