Cenla 4WARD Awards recognize emerging young community leaders
The Young Professionals Group of Cenla and the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized young emerging community leaders with the Cenla 4Ward 4-Under-40 Awards Thursday at the Lagniappe Theatre Events Center.
“Cenla4WARD is a partnership designed to honor young professionals who are making a difference in our area and who exhibit the four pillars that move communities 4WARD: community involvement, impact to industry, leadership & professional distinction and passion and perseverance,” said Ethan Lipsey, YPG board member and Cenla 4WARD co-chair.
Selected as the the 4-Under-40 Award winners out of 15 nominees were:
Dr. Abbey Bain, vice chancellor for enrollment and student engagement at LSUA.
Erin Stokes, superintendent of Grant Parish Schools.
Jordan Alford, president of DIS-TRAN Parckaged Substations, a Crest Industries Company.
Mikelle Kimsey, assistant vice president, branch manager at Red River Bank.
“I’m truly humbled – shocked but very honored to receive the award. To be alongside some of the other leaders in the area is shocking. Being my age and not from Central Louisiana, I’ve fallen in love with the community. I just feel very honored,” said Kimsey.
Her biography states that after moving to Central Louisiana, “she quickly immersed herself in the community through volunteer work. The evaluations committee noted how her trustworthiness, attention to detail and determination have benefitted the many organizations and initiatives she is a part of.”
Bain’s biography noted that “she is an advocate for professional development and empowerment, especially for women, in the Central Louisiana business community through her various volunteer and board positions.”
Stokes' biography stated she “has had an impact on the lives of students, parents, teachers, and administrators in Rapides and Grant Parishes. Her collaboration with organizations like the United Way, CLTCC, the Sheriff’s Office and the Strong Neighborhood Project Team, turned schools under her leadership into a place of hope and education for families.”
Alford’s biography states he “takes time to personally invest in the lives of his people and the communities around him. According to the evaluation committee, Jordan seems to be the definition of leadership by example. He is a humble leader who is willing to do whatever it takes to make the team successful.”
Recognized as 2023 YPG Member of the Year was Loren Ryland, Britni Lilly was selected as the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader and Sherry Gentle was recognized as the 2023 Cenla Champion of the Year.
“It is an honor to receive the award from YPG,” said Gentle. "Serving our community is very important to me and making sure we bring needed resources to people in the community is very important.”
The other 2023 4WARD 4-Under-40 nominees were:
Ashley Love, executive assistant to the chief of staff at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.
Britni Lilley, communication coordinator at Louisiana Central.
Brittany O’Neal, office manager at Ten M Vending.
Carolyn Hines, partner at Jones Law Partners.
Chase Dyess, marketing coordinator at LSU of Alexandria and founder of Dyess Designs.
Jared Price, director of gift planning for the Louisiana Baptist Foundation.
Katherine Jennings, 2-1-1 Care & Referral coordinator with the United Way of Central Louisiana.
Kel Bonton, founder of Bonton Media.
Michael Silver, business manager at Turner Teleco, Alexandria.
Sarah Swain, facility administrator at Alexandria Emergency Hospital.
Timberly Deville, education coordinator for the Louisiana National Guard Education Programs.
This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Cenla 4WARD Awards recognize emerging young community leaders
