Apply now for the 2023 Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy!

It’s time for the annual Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy from June 11-14, 2023 at Nicholls State University!

As said in their official statement, “The Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy is a premiere leadership building opportunity offered to young women in grades 9-12. The program focuses on communication, networking, team work, and building relationships. Participants immerse themselves into a real world mock election, learning from panels of experts and designing their own group campaign. Participants are also able to stay on campus at Nicholls State University participate in valuable programming, and meet other high school students from all over our state. The program is perfect for driven young women with leadership potential that are ready to learn new skills.”

Girls entering grades 9-12. LGLA participants will be selected by a committee of the LCWGB Board. Participants will receive an Academy T-shirt, tote bag and binder, three nights in university housing, eight all-you-can-eat buffet meals, keynote presentations with nationally recognized speakers, such as Alexis Jones, participation in a state Legislative Women’s Caucus luncheon in Baton Rouge, and participation in the networking dinner: The First Among Louisiana Women in Public Service.

Guests and guest speakers will include:

• Donna Edwards, First Lady of Louisiana
• Sandy Rosenthal, Activist & Author, Vice President, LCWGB
• Simone Bruni, The Demo Diva
• Dr. Laura Badeaux, Director LCWGB & Election Consultant
• Sandra Herman, LCWGB President
• Sharon Lavigne, Environmental Justice Advocate
• Members of the Louisiana Center for Women in Government and Business Corporate Board: Diane Hollis, Faith Peperone, Allison Clune, and Kristen Callais
• Debi Benoit, Terrebonne Parish School Board
• Archie Chaisson, Lafourche Parish Presidnet
• Kevin Clement, Mayor of the City of Thibodaux
• Dr. Joy Clune, President of Nicholls State University
• Daniel Lorrine, Lafourche Parish Council
• James Wendell, Lafourche Parish Council President

Program highlights will include:

• Keynote Simone Bruni– “Building a brand. The story of Demo Diva.”
• Learn how to plan a campaign to run for a school office with Dr. Laura Badeaux and Charmaine Coccioppi
• Beat the Big Guys with podcast producer Sandy Rosenthal
• Young Entrepreneur Workshop with Skin Care Mogul Emily Beck and Boutique Owner Kirsten Hill
• Career Readiness: How to build your brand, your resume, and get the job! With Business Owners Stephanie Burks and Laurie Guillaume
• Leaders in Action Panel with Local Women in Politics: Kristine Russell, Lafourche Parish District Attorney, Annette Fontana, Clerk of Court, and Wendy Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish Assessor
• Keynote Sharon Lavigne– “RISE, How to Be a Justice Advocate.”
• RAD Self Defense Seminar taught by Lucie Morvant, Reserve Deputy Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and RAD Program State Director
• Governor’s Dinner with Keynote Donna Edwards

Presenters will include:

• Charmaine Coccioppi, Executive Vice President and COO, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
• Stephanie Burks, Co-Founder, Vice President and Division Leader of Administration for RYCARS Construction, LLC; LCWGB Corporate Board
• Laurie Guillaume, Owner Pepperlead, Communication Skills Trainer, LCWGB Corporate Board
• Emily Beck, Owner of The Nines Botanicals
• Kirsten Hill, Owner of Soleobsessed
• Crystal Rivers, Advocate and Actress
• Bear Badeaux, Comedian and Improv Actor
• Lucie Morvant, Reserve Deputy Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Office and RAD Program State Director

To apply for the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy, please compete this form, where you can add your resume and one personal reference. Once you receive your acceptance email, you may pay your $50 processing fee. Scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information, please contact Kristen Anselmi at (985) 493-2643.