Podcasts about ul lafayette

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we dive into Lafayette's emerging role as a major player in the regional and national tech ecosystem with Ben Johnson and Marcus Brown of the newly formed Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This dynamic group of volunteer leaders are working hard to ensure Lafayette's deep well of tech talent is recognized and nurtured. Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services and Chair of the Council, shares his local roots—born in Eunice, raised in Scott and Lafayette—and how his passion for computers and community led him to start Techneaux in his garage in 2010. “We started the company with a unique business model: people over profits,” Ben shares. The company now employs about 180 people across Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, operating on what Ben calls a model of “distributed capitalism.” Techneaux recently relocated to the old Fontana Center on Kaliste Saloom, which they've repurposed into a cutting-edge tech hub. Marcus Brown, a returning guest to Discover Lafayette, brings his entertainment industry background and policy insight to the Council. As the founder of Believe Entertainment and partner in Digital Twin Studios, Marcus has worked to build Lafayette's capabilities in immersive technology and virtual production. “We want to define what technology is—and who is a tech person,” he notes. His work has also included integrating immersive technologies in local education through the Do It Greener Foundation. A Council Rooted in Community and Data The Council was born from a leadership exchange trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which inspired local leaders to create a similar tech initiative back home. “We realized Lafayette has world-class tech companies that even we weren't fully aware of,” Ben said. Early supporters include One Acadiana, LEDA, UL Lafayette, LFT Fiber, and leaders from companies like VieMed, Noble Plastics, SchoolMint, and X1 Technologies. The Council organizes its work into “GEARS”—Get Everything Accelerated and Ready—subcommittees that focus on workforce and talent, marketing and recruitment, networking and knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy. Their first community-wide event, the Idea Collider, will launch in late June, with the goal of gathering ideas and input from the public and then from business leaders to shape actionable initiatives. Creating Opportunity and Retaining Talent One of the Council's major goals is to retain the exceptional talent emerging from UL Lafayette and other local schools. “When I graduated in 2001, there weren't real tech jobs here,” Ben said. “Now, we're working to create a pipeline and make sure the talent knows they can build a career here.” Marcus emphasizes the community's history of rising to the occasion: “When Disney filmed Secretariat here, our people showed up. The same thing is happening in tech—people want to step up and lead.” As Marcus explains, “We're trying to reach students early, even before college, to show them they can create tech—not just consume it.” Both men spoke about the importance of giving young people a sense of purpose and place in the tech world, with computer science even being recognized now by the state as a foreign language—a powerful shift in thinking. The Role of AI and the Future of Work When asked about the fear of AI taking jobs, both men provided thoughtful perspectives. “AI doesn't take jobs,” Ben said. “It removes roles so humans can be more creative and impactful elsewhere.” Marcus added, “AI is like a calculator. It's a tool, and with proper understanding, it can democratize opportunity.” Looking Ahead The Lafayette Regional Technology Council isn't charging membership dues yet—they want to first prove their value and build momentum. “We want companies and individuals to contribute time, talent, or treasure,” said Ben. “Let's build this together, and then figure out the right structure.” A more formal membership structure will be launched in 2...

Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue. Moose Harris, Justin Bennett, and Jan Swift at recording Discover Lafayette at RADER. Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter. Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his wife Marcela, a talented chef, made their way to Lafayette after the early waves of the pandemic. A former journalist and public information officer for New York City Emergency Management, Justin brings a rare blend of communication savvy and passion for grassroots music culture. His wife, Marcela, runs Lana's Empanadas food truck—named after their dog!—and previously helped launch the kitchen at Mercy Kitchen. Together, they've embraced Lafayette as home and are now pouring their heart and soul into revitalizing Artmosphere. Moose Harris, born and raised in New Iberia and a seasoned music producer, performer, and radio personality, has deep roots in the Louisiana music scene. From his classical and jazz studies under legends like Ellis Marsalis to his frontman days in the Reggae Ska Conspiracy, Moose brings both creative insight and a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with Artmosphere under its previous ownership, he already knew the venue inside and out—literally holding the keys before Justin ever stepped through the door. What they're creating together is something special. Gone are the days of Artmosphere being an undefined multipurpose space. "As Justin clearly puts it, this is first and foremost a music venue." A place for curated, intentional nights of music that make sense together—no more scattershot open mic lineups. Under their guidance, Artmosphere is becoming a home for touring artists and a launching pad for local talent. And while the name is slated to change soon, the vision is clear: create a sustainable, artist-respecting space with good music, good food, and good drinks. And about that food—Justin's East Coast roots are making their mark. From his Italian grandmother's Sunday sauce to a hearty Irish shepherd's pie and the promise of Lafayette's best-poured Guinness, the kitchen is set to impress. Marcela is helping build out the kitchen and train staff, sourcing from local farms to ensure seasonal, delicious offerings. It's all about quality—from the music to the meatballs. During Festival International, the team soft-launched Artmosphere with eight wildly different events in five days, showcasing everything from hip hop and zydeco to burlesque and R&B. Every act was carefully chosen, every night was intentional. And it's just the beginning. Moose is already booking shows into the fall, and together they're building a community around the venue, one great night of music at a time. Soon, a new name will be unveiled along with a new website, including a music blog produced in collaboration with UL Lafayette journalism students. It's all part of a bigger mission: to make Lafayette a must-stop destination for national touring acts and to elevate the local scene with the respect and support it deserves. We're grateful for what Justin and Moose are doing—for their commitment to musicians, to our cultural economy, and to downtown Lafayette. It's time for this. And we're lucky to have them here. For more, visit Artmosphere's Facebook page or email benett.management@yahoo.com if you're interested in performing or getting involved. Stay tuned for the name reveal—we'll be the first to share it!

Discover Lafayette is thrilled to welcome Kiki Frayard, founder of Kiki, a boutique store known for its exquisite selection of fine jewelry, fragrances, handbags, and other carefully curated items from designers across the world. While Kiki is known for offering unique designs, Kiki says, "Anybody can walk in to buy fun or lower price point jewelry at $75 to $250. We also offer jewelry up to $65,000." In addition to her successful retail business, Kiki recently ventured into children's literature with her book Lila Says No, cleverly illustrated by Aileen Bennett. Her passion for beauty and creativity extends beyond retail, as seen on her vibrant Instagram page, where she shares colorful and inspirational table settings for various events. Kiki, an Opelousas native, has strong ties to the Lafayette community. She is the sister of Marilyn Castle, retired 15th JDC judge, and Joan Dubuisson of Cox Business. She graduated from UL-Lafayette with degrees in Art History and English, initially intending to become an art teacher before discovering her passion for advertising and retail. Her career has been a fascinating journey, including stints as a nightclub singer in New Orleans, a radio advertising executive, and an ad agency owner. Working alongside advertising legend George Graham, Kiki honed her skills in creative writing and marketing, ultimately paving the way for her entrepreneurial success. Kiki opened her boutique in River Ranch after gaining invaluable retail experience from Molly Flanagan, owner of Molly's. She and her daughter, Katie, built the business together, expanding to Baton Rouge and establishing Kiki as a premier shopping destination. A life-changing car accident in 2007 prompted Kiki to embrace retail fully, leaving advertising to focus on her boutique. She and Katie meticulously designed the store, ensuring an elevated shopping experience comparable to high-end retailers in New York and beyond. Kiki says, "We knew we wanted to do something nice. We didn't want it to be a hodgepodge of display cases and just thrown together. We really wanted it to be the nicest store in Lafayette. "We had a vision of doing jewelry with designers in mind so that every case was dedicated to a designer. The handbags were displayed one on a shelf to make it seem really special so that everything seemed a little elevated. That worked when people walked in the store. Also, with most merchandise, if you don't turn it, you got to put it on sale, you've got to get rid of it, you got to turn. But jewelry isn't like that. We could have an expensive piece of jewelry and it could be there for two years, and then someone comes in and and buys it. So you don't have to discount quite as much. The same thing with perfume." Beyond retail, Kiki has made a mark in the Lafayette community. She played a crucial role in the development of Lafayette's downtown playground, recognizing its value in revitalizing the area. Her passion for community enrichment continues to shape her contributions to the city's cultural and economic landscape. Kiki's love for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys setting stunning tablescapes for family gatherings. Her collections of fine china and linens reflect her impeccable taste and appreciation for beauty. Her foray into children's literature has been met with great enthusiasm. Lila Says No is resonating with parents and educators, with notable endorsements from child psychologist Carolyn Helm. The book received a glowing review rom Kirkus as "quirky and entertaining, with a kid and parent-savvy message." Kiki's deep admiration for children's literature and her collection of over 500 books inspired her to finally write her own story, with more books potentially on the horizon. Though retired from store ownership, Kiki remains an integral part of Kiki, still attending market trips and influencing the store's aesthetic.

Overview: In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Stacy Romero, Executive Director of Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development ("LEAD"), the leading organization for economic development professionals in Louisiana. Stacy is dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to drive meaningful community impact through high-impact education, strategic advocacy, and collaborative networking. Background and Experience: Stacy holds a degree from UL Lafayette and has completed multiple leadership programs, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Institute for Organization Management, the Business Leaders Fellowship Program, and the Council for a Better Louisiana's Leadership Louisiana program. In 2024, she was honored with the Junior Achievement of Acadiana Richard E. Beaudoin Friend of Business Award. Journey into Economic Development: Stacy began her career as an elementary school teacher and later worked at the Department of Education, mentoring new teachers. She transitioned into running education programs at United Way of Acadiana before serving as Executive Director of the Broussard Chamber of Commerce. Her diverse experience in education and business leadership helped her recognize the workforce development gaps in Louisiana. Key Topics Discussed: Workforce Development Challenges: Stacy's personal experience as a mother witnessing her son's initial plans to leave Louisiana highlighted the need for workforce retention efforts. The importance of preparing students and professionals for career opportunities within the state. The Role of LEAD: LEAD was formerly LIDEA and underwent a major restructuring to better serve economic development professionals. LEAD provides networking opportunities, professional development, and advocacy for economic development professionals. Supporting Economic Development Professionals: LEAD's focus on emerging professionals and bridging the knowledge gap as seasoned professionals retire. Collaborating with universities to create a pipeline for students into economic development careers. Economic Development and Small Businesses: Economic development includes attracting new businesses and supporting small, long-established local businesses. Quality of life, supported by small businesses, is a key factor in attracting major corporations to Louisiana. Available Resources for Businesses: Many business owners are unaware of available support, such as LEDA's traffic count data to help businesses choose locations. Economic development professionals play a crucial role in connecting businesses with resources. Upcoming LEAD Events & Initiatives: Spring Legislative Event (May 5-6, 2024): Opportunity for economic development professionals to engage with legislators in Baton Rouge. Professional Development Courses: A four-day Basic Economic Developers Training Course is held annually, with additional specialized courses such as Real Estate Development & Reuse. Annual Conference (October 2024): Featuring guest speakers, panels, and professional development opportunities. Membership in LEAD: Affordable membership tiers, including a $25 student membership and higher levels up to $350. Open to professionals working in economic development at least 50% of their time, including those in municipal roles, power companies, and regional organizations. Public Engagement & Outreach: LEAD is enhancing its social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn to engage members and share resources. Stacy actively travels across the state to build relationships and raise awareness about LEAD's mission. Get Involved with LEAD: Visit LouisianaLEAD.org for more information. Follow LEAD on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on events and resources. Conclusion: Stacy Romero's passion for workforce development and economic strategy shines through in he...

We are chatting with La'Toya Guillory, Certified Mindset & Author Coach at Empowered with Purpose. We will dive into her life, how she got to Lafayette, and her role as a mindset & author coach in Lafayette.Website: https://empowered-with-purpose.net— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting with Lindsey Tripp, Director of Akidiana Project, and Chalasie Kibodeaux, Board Member, about the non-profit that helps celebrate milestones for homeless children throughout the Acadiana area.Website: www.theakidianaproject.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Catherine Lemoine, owner of Pet Passages of Lafayette, about her business and guiding pet owners through the loss of a family pet. We are also talking about all things Lafayette, and maybe even spilling some tea… who knowsWebsite: https://lafayette.la.petpassages.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@theteapodcast?si=x8Er9tXxXsAakgKf— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Jennifer LeMeunier, Director of Strategic and Leadership Events at ULL & Shyra Moran, Community Relations Officer at Advancial about the upcoming UL Lafayette Women's Leadership Conference on March 13th.Website: https://womensleadershipconference.org/— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting with Craig Page & Cullen Haymon of Optimize Generator People about the importance of having a backup power source for your home. We are also talking about the power grid, the potential for failure, and solutions to protect your home during outages.Website: https://www.optimizegp.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are chatting Dillon Van Way, a local entrepreneur who is doing some really cool things in the Acadiana area.Website: https://unclebobsroundup.com/— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

Shared Tables was inspired by the region's unique and rich culture of South Louisiana, where life revolves around food, music, and togetherness. Their mission is to bring the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of South Louisiana to tables everywhere. They are not just selling Cajun meal kits - they are sharing a culture of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Website: www.sharedtablesbox.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Optimize Generator People, Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are live with Urgent Care On The Go's Lennie Boulet, Operations Consultant & Jill Daigle, Medical Infusion Specialist. We are chatting about the concept and how this could significantly improve lives for patients around Acadiana.https://urgentcareonthego.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana

We are talking with Lady In The Bathroom, Chasity Theriot, and Daniel Barousse with Barousse WorksTikTok @ladyintgebathroomTikTok @Daniel.Baroussehttps://ladyintgebathroom.comhttps://barousseworks.com— Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support— The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of AcadianaThe Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

We are chatting with Logan Bowers, Co-Founder / Chief Investment Officer of SOW Capital Partners about his company and how real estate investment changed his trajectory in life and more. Investwithsowcapital.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are talking about all things Lafayette, what's going on, and what we want to see in Lafayette in the future. https://www.baileymelancon.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Paul Hilliard, President of Badger Oil Corporation, has led a wonderful life of generosity and love of community that provides a humbling lesson in being a good steward of God's resources. At 99 years of age, he is sharp and insightful, a true testament to his wisdom and vitality. Paul was 17 when he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps during his Senior year in high school in February 1943, quitting school when he received permission from his mother to join the war effort. He trained to be a gunner, handling machine guns in the back of Douglas SBD Dauntless (Scout Bomber by Douglas Aircraft) planes in air missions conducted in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. SBD was jokingly referred to as “Slow But Deadly.” He flew 45 combat missions and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in addition to receiving the Air Medal with six bronze stars.  Following his service, Hilliard earned his law degree from the University of Texas before beginning a career in the oil and gas industry. He credits the GI Bill for the opportunities it afforded him and so many other servicemen who would not have otherwise been able to obtain an education. Hilliard exemplifies the selfless spirit and pride of our WWII generation of heroes, as well as the successful ingenuity of a veteran oil and gas entrepreneur.  Known for his self-effacing wit and ability to achieve in spite of a hardscrabble upbringing in Wisconsin, Hilliard has been a successful independent operator and owner of Badger Oil Corporation since 1955 and has seen fit to use his success in business to help others in need. Awarded the Civic Cup in 2003 and the esteemed national Horatio Alger Award in 2009, Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors. Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors.  In 2015, he received the Circle of Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. UL Press released Dauntless: Paul Hilliard in WWII and a Transformed America in 2023. Written by Rob Citino with Ken Stickney and Lori Ochsner, the book documents some of the most fascinating decades in American history: the impact of World War II, the importance of post-war social and economic changes, and the development of the oil industry from the 1950s to today. “Dauntless is a compelling narrative tracing Paul Hilliard's life experiences during the Great Depression, from farm life in Wisconsin's Dust Bowl to his distinguished service as a Marine in World War II, his education through law school, and a long and successful business in the oil fields. Paul's lifelong philanthropy and his passion for education and the lessons of WWII make him an inspiration. His life is the Horatio Alger story. He is, and always be, one of my heroes.”—Boysie Bollinger Paul has been a generous benefactor in causes to help at-risk children learn to read so that they can overcome poverty as he did.  He and his late wife, Lulu, provided $5 million dollars in seed money to start the Paul and Lulu Hilliard Art Museum at UL – Lafayette. Paul has served as a National WWII Museum trustee, and he and his wife, Madlyn, have been two of the Museum's most active advocates and supporters. They have provided transformative support for several Museum initiatives, including acquisition and restoration of artifacts, collection of oral histories, and education programs. In September 2018, Hilliard accepted the position of Board Chair of the museum, focusing on the completion of the its $400 million campus expansion. For more information, visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org, a treasure trove of thousands of oral histories and hundreds of thousands of photos depicting the WWII experience. Paul ended the interview by sharing his gratitude for being born in the United States of America.  He spoke of a favorite quote by Cicero: “Gratitude...

We are chatting with Kylie Roussell, owner at HTeaO of Lafayette about her, and her path to business owner at HTeaO Their website: https://hteao.com/locations/lafayette... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...   / hteao   — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Nicholas LeJeune, Founder of LeJeune's Best Seasoning Join us as we chat with Nicholas LeJeune, a Lafayette native, mechanical engineer, and founder of LeJeune's Best Seasoning. Discover how his Cajun roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for football inspired him to create a unique, low sodium Cajun seasoning blend that's taking the market by storm. Website: Lejeunesbest.com Social Media @lejeunesbest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/15CqYUrzgT/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lejeunesbest?igsh=aWJtZXNsaG9rNWpx&utm_source=qr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lejeunesbest?_t=8rOONej83uo&_r=1 — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tea-podcast/support — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mibextid=LQQJ4d

We are chatting with Conley Turner of Pool Guardian, which sells and installs specialized pool fences. They have a close relationship to the Rescyou Group, a nonprofit focused on helping families navigate the choppy waters of dealing with the loss of a child. For more about their company, visit https://www.poolguardianla.com. — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Edie Aymond, executive director of 232-help.org about the history and mission of the organization and their 59th anniversary. https://232-help.org — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Tonia Johnson and Tracie Lenormand of Carencro C'est Bon Seasoning Fest , which happened on November 8-10th at Pelican Park. ⁠https://cestbonseasoningfest.com⁠ — Find this and past episodes at: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...⁠ — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: ⁠https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...⁠

We are chatting with Lacey Maynor, Community Development at Advancial & Olivia Thibodeaux, Marketing & Communications at Lafayette Habitat about this year's Swipe & Support benefiting Lafayette Habitat For Humanity. Check out the website for more information: http://www.advancial.org/swipe — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We're catching up with Chris and Andrea, owners of Lafayette's first official food truck park, Parc de Oaks. They're building community connections with seasonal events and have big plans, including adding a farmers market pavilion soon! Chris, a third-generation business owner of Amos Landscaping, was recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree and received the Under Current award this year. He's also a proud member of LIA Class 37. For more about their company, visit http://Www.Parcdeoaks.com. — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Paul Scelfo, Chief Regional Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank about Hunger Action Month (HAM) and feeding South Louisiana. https://no-hunger.org — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with JP Boudreaux, an active local business supporter, roofing contractor, and meat specialist. — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Michelle Luquette & Dr. Shannon Bernard of On Track by 5 by LPSS about importance of early childhood education and the school readiness tax credit that supports their work. https://sites.google.com/a/lpssonline... — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are talking with Patricia Naomi, owner & vice president of Paul's Fine Jewelry in Lafayette. We will get to hear about the founding story and how the company came to be and more! http://paulsfinejewelry.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Megan Boudreaux, Founder of Respire Haiti and Camille Schuneman, Committee Chair about the nonprofit that started out as a feeding program that is now a Christian School and more. https://www.respirehaiti.org — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Our guests today are Mia and Rob Sandberg, husband and wife, and a dynamic duo of entrepreneurship! Mia is the proprietor of Root Floral on Jefferson Street in Downtown Lafayette, 810 Jefferson Street. The shop is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless an event taking place.. Her company specializes in providing floral arrangements for events, weddings, and everyday flowers.  They offer a subscription service where you can sign up to give periodical gifts of flowers to that special someone. Open for walk-in arrangements, Root Floral's stock varies from day to day, so Mia advises people to order online or call ahead if they can. Big events like weddings can affect the in-store supply so it's best to place an order well in advance. Rob is the proprietor of Lucia, a bakery that offers not only delicious pastries but baked goods that offer a feast for the eyes! One look at their website will have you running to Lucia, located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road. Lucia started out as a small batch, from-scratch bakery that began doing popups in our downtown area in late 2020, selling brioche-stuffed donuts (bombolonis) and then slowly began adding laminated pastries to the rotational menu. Lucia now concentrates on viennoise-style baking, a form of pastry made famous in France with origins in Vienna. Mia proudly shares the expansion of her online event collections, which now includes 21 color palettes to choose from. This is a great option for a bride who just needs basic items or those who don't want to go through the whole process of meeting. These collections can be used for bridal showers, baby showers, Christmas parties, or any special occasion. It's also a great way for clients on a budget to order flower arrangements. For clients worried about costs, Mia says that Root Floral will work with clients on a budget to help them achieve a beautiful arrangement for their special day. She explains that for pricing, they “price everything out by the stem” and “use a system called curate”. This is helpful for adjusting the number and types of flowers based on a client's budget. Mia graduated from the UL-Lafayette with a degree in interior design in 2008. She is passionate about color, texture and proportions, which she says helps her now in making her floral arrangements. After graduating, she took various jobs in product design and interior design in Dallas, Texas. She also was a waitress as Toulouse, the same restaurant Rob worked as a pastry chef. When the couple moved back to Lafayette in 2012, Rob was the one who suggested she open a flower shop. So, she began creating and sharing her creations inside of a small portable storage building at her parent's house in Cecilia. For a year she says she was “sending arrangements to as many businesses as I could”, like Carpe Diem or Kiki, to promote her work. She attributes good photography, Facebook, and her unique arrangements for her success. In the beginning she says, “there was lots of spray paint”. Within a year, she outgrew that location and moved to downtown Lafayette. Now she continues to provide beautiful flowers for events across Lafayette. It is an understatement to say that her company began to flourish; Root Floral has even been written up in Martha Stewart Living! Lucía, a boulangerie and viennoiserie located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road near St. Pius was opened by Rob Sandberg in 2021. He began in the bakery business by doing popups and later selling pastries at the Moncus Park farmer's market where his brother Ruben Sandberg came on board. Lucía sold out each Saturday for about 2 years before Lucia opened on Kaliste Saloom. Rob says in the early days, he and Mia converted their sunroom into a bakery where their were frying donuts and making custards. Pastries and floral bouquets showcased at Lucia Mother's Day weekend 2024. A wonderful partnership between Mia and Rob Sandberg. ...

We are chatting with Grayson Stepanek, Director of Marketing & Communications at Goodwill Acadiana, about Goodwill of Acadiana, their mission, services, and community involvement. We will also get to know who Grayson is as well and what his role and goals are at Goodwill.   / goodwillacadiana  https://www.goodwillacadiana.org/ Grayson's LinkedIn:   / gstepanek   — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Siena Boney & Steven Barney, owners of Safari Station about their business, how it got started, the services they provide, and the different animals they care for.   / safaristationlouisiana  http://safaristation.orghttps://schoolhousesafari.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Leah “Spooky Mama” Miller, consignment operator of Spirit Halloween Stores in Louisiana & Mississippi, and JP Boudreaux, man of many talents. https://www.spirithalloween.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Wanderlust Rentals, operating through wanderlustrentalsla.com, is a pioneering self-service kayak rental company in Acadiana and Louisiana. Founded by Lafayette natives Kristopher Guidry and Reed Rudasil, the company started to address the lack of local kayak rental options. They offer self-service rentals, organized events called "Paddle Therapy," and cater to private and corporate group events. The company is poised for expansion, starting with their local community. Check them out at https://www.wanderlustrentalsla.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Beau Bourque, President & Founder of Beacon Realty about the Five F's that make Lafayette is such a special & unique place to live, work, and play. beau@Beaconrealty.us 337-257-4272 — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Drake Pothier, co-owner of Village Deaux donut shops in Maurice, New Iberia and Carencro. Drake is formerly the Communications Director of what then called the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the President & CEO of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce for 5 years, amongst other things. www.villagedeaux.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Ochsner Lafayette General's Patrick Gandy and Marie Lukaszeski join Discover Lafayette to discuss the hospital system's careful growth and planned design to meet the needs of the region today and into the future. The only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana, its services extend to patients "from the bayou to the border," stretching along I-10. Incredibly, the hospital system treats 255,000 unique patients per year. Patrick Gandy, a licensed CPA who has been with the organization for 31 years, began serving as President and CEO of in March 2021. He previously served in several senior management positions at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital and Ochsner Lafayette General Imaging. His tenure as CEO began right after Lafayette General Health merged with Ochsner Health of New Orleans in September 2020, and he successfully led the hospital system through the trying times of the pandemic. A native of Shreveport, Patrick loves the community and says he has been "happily married to a girl from Arnaudville since 1998." Marie Lukaszeski, Director of Planning and Design, is an Arnaudville native who graduated in Interior Design at UL-Lafayette (formerly USL) in 1995. She is certified by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers ("AAHID"), the highest standard for the knowledge needed and experience required to address acute, ambulatory and residential care environments. After working with other industry professionals and a local architectural firm, Marie opened Interior Design Solutions in 2009 and became a consultant to Lafayette General. They began a series of expansions to meet the growing demands of the healthcare landscape, including expansions to its surgical platform and Emergency Department. Her service as Facilitator and Project Manager overseeing the projects was so successful that Patrick jokes, "We wanted her all the time!" So Marie and her team joined the healthcare system in 2015. Marie Lukaszeski is an artist at heart and in practice, and she brings that aesthetically pleasing touch to Ochsner Lafayette General's design concepts! "There was a study done with prisoners that showed that blues and greens were more calming to your physiology than reds and yellows. We tend to go with a soothing, neutral palate for our interiors. But most of my time goes into ensuring that our spaces are safe, help the staff interact easily, and function successfully. I work with third party vendors and a whole team of Security, IT, and FF & E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) people to make sure that vital equipment, patient beds, etc. to make sure that the building is being designed to meet our standards. We have to meet licensing standards mandated by the State of Louisiana." Ochsner Lafayette General has a rich history of significant contributions to our community's well-being. It began in 1911 as a 6-bed sanitarium and has grown into an 8-hospital health system, the regional hub for Ochsner, and a leader in healthcare. Patrick mentioned the health system's three core principles that define its mission: "First, we are always focused on patients first and then create our organization around their needs. Second, Transparency in everything we do is incredibly important as a philosophy for our organization. Third, We have to constantly evolve and assess how we can best adapt our business model to take care of our patients. " The first major milestone in Lafayette General's growth was in 2009 when it acquired St. Martin Hospital in Breaux Bridge. Patrick says "It was the first hospital outside of Lafayette. That was the beginning of us becoming a regional healthcare system in South Central Louisiana. That was a defining moment for us as well as rural healthcare in Acadiana. We want to invest in whatever a local community can support because local healthcare is the best healthcare." U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Lafayette General Me...

Shelley Delahoussaye, Supervisor of the Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center, joins Discover Lafayette to share her passion and love of animals and how the animal shelter works to save as any animals as possible while searching for loving and safe environments for them. A graduate of UL - Lafayette, Shelley earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. After working in private vet clinics, she was hired in 2017 by the Lafayette Animal Shelter as an Adoption, Foster, and Rescue Coordinator. One year later, she was promoted to Shelter Supervisor. She has always had a passion for animals. Prior to Shelley's leadership, the save rate for dogs was 47% and cats a low 9%. In 2016 when former Mayor-President Joel Robideaux ran for office, he campaigned on the idea of NO-Kill 2020, an initiative to which he dedicated focus and support to make it happen. Through changes made under Shelley's supervision, the shelter achieved a 90.3% save rate by 2020, and has maintained that rate ever since. Even with this success, there is still a continuing glut of stray animals in our community and the work of Lafayette Animal Shelter is critical. Pictured above is the beautiful Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Facility. Designed by Architects Beasley Moliere, the front entrance is separated into two wings: the surrender side and the adoption side. While Shelley originally questioned this decision, she quickly realized how important it is to keep the interactions separate. "The Surrender side is sad, with frantic owners looking for their pets. The Adoption side is happy, with people looking for a pet to love and care for." Prior to COVID, other states around the country would take many of our stray animals as there was a shortage of pets. Nationally, there is a trend of more responsible pet ownership and laws enforcing spay/neuter, as well as restrictions on breeders as to how many animals can be bred and how often, thus reducing the overpopulation. But now post-COVID, the shelters around the U. S. are also full and can't take our strays. "It's important to get to the root of the stray population, which is access to low-cost spay and neuter. Wild Cat SpayNation for dogs and cats is the only nonprofit low-cost spay/neuter provider that services all of Acadiana. They can only do so much. Many people want to do better by their pets but can't afford it. Please donate to them!" Lafayette Animal Shelter takes in approximately 5000 animals each year. And they get in not only dogs and cats, but potbellied pigs, goats, horses, cattle, bunnies and chickens. Shelley joked that recently her team nicknamed the facility "Old MacDonald's Farm" because of the variety of barnyard animals they took in. Luckily that week they found homes for 10 chickens, 3 potbellied pigs, 3 goats, and a horse! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34TI_obzQj8 Shelley Delahoussaye on how to prepare adequately for your pet's safety as a storm or hurricane approaches. Adopted animals are neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped before you take them home. "It's a great deal," Shelley says, and "The animals receive about $600 worth of vet treatment before they go to their new home." Adoption fees are $35 for dogs and $25 for cats. Seniors and military vets can adopt at no charge. Any pets who have been at the Animal Shelter over 30 days can be adopted for free and when the shelter gets full, adoption fees are waived. "We want them in good homes without financial barriers." Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell- all adoption fees are WAIVED until Oct, 2024. The ratio of cats and dogs is approximately 50% each. About 800 of the 5000 animals are owner-surrendered each year. For some, the owner tried to rehome them with no success, and some owners find themselves in a situation where they have to get rid of the pet immediately and turn to the Shelter. Shelley encourages owners who may be struggling with their pet's behavior to take advan...

Hollie Girouard, proprietor of Ton's Drive-In and Ton's Downtown joins Discover Lafayette in partnership with Eat Lafayette to discuss her family's multigenerational success in the restaurant business. While Hollie is known for her dedication to Ton's, she is also well-known for her athletic prowess, having been a volleyball player for teams at ESA and UL - Lafayette, the latter of which she graduated from with a degree in Graphic Design. She is a third-generation proprietor of Ton's, following in the footsteps of her hardworking grandparents and parents. Hollie knows the restaurant business inside and out, having grown up in it and working from a young age, as soon as her grandmother gave her permission to clean tables and help out doing whatever was needed. Ton's in Broussard is beloved for its classic American and Cajun comfort food, including fried chicken, hamburgers, and regional favorites. Hollie's grandparents, Rosemary and Alton Girouard, originally opened Ton's in May of 1963. At that time, Rosemary left her job at a downtown Lafayette dress shop to run the restaurant full time. Alton stayed on working for the Lafayette Hardware Store (located then at the corner of Vermilion and Buchanan in downtown Lafayette) during the day, joining Rosemary in the evenings at the restaurant. Their children, Karl and Yvette Girouard, also worked at Ton's, and when Karl married Hollie's mom, Juanita, in 1973, she became an integral part of the family business. Rosemary and Alton Girouard. Hollie Girouard describes her grandmother as "a business woman. She was the heart and soul driving the restaurant. It was her dream." As Ton's attracted more business in the decade after its founding, the restaurant expanded in 1973 to a new location across the street in Broussard in what had originally been Bonin's Bar. Hollie shared that when her grandparents were remodeling the space to accommodate their new restaruant, they paid for the demolition work by giving the beautiful oak bar in Bonin's to the contractor as a payment for services. "The original oak bar is somewhere in New Orleans," says Hollie. The new Ton's restaurant was equipped with a drive-thru window, the first in Lafayette Parish, and also offered indoor dining and outdoor seating. Ton's has maintained many of its original menu items offered from its first day of operation. The chili, seasoning blend, and hamburgers which attracted avid fans still taste the same to someone visiting after forty years away. Hollie says the original pizza pans are now used as pot lids. And many of the employees' families have worked at Ton's over the years; Danielle, the general manager and head cook at the Broussard location, is a third generation employee as her grandmother, Edna, worked with Hollie's grandmother in the early days. Regina, Danielle's mother, worked with Hollie's mother, Juanita, in Ton's second generation of operations. Yvette, Alton, Rosemary, Juanita (holding Hollie) and Karl Girouard. Eat Lafayette honored Ton's Drive-In as it celebrated its 60th anniversary of successful business operations. Pictured are Hollie Girouard along with her parents, Karl and Juanita Girouard. Hollie calls herself "a glorified errand girl, running back and forth between the restaurants. I take my cues from the general managers!" Both restaurants source their food as local as possible, and Hollie says, "The crawfish are always being within 10 miles of the restaurant. We grow things in the garden." The top seller is the burger and plate lunches at the Broussard location have the same rotation each week as people expect the continuity. So on Tuesday, you can expect to see calf liver and onions as a plate lunch option, with the usual classic comfort foods offered each day. Catering is offered and Ton's provides food for sports tournaments, as well individuals looking for great comfort food. "Miss Laura," who has worked at Ton's since before Hollie was born,

As much as I personally believe that the former UL-Lafayette head coach is still a talented top football man, “The… The post Florida Gators – Who you Gonna Call Now? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Seth Ransonet joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the third annual NOMAD Music Festival to be held on September 21, 2024 at Warehouse 535. NOMAD is a wholesome music event emphasizing family-friendly values and aiming to promote truth, goodness, and beauty through music. It's mission is to glorify God and inspire people to find their true home, spiritually and emotionally, through the power of music and community. The name "NOMAD" was selected because the event strives to inspire all wanderers to find their true home. A graduate of UL-Lafayette and a theology teacher at Teurlings Catholic High School, Seth Ransonet co-founded the NOMAD Music Festival with Jude Lecompte. The two were roommates when they attended a performance in Houston by Caamp, an American folk band from Ohio, which Seth calls a "top 10" band. They had so much fun it inspired them to start their own music festival here in Lafayette LA. Seth recalled Jude saying, "We need to start an event that's wholesome, family-friendly, and a nice hang out." The young men were 22 and 23 years old at the time of NOMAD's inception. The third annual NOMAD Music Festival will be held on September 21, 11:00 a.m to 9 p.m. at Warehouse 535 in Lafayette, and features a variety of local and visiting artists, providing them with a platform to grow and reach a wider audience. Working to create a vibrant community experience, the event kicks off with a Catholic mass which is open to the people of all faiths. Games for the kids will be provided and anyone who loves dancing is sure to enjoy NOMAD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eLZLYAhwms&t=64s The headliner band is Happy Landing, and NOMAD 2024 also includes artists such as Zach Edwards and the Medicine, Kaleb Oliver, Swampland Stringband, Amis Du Teche, Mia Montero, Crosby & Ellender, Gabe Parsons, and Eden. General admission tickets are $39.99 (with family discounts provided to families attending with their children) and food trucks will be onsite offering meals for purchase. Parking is available onsite. To find out more, visit https://www.nomadmusicfest.com/. Discover Lafayette would like to thank Seth Ransonet, as well as NOMAD co-founder Jude LeCompte, for endeavoring to bring wholesome family entertainment to Acadiana. Seth is now only 24 years old and has taken on not only full-time teaching at Teurlings Catholic High School, but learning entrepreneurship as a festival organizer trying to break even, if not make a profit. An eagle scout who grew up singing Irish folk songs around the campfire, Seth has always been a person of faith who wanted to serve his Catholic church. Best wishes on a successful 2024 NOMAD Music Festival!

Lacey Viator, President, Broussard Chamber of Commerce We are chatting with Lacey about all things Broussard, business, quality of life, and the upcoming Fourth of July events that are coming up! http://www.broussardchamber.net — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

Brandi Ortiz, E.D. at Acadiana Queer Collective and Peyton Rose Michelle, Grand Marshal of Pride Acadiana We are chatting with Brandi and Peyton about AQC's 4th Pride Celebration and 3rd Parade. We will talk about the significance, support, who it's for, and what can people expect from the event. https://www.acadianaqueercollective.o... — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Jeff Landy & Rex Moroux, partners & agents at Scout Real Estate. We will discuss their career into real estate, some of their most notable sales and/or projects, as well as current developments & trends to look out for in the Acadiana area. Check out their website at https://scoutrec.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, The Music Academy of Acadiana, and Electronic Protection Systems. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Lafayette-based tiktoker, Chasity Theriot, who goes by @LadyInTheBathroom or more famously @ladyintgebathroom with “the” misspelled. W will talk about the creators start and her rise to viral fame with brand deals and more. https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyintgebath... https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyinthebath... — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

South Louisiana Community College's ("SoLAcc") Anne Falgout, Director of Strategic Communications, and Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the College's Foundation, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the latest developments at SoLAcc and its recent rebranding. SoLAcc currently offers more than 50 programs, leading to associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates, to almost 12,000 students annually, at its campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The College also offers a wide range of non-credit instruction and training, for careers that need certification training such as power linemen, industrial scaffolding, and commercial driving, which students can complete in under six months. Following an Academic Blueprint prepared five years in advance, SoLAcc endeavors to build educational programs that fit the needs of each community they serve. Many people in our region don't have high school diplomas, and SoLAcc steps up to offer Adult Basic Education Services, assisting individuals in passing the High School Equivalency Exam ("HiSET") which replaced the former GED exam. Students of all ages come to SoLAcc for this program, sometimes after their own children graduate from high school, and are guided by the college counselors to figure out the best way to obtain an appropriate degree while qualifying for grants, loans, and other institutional aid resources to help cover the cost of their education. SoLAcc was awarded the Hunger-Free Campus Award by the Louisiana Board of Regents in 2024. The typical age of a SoLAcc student has declined in recent years, from 27 years of age to 24 years of age today. This is a huge shift in demographics, due to the college's effective outreach program. Additionally, SoLAcc's tuition is on average about 40% less than a tradtional four-year colleges and institutions. Anne Falgout says, "The top issues that come up when we speak with prospective students is affordability and flexibility in classes as they choose which institution to attend. Affordability plus Quality equals Value!" Student Success Live is an in-person new-student orientation that all students take before registering. Guidance on resources and expectations help SoLAcc's retention rate of students. About 3/4 of the college's students are first generation college students and have no frame of reference about what to expect. Many know no one who has gone to college. SoLAcc works to help each student holistically and offers free tutoring at every campus. More than one-half of SoLAcc's students are university bound and find that first obtaining a two-year Associate's degree at the college is the most economical method to earn their credits. SoLAcc partners not only with UL-Lafayette, but also McNeese, Holy Cross, and Nicholls State to offer a 2 + 2 agreement that allows students to seamlessly transfer their credits from the community college to the universities. Lana pointed out that SoLAcc is the largest feeder of students to UL-Lafayette and its graduates start the university ready to excel. The Early College Academy, which is 'baked into SoLAcc's Devalcourt location in Lafayette," is rated in the top 1% of public high schools in Louisiana, and is particularly well-known for its students' math and reading proficiencies. The high school shares faculty with SoLAcc and the benefit of of this dual enrollment program is that students can earn their two-year Associate's Degree while earning their high school diploma. This enables the students to start at a university as a Junior. Many people attend SoLAcc after having graduated from a traditional four-year college and established in a career. As an example close to home, Lana's husband, educated to be a teacher and experienced as a fifteen-year veteran of teaching middle and high school stu...

We are getting to meet the Cajun Mamas, Koa Melancon & Sarah O'Pry, a duo that started to grow in popularity on TikTok and has since expanded into selling their own products at Cajunmamas.com. https://Cajunmamas.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Dave Baker, local Meteorologist who has served over 30 years and has recently started his own Youtube channel to deliver up-to-date weather to viewers. Check it out! Check out the YouTube channel!    / @acadianaweathertoday   — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, and The Music Academy of Acadiana. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Vera Davis, the owner of The Cookie Door and we are talking cookies and business, and the wild business of cookies in Lafayette.   / thecookiedoor   — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, The Music Academy of Acadiana, and Electronic Protection Systems. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Kyler, a native of Lafayette and the founder of Ordr, a food delivery service doing things better in the food delivery space in South Louisiana. https://www.ordrtogo.com — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, The Music Academy of Acadiana, and Electronic Protection Systems. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...

We are chatting with Casey about all the things happening in and around the Cajundome including the 36th annual Cajun Heartland State Fair - May 23-June 2, along with many more events! Check out the website below for more information! https://Cajundome.com/chsf — Find this and past episodes at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... — The Tea Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chase Group Construction, The Music Academy of Acadiana, and Electronic Protection Systems. The Tea Podcast Studio is sponsored in-part by Mire.Group CPAs: https://facebook.com/miregroupcpa?mib...