Twenty-three individuals graduated from the 2025 Class of Cenla Boardbuilders, a program designed to cultivate emerging leaders for service on boards of local nonprofit organizations. Administered by The Rapides Foundation’s Community Development Works program, Cenla Boardbuilders equips participants with the critical knowledge, skills and resources needed to effectively contribute to the nonprofit sector.

The program’s mission is twofold: to enhance the capacity of nonprofit boards and to inspire a new generation of committed leaders. Open to professionals identified by their employers as up-and-coming leaders, newly seated nonprofit board members, and individuals seeking higher-level volunteer opportunities, Cenla Boardbuilders offers tailored experiences to meet participants where they are in their leadership journey.

Graduates choose between two tracks to customize their learning experience. Track I is designed for newly seated board members with limited service experience, offering essential training for their roles. Track II caters to individuals without prior board service, combining foundational training with opportunities to connect with local nonprofits seeking energetic and passionate leaders.

The 2025 program, which ran from August through October, covered a comprehensive curriculum that included sessions on the Nature of Nonprofit Boards & Responsibilities, Fund Development, Fiduciary Responsibilities, and Leadership. Additionally, the program featured a networking lunch and recruitment session where Track II participants and nonprofit leaders came together to explore mutual interests. These connections enabled participants to align their passions with nonprofit missions and provided organizations with fresh perspectives and dynamic potential board members.

Dr. Heather Poole, the new Chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College, commended the graduates for their dedication and commitment to board service.

“Never underestimate your influence. You may think you’re just one vote, one voice in the room. But when that voice speaks with conviction, it can move mountains,” Poole said. “Congratulations, graduates – and welcome to leadership.”

Graduate Michelle LaFleur, owner/manager of Candid Builders in Allen Parish, talked about her experience with the Class of 2025: “This program has given me clarity, confidence and the tools to serve effectively. When you find something you’re passionate about, step into it confidently. You don’t have to know everything. You just have to be willing to learn.”

To date, nearly 300 individuals have completed the Cenla Boardbuilders program.

The 2025 graduates are:

Track I: Currently serving on a board

• Chundra Daniels, Lily of the Valley Ministries
• Lisa Delaney, Seeds 4 Trees
• Melba Gauthier, Lily of the Valley Ministries
• Gary Hughes, Lily of the Valley Ministries
• Kasey Renois, Lily of the Valley Ministries
• Octavia Williams, Lily of the Valley Ministries

Track II: Seeking board service

• Madelyn Brumfield, Engage Federal Credit Union
• Laurie Draper, Elevation Therapy LLC
• Lauren Forester, Elevation Therapy LLC
• Leslie Gruesbeck, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
• Steven Gruesbeck, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
• Kevondra Harris, Kays Kleaning A Pure Path to Tranquility
• Amanda Henderson, Red River Bank
• Michelle LaFleur, Candid Builders
• Jennifer McWaters, The Josephine Weddings & Events
• Robyn Morgan, Southern Heritage Bank
• Randall Racine, Red River Youth Football League
• Erin Ranel, Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson
• Crissy Shirley, Ameriprise Financial
• Scott Stuckey, Woodforest National Bank
• Jacob Voiselle, Subterra Technologies
• Caitlyn Watkins, Cleco
• Travis Worley, Bolton Holmes