Leadership Institute of Acadiana Unveils Leadership Lafayette ’26
LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – The Leadership Institute of Acadiana announced its Leadership Lafayette cohort for 2026, culminating the 39th year of the program.
“Leadership Lafayette continues to serve as a powerful space for leaders to gain perspective and grow alongside peers who are equally committed to the future of Acadiana,” said Lindsey Faulk, executive director of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana.
The leaders were selected from unique backgrounds in the business, civic, education and non-profit sectors. These individuals will be supported on their leadership journey by two Program Co-Chairs: Billy Hobbs, CEO of BWPR (Class XXXVII) and Dianne Trim, Founder of Trimline Strategies (Class XXXVIII).
The 2026 class of Leadership Lafayette, Class XXXIX, consists of 27 individuals seeking to better the Lafayette community and beyond.
Leadership Lafayette 2026
- Stacey Bello – FlyGuys, Inc.
- Sydney Bianchini – Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
- Landon Boudreaux – SLEMCO
- Sarah Brasseaux – Imperian
- Cassidy Broussard – CGI
- Ali Chapman – Thoughtful Growth Marketing
- Nicolette M. Darjean – CGI
- JaWand E. Edwards-Morris – JaWand Morris Coaching
- Taylor Elliott – Basin Arts
- Jason Emert – Jones Walker LLP
- Jared Eubanks – United Vision Logistics
- Ryan Farnell – Dupre Logistics LLC
- Shelly Fontenot – St. Landry Bank & Trust Company
- Rachael Hood – Moloco
- JoElle Judice – Downtown Lafayette Unlimited
- Hannah Lafleur – Ochsner Lafayette General
- Jacob Landry – Unitech Training Academy
- Katelyn LeBlanc – JD Bank
- Timothy Miguez – Wayground
- Stacy Mistric – Hospice of Acadiana
- Melissa Penny – Acadiana Center for the Arts
- Sharioka Phills – SCP Health
- Taylor Robinson – Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
- Lacey Simon – BioMarin Pharmaceutical
- Taylor Wallace – Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School
- Kristi Waltrip – Unitech Training Academy
- Kristen Wesley – Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
Leadership Lafayette, established in 1987, is dedicated to equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to excel in leadership roles throughout the community and beyond.
“Through the program, participants deepen their understanding of the forces shaping our region, build fresh perspectives and strong relationships and develop a greater sense of responsibility to lead with intention and long-term impact,” said Faulk.
The program curriculum of Leadership Lafayette addresses vital topics, including education, local and state government, economic development, arts and culture and community needs.
Graduates emerge from the program equipped with firsthand insights into the region’s challenges and the potential for meaningful civic involvement.
The Leadership Institute of Acadiana invites those interested to its Annual Meeting on Feb. 10 at City Club at River Ranch, where Class XXXIX will be highlighted, and 2025 organizational accomplishments will be celebrated.
Registration is available at leadacadiana.org. Individual tickets or tables of 8 are available for purchase.
