Melissa is the only Certified Facilitator of The Daring Way™ in the Acadiana area, an approach based on the shame-resilience research of Brené Brown. She has a solo counseling private practice in Lafayette, LA, where she also supervises counselor interns working toward licensure. Melissa has worked with GlaskoSmithKline, KADN TV15, The United Way of Acadiana, and New Iberia Chamber of Commerce, among others.  

She is a Nola native and proud graduate of The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (and USL). She lives in Lafayette with her husband, Kody, a few cats and some ducks. Yes, ducks.

For information on her workshops that are open to the public, visit her website at www.theauthenticitycenter.com

I help businesses and individuals define their vision for success and lead the way through personal and professional development. Let’s Find Your Way!

Keesha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2006 and in 2020, she returned to obtain a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in project management to assist her in the navigation of c-suite management. She’s a registered and certified nonprofit consultant (CNC) through the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives.

She has been instrumental in the implementation of new business operating models both locally and nationally. She has assisted and equipped organizations to reach revenue goals, measure impact, onboard management teams, and develop cohesive strategic plans. Recognizing that people and businesses have different, varying needs, Keesha is a strong proponent of personalized plans, bringing light to issues, and creating a path to success with realistic solutions and strategies for the business and individual. In 2022, Keesha founded Beacon of Light to provide essential professional services that would assist people and organizations in fulfilling their missions and reaching their goals.

For information on her workshops that are open to the public, visit her website at www.beaconoflightla.com

I've found my calling in helping professionals find their  voice and turn big goals into reality. 

Rob Kirkpatrick, owner of KirkpatrickBrands, specializes in consulting senior leadership and helping them to conquer business development mid-funnel through sales enablement training. He has spent time at notable companies such as CNN Newsource, FOX Television Stations, Townsquare Media, Airspace Technologies and Lafayette-based Stuller. Through a combination of proven marketing and communications tactics, Rob is helping companies make tangible changes in their sales process. He is a sought after business consultant working with organizations from startup to global success and everywhere in between. KirkpatrickBrands is a passion project that has kept him in touch with the local business community and navigate specific issues facing Louisiana Businesses. 

For information on his speaking and consulting services, visit his website at kirkpatrickbrands.com

Dr. Mechelle Roberthon’s background includes facilitating various workplace culture topics, adult learner engagement, learning management system administration, improving internal performance workflows, and establishing collaborative work relationships. She is also an experienced career and professional development instructor. You can often find Mechelle presenting at a conference, workshop, guest featuring on a podcast, teaching a college course, serving on a panel, or assisting companies from within their infrastructure.

I received my Doctor of Education degree in Learning and Organizational change from THE Baylor University (Sic em’ bears). I’m a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), a Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT), a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and a keynote and workshop speaker. My background includes, but is not limited to, curating signature internal learning experiences, leveraging adult learning principles for learner engagement and retention, learning management systems, facilitating and evaluating learning experiences, improving internal performance workflows, and establishing collaborative relationships with executive and senior leaders. 

For information on her talent development services, visit her website at drmechellerob.com​​​

Carrie Rickert is the author of Trauma is a Catalyst, a speaker, a consultant, and creator and host of the podcast Transformational Trauma and Healing. Her main goal, in all aspects of her work, is to use her experience to help others. Carrie has examined her own life, post-trauma, and wondered, Now what? Through a lot of determination and resilience, she has created the life she wants to live (or is at least working toward it).

Carrie’s true passion is in helping other navigate their own murky waters to provide support when it seems like there is no road map. She does this through public speaking, writing, and her consultancy practice. Carrie has a BS in clinical psychology from Towson University and an MFS in forensic sciences from George Washington University. She lives in Stevensville, MD, with her two children - Simon and Alli - the family’s two dogs - Holly and Grover - plus Milly the hamster. 

I received my Doctor of Education degree in Learning and Organizational change from THE Baylor University (Sic em’ bears). I’m a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), a Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT), a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and a keynote and workshop speaker. My background includes, but is not limited to, curating signature internal learning experiences, leveraging adult learning principles for learner engagement and retention, learning management systems, facilitating and evaluating learning experiences, improving internal performance workflows, and establishing collaborative relationships with executive and senior leaders. 

For information on her consulting and speaking services, visit her website at www.carrierickert.com

Jaci Russo, P.C.M., is a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving growth and exceeding expectations. As the co-founder and CEO of brandRUSSO, a strategic branding agency headquartered in Lafayette, LA, Jaci has been instrumental in establishing the company's reputation for excellence in delivering reliable and high-quality results.

Russo's career took off after joining Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, CA. Later, while working with media mogul Barry Diller, she played a pivotal role in shaping the brands of major entities such as the Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, and USA Network. However, in 2001, Jaci set her sights on a new horizon, determined to create something uniquely her own, and that's when she co-founded brandRUSSO.

Beyond the boardroom, Jaci is a published author and highly respected speaker on branding and marketing. With over two decades of experience as a Brand Strategist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic perspective to her topics, speaking from a rich reservoir of personal insight. This experience led her to create Brand State U, an accessible online learning platform for small businesses and DIY marketers. Jaci also conducts Brand Builder Workshops and produces brandRUSSO's Razor Branding blog and podcast, offering guidance in today's marketplace. 

Jaci holds a Professional Certified Marketer (P.C.M.) designation from the American Marketing Association, is a graduate of Leadership LA, has successfully completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, and serves as a Brand Consultant for the Edward Lowe Foundation. However, beyond her remarkable credentials, what truly sets her apart is her exceptional leadership style.

At brandRusso, Jaci fosters a culture of collaboration where fresh ideas and creative solutions thrive. Her dedication to education, equal opportunity, and economic empowerment extends beyond her professional life, positioning her as a community leader who inspires others. It's no wonder she's been inducted into the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. 

As an active community leader, Jaci actively volunteers with civic organizations and nonprofits, exemplifying her commitment to making a meaningful difference both professionally and personally.