Carla Buntyn is a Shreveport native. She received her Bachelor of Business Management with a minor in business administration, a Master of Human Services, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice. Carla identified the urgency of needs for individuals who desired a second chance at success in the community and, in 2013, founded Compassion for Lives.

Each year the Business Development Connection of the Greater Shreveport Chamber celebrates outstanding business owners and professionals who are making a difference in our community through the Minority Business Opportunity Awards, presented by Willis-Knighton Health System.

She graduated from Caddo Magnet High School in 1994 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in 1999. Connie is a senior administrative assistant at JPMorgan Chase, supporting three executive directors and assisting 49 retail branches and 400 employees.