Verni Howard,
Greater Shreveport
Chamber
Business Development
Connection, President

Tom Simms,
Greater Shreveport
Chamber
Chairman of the Board

Leadership Award Luncheon To Celebrate Honorees

The Greater Shreveport Chamber is proud to host the Leadership Award Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 11:30 a.m. Presented by Ochsner LSU Health, this signature event will once again take place at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, where our community will gather to honor an extraordinary group of leaders whose influence, vision and service embody the very spirit of ATHENA.

Each of this year’s honorees has demonstrated exceptional leadership, breaking barriers and building bridges that elevate not only women but the entire Northwest Louisiana community. They join a global sisterhood of more than 8,200 recipients across 500+ regions, 48 states and 11 countries, all united by a shared commitment to inspire, empower and transform.

Founded more than four decades ago by Martha Mertz, ATHENA International was created on the belief that when women’s leadership is recognized, it cannot be denied. Supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Mertz and her colleagues identified the shared traits of women leaders: a collaborative, inclusive and visionary style of leadership. From this research, the ATHENA Leadership Model was born, a framework that continues to guide and celebrate leaders worldwide.

Today, the ATHENA stands as a beacon of progress and possibility. Its honorees remind us that when women rise, communities thrive, and the barriers that once confined potential can indeed be shattered.

The 2025 class of honorees embodies the enduring ATHENA legacy, each bringing their own remarkable contributions to leadership and community. During the luncheon, one will be selected as the 57th ATHENA International Leadership Award Recipient for our area. This distinction represents the pinnacle of mentorship, vision and service drawn from a field of truly exceptional individuals.

We invite the entire community to join us for this celebration. For event details and ticket information, please scan the QR Code.

Meet the 2025 Honorees

Kimberly Anderson

Kimberly Anderson

Kimberly Anderson is the regional director of sales for Lotus Hospitality, where she has thrived for eight years. With a passion for hospitality, she finds purpose in creating meaningful guest experiences and building connections that leave lasting impressions. A dedicated advocate for empowering women, Kimberly leads with compassion and strength, consistently striving to uplift others in her industry.

Beyond the world of hospitality — and in a galaxy far, far away—Kimberly is active in the 501st Legion, a global “Star Wars” costuming organization known for charitable outreach and community service. In 2025, she made history as the first female Commanding Officer of Louisiana’s Bast Alpha Garrison, a milestone that highlights her commitment to service, leadership and representation.

Carlotta Askew-Brown

Carlotta Askew-Brown

Carlotta Askew-Brown is a distinguished civic leader originally from Memphis, Tenn., who has proudly called Bossier home for the past 17 years. She holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. She serves as executive director of the Bossier City–Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission, where she leads efforts to build a more sustainable, connected and thriving community.

In addition to shaping the city’s future, Carlotta is deeply committed to helping young women realize their full leadership potential. Through mentorship and community engagement, she fosters vision, integrity and creativity in the next generation of leaders. Her dedication reflects a steadfast belief that strong communities are built not only through planning and policy, but also by investing in people and their growth.

Sonja Bailes-Bain

Sonja Bailes-Bain

“It is good to be blessed, but better to be a blessing.” This quote, painted boldly across her office wall, captures how Sonja Bailes strives to live each day — professionally, personally and in the community.

For the past 14 years, Sonja has served as communications and media officer at Bossier Schools, where she uses her gifts as a communicator and relationship builder to elevate educators, spotlight student successes and inspire change. She especially finds purpose and passion in modeling the importance of community service and mentorship, often intertwining her professional role with that of a champion for volunteerism and developing young women’s leadership abilities. For Sonja, every day presents the opportunity to lift others so they can carry the torch forward.

Lindora L. Baker

Lindora L. Baker

Lindora Baker serves as president and CEO of Xtreme Measures Women Business Center, where she shares her wealth of experience to help men and women launch new ventures and expand existing businesses. Previously, she was the statewide training coordinator for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), where she provided consulting and entrepreneurship training across the state.

Her 12-year tenure with the Caddo Parish Commission allowed her to strengthen business and community development by creating partnerships with state and national organizations to achieve shared goals. Currently, Lindora serves as regional representative for Congressman Cleo Fields, District 6, where she continues her lifelong commitment to serving the community and addressing both public and private needs.

Andrea Danielle Blair

Andrea Danielle Blair

Andrea Blair is a dedicated career counselor at Shreveport Job Corps Center, where she empowers young women and men through education and career readiness. A Tucson, Ariz., native now living in Ruston, La., she holds both a B.S. and M.S. in criminal justice as well as an M.S. in sports administration from Grambling State University. Andrea strives for excellence in every area of her life, consistently pushing beyond expectations to deliver outstanding results.

She actively serves through Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Iota Sweethearts Inc., supporting initiatives such as Project Cradle Care, human trafficking awareness, domestic violence prevention and promoting mental health and self-care for women. A devoted wife and mother of three, Andrea exemplifies service, leadership and professional growth.

LaCurtria Clay

LaCurtria Clay

LaCurtria Clay, a proud native of Leesville, La., has dedicated more than 22 years to education, shaping lives with both structure and soul. A graduate of Grambling State and Northwestern State universities, she has served as a teacher, mentor and leader with an unwavering commitment to student success.

Currently the assistant principal at Pathways in Education, LaCurtria leads with integrity, compassion and a deep belief in the transformative power of learning. She has worked closely with young adult students, helping them not only set goals but achieve them. Beyond the workday, she makes it her mission to instill confidence, discipline, leadership skills and a strong work ethic in countless young adults. With grit and grace, she exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and proves that purpose only grows stronger with time.

Dr. Shonda Ford

Dr. Shonda Ford

Dr. Shonda Ford is a 29-year veteran educator who currently serves as executive director and principal of AMIkids Caddo in Shreveport, La. She leads innovative academic and behavioral programs for at-risk youth and directs comprehensive workforce development initiatives for students ages 14–21. Under her leadership, AMIkids Caddo achieved Exemplar Alternative status from the Louisiana Department of Education, placing it among the top 10 alternative schools in the state.

Dr. Ford actively partners with local businesses, training organizations and community leaders to create job-ready pathways that change lives. She is also a dedicated mentor to emerging women leaders, an advocate for inclusive learning environments and a contributor to numerous nonprofits and civic improvement projects. Her legacy reflects compassion, resilience and transformative leadership, empowering individuals to thrive in school, career and life.

Tricia Webb Grayson

Tricia Webb Grayson

Tricia Webb Grayson is a native and longtime resident of the Shreveport-Bossier area, where she lives with her husband and two children. As director of marketing at Heard, McElroy & Vestal, she brings nearly 30 years of communications experience, beginning her career as a reporter at KWKH. Her professional journey spans nonprofits to Fortune 500 health care organizations, always with a focus on meaningful impact.

Tricia is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and accountability, both professionally and personally. She holds Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and mentors future leaders as PRAL Northwest’s Accreditation Chair. Deeply committed to environmental and beautification efforts, she generously devotes her time to initiatives that strengthen and connect the community she proudly calls home.

Kristina B. Gustavson

Kristina B. Gustavson

Kristina Gustavson has served as CEO of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNLA) since 2018. Under her leadership, CFNLA manages more than $200 million in assets for the benefit of North Louisiana and has awarded over $150 million in grant funds to local nonprofits since its founding in 1961. Kristi was instrumental in identifying the community need for high-quality early child care and launched the ECE scholarship initiative, which has leveraged more than $25 million since 2021.

Growing female philanthropic leaders is central to Kristi’s work. She and her team lead the Women’s Philanthropy Network, a giving circle of women who pool their resources, time and talent to make effective grants. Her team also mentors female nonprofit employees, supporting capacity building, grant writing and community problem-solving.

Jennifer Dean Hemmings

Jennifer Dean Hemmings

Jennifer Hemmings actively seeks opportunities to connect her team with volunteer initiatives, helping to fill gaps where extra hands are needed. She has served as a Shreveport Chamber Diplomat for more than a decade and recently contributed to the inaugural Shreveport Youth Leadership program. A founding board member of Geaux 4 Kids, she is also an avid volunteer with the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, The Salvation Army, United Way, Mudbug Madness, Geaux Bags, Christian Services and many other organizations.

Her ongoing mission is to ensure that when people think of Origin Bank, they think not only of exceptional banking services but also of a dedicated partner that invests in and serves the community.

Allison Mayfield

Allison Mayfield

Allison Mayfield is an adapted physical education specialist in Caddo Parish Schools, where she enjoys working with special needs students. She has served in the district for five years and was named APE Teacher of the Year for Louisiana in 2018. Allison earned her Master of Education from Northwestern State University in 2003 and has been married to her husband, Eddie, for 25 years. They have one daughter, Kinsley, a first-year student at C.E. Byrd High School.

Beyond the classroom, Allison mentors youth through running programs, volunteers with Young Life and Ainsley’s Angels of America, and serves on multiple community boards. An active runner in the Shreveport-Bossier area, she inspires young women through leadership, service and a commitment to others.

Shelli Briery Murphy

Shelli Briery Murphy

Shelli Briery Murphy is the powerhouse behind advertising and public relations at Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, where she blends bold creativity with strategic vision. A driving force in the launch of the Bossier City resort, Shelli’s career spans local TV news and casino marketing, earning her a reputation as a connector, innovator and changemaker.

Known for crafting campaigns that resonate and building partnerships that matter, she uplifts voices, sparks momentum and celebrates the vibrant spirit of Shreveport-Bossier. Shelli leads with both heart and hustle, embodying servant leadership while using her platform to empower others and amplify community pride.

Ruth Moseley Norton

Ruth Moseley Norton

Ruth Moseley Norton is a partner at Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC, after founding and leading Norton & Associates CPAs, LLC for 25 years. A Certified Public Accountant with the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential, she is widely recognized for her expertise in tax, consulting and litigation services. Ruth has served as chair of the Louisiana Society of CPAs Forensics, Valuation, and Litigation Services Committee and continues to champion excellence in her profession as an AICPA CFF Champion.

She also serves on the boards of the R.W. Norton Art Foundation and Friends of Safety Town and is a former board member of The Robinson Film Center. A past volunteer EMT and youth softball coach, Ruth is committed to mentoring future leaders and advancing women in business.

Tonja L. Whitaker Prudhomme

Tonja L. Whitaker Prudhomme

Tonja Whitaker Prudhomme is the department chair of the Organizational Management Program at Wiley University. She brings more than 16 years of experience with TRiO Educational Talent Search, where she served as both director and student advisor. Tonja has also taught as a business adjunct professor and is currently pursuing her doctorate in business management.

A recognized college readiness and etiquette skills expert, she has guided more than 900 students in preparing for college and developing essential life skills. She is also the founder of The Etiquette and Leadership Academy, where she mentors underprivileged youth toward academic and professional success. Her dedication to education and service has earned her honors, including KOKA’s 50 Over 50, Emerging Business of the Year and recognition from the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program.

Britney Lane Ratcliff

Britney Lane Ratcliff

Britney Ratcliff is the director of human resources at Metro Aviation in Shreveport, where she leads HR strategy supporting nearly 1,200 employees nationwide. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and administration and an MBA in human resources from LSU-Shreveport and was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 professional in 2021. A past NWLA SHRM president, Britney remains an active member of national SHRM and advocates for continued HR excellence across industries.

Passionate about mentorship, she guides transitioning service members and early-career women in aviation through resume coaching, career advice and leadership development. Britney is happily married to her high school sweetheart and is the proud mom of two sons. Her initiative, creativity and service embody the spirit of the ATHENA Award.

Dr. Kristy Waltman

Dr. Kristy Waltman

Dr. Kristy Waltman has dedicated 27 years to advancing women’s health as a distinguished OB-GYN. Throughout her remarkable career, she has delivered thousands of babies and now experiences the privilege of delivering children for the women she once brought into the world, a testament to her lasting impact on families across generations.

Her expertise extends beyond obstetrics to comprehensive menopause care, where she actively supports women through this important life transition. Dr. Waltman made history in 2018 as the first female chief of staff at Willis Knighton Health and currently serves as vice chief of staff at St. Mary’s Medical Center. She also volunteered as medical director for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Shreveport for 15 years, reflecting her unwavering commitment to women’s health care at every stage of life.