Claire Childs Headlines Outstanding 40 Under Forty Class

The Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana, a program of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, is pleased to honor Claire Childs as the recipient of the 2022 Award. The award was presented at the 16th Annual 40 Under Forty Awards and Gala by Ochsner LSU Health and held at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino on Dec. 2.

A Shreveport native, Claire graduated from Tulane University and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. Claire worked as a furniture maker before joining Vintage Realty Company in 2016 as a brokerage and leasing agent. Her experience includes brokerage, commercial investment, tenant and landlord representation, leasing, market analysis and valuation. As a landlord’s agent, Claire’s portfolio includes multiple multi-tenant office buildings in the CBD and suburban areas and retail, industrial and land. Claire continues to work with national firms providing site selection.

Claire is an advocate for the arts, accessible education and inclusivity. She currently serves on the boards of Goodwill and the Red River Revel. She has also enjoyed past board roles in YPI, Sci-Port, The Opera Guild and on the Guidance Committee for the Women’s Philanthropy Network.

“Claire has not only found professional success here in Shreveport but has invested her time and talents in giving back to the community in a variety of ways,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “She is a great example to young people in our community, and we are delighted to recognize her for her contributions and accomplishments.”

The 40 Under Forty Awards honor 40 professionals under the age of 40 who have excelled in their careers, education, professional development, community leadership and volunteer efforts. One honoree is chosen from the 40 to receive the Young Professional of the Year Award for exemplary efforts in each category.

2022 40 Under Forty honorees are:

• Shannon Ali, Bossier Parish Schools & Daytime Playtime, LLC

• Billy Anderson, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

• Darlenna Atkins-Davenport, Louisiana State University Shreveport

• Jody J. Bluitt, Williams Financial Advisors - WFA

• Brett Brown, Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana (BRF) - EAP Division

• Nichole Buckle, Carmouche, Bokenfohr, Buckle and Day, PLLC

• Claire Childs, Vintage Realty Company

• Jutorrean Davis, United States District Courts, Western District of Louisiana

• Walton Gaskins, Community Bank of Louisiana

• Dr. Narita Goff, Center for Disease Control Foundation, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Pennsylvania Bureau of Infectious Disease

• Ebony Gourrier, The Department of the Air Force and Defense Health Agency

• Emily Hamann, Social Butterfly Advertising & Design, LLC, American Rose Society

• Tierra Heard, Overton Brooks Veteran Affairs Medical Center

• Jonathan Hodge, H & H Holdings, H & H Field Services, H & H Operating, NWLA Investment Properties

• Brooke Huff, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate / The Brooke Huff Team

• Alonzo P. Jackson Jr., Alonzo P. Jackson Jr., Attorney at Law

• Marie N. Johnson-Watts, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center

• Tricia Jowell, Volunteers of America North Louisiana

• Chase Kauffman, Cadence Bank

• Dr. Jeffrey Kerst, Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry

• Andrea Kimble, Etheredge Industrial Services

• Dr. Justin Lord-Stephens, Louisiana State University - Shreveport (LSUS)

• Erica McCain, Dress for Success Shreveport -Bossier

• Michael Melerine, Seabaugh & Sepulvado, LLC

• Courtney Miller, North Bossier Counseling, CORP

• Elizabeth Miller, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra

• Breunka Moon, Southern University at Shreveport

• Sandra James Page, Esq., The Law Offices of Sandra James Page, LLC.

• John Person, Nelson and Hammons, APLC

• Audrius M. Reed, Audrius M. Reed, Attorney at Law, LLC

• Alexander Richardson, Bossier Arts Council

• Samantha Roberts, LSU Health Sciences Foundation - Shreveport

• Tiffany Sandifer, Bossier Parish Community College

• Benjamin Simmons, Youree Drive Middle School, Shreveport Security Systems

• Sarah Wilkes Thompson, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

• Jenny Traweek, Benton Middle School

• Dr. Tamna Wangjam, MD, LSU Health Shreveport

• Lt. Col. Vanessa Wilcox, Unites States Air Force

• Dr. Cassie Williams, Louisiana State University Shreveport

• Laura Woodham, Ochsner LSU Health

YPI exists to create a network of community leaders under the age of 40 to enhance the development of Northwest Louisiana for the attraction and retention of young professionals in our region. YPI is proud of the role we play in the economic development of Northwest Louisiana.