Annual Young Professional Initiative event to recognize top honorees

It’s not as if Victor L. Thomas doesn’t have enough on his plate.

He is Southern University of Shreveport’s online/distance learning coordinator. Thomas is also a Caddo Parish commissioner. And since January, Thomas has been working as chairperson of the Young Professional Initiative’s (YPI) 40 Under Forty Awards Gala.

The 40 Under Forty finalists will be recognized Friday, Dec. 6, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport. Tickets to the 6 p.m. event include a plated dinner.

“40 Under Forty showcases to the community the young people who are out there doing the work,” Thomas said. “It makes people aware of their initiatives, and the work they’re doing, so we can all collaborate.”

As part of his duties, Thomas assembled a group of judges to sort through the initial 40 Under Forty nominations, which were 200 in number. Several people were nominated more than once, which left judges with 140 people to consider. Forty of them made the cut, and one will be recognized as the top honoree during this year’s awards gala. They will be presented their award by last year’s winner, State Senator Thomas Pressly.

“Everyone who applies does really great work,” Thomas said. “We gave consideration to additional efforts that a person makes in the community. For instance, if I’m the top Realtor in the state, that’s great, but what else am I doing outside my profession? How am I giving back to the community?” And why is that important? “We’re the future of our community,” Thomas explained. “The more we can network and build together and establish those relationships, that’s going to allow us to more successfully continue our efforts and make a greater impact. You can do so much more together than separate.”

The YPI 40 Under Forty program is supported by the Greater Shreveport Chamber. The Chamber’s rules require a person nominated to be 21-40 years old. That person had to have made an impact on his or her company or community. He or she must show the potential to be a leader in business, politics and/or the community during the next decade. That person must also live and work in northwest Louisiana.

This year’s class is diverse, with 40 Under Forty professionals working in fields such as nonprofit, education, oil and gas, entertainment and mental health.

“40 Under Forty is an opportunity for us to showcase young professionals who are leading and shaping the future of their specific industries,” Thomas said. “We take a wide variety of submissions and applications, which cover a broad spectrum of different business sectors.”

Thomas knows what it takes to be included in a 40 Under Forty class. He was a member in 2021.

“Their dedication, passion and trailblazing accomplishments are truly inspiring,” Thomas said. “I am beyond excited to work with this group of dynamic individuals. I look forward to seeing how they will continue to drive change and make an impact in our community. Their collective contributions will undoubtedly influence the next generation of leaders.”

In addition to planning the awards gala, Thomas also oversaw an event where the class was announced. But there’s more.

“We have a 40 Under Forty reunion, in which we get everyone from all the years and all the classes together. It’s pretty much a networking event.”

There’s also a party where the cover of 318 Forum will be revealed, highlighting the 40 Under Forty class.

To learn more about YPI 40 Under Forty, you may visit https://www.shreveportchamber.org/young-professionalsinitiative/.