Each year, the Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Young Professional Initiative highlights 40 of our region’s most dynamic and accomplished young professionals who are engaged in our community in business, family and service.

For almost 100 years, Willis-Knighton has been responding to the health care needs of the local community. But that commitment extends beyond health care. A commitment to its neighbors – especially underserved, minority neighborhoods – is evident.

Shreveport-Bossier City is home to a wide range of men excelling in various professions within the business community. From attorneys to financial advisors to realtors, pharmacy owners to physicians and dentists, and grocers to farmers these individuals contribute significantly to the region's economic growth and development.

“When I took over the administration of juvenile court, the school system was arresting thousands of kids for fights and sending them to juvenile detention,” he said during our lunch on the patio at Ki’ Mexico. “That’s part of the reason we’re overcrowded.

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.