CHALMETTE, La. (press release) – Building a strong community starts with investing in our future leaders. The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Professional Network in partnership with St. Bernard Parish Schools is doing just that through its biannual mentorship event at Chalmette High School, where local professional women help female students develop confidence, communication skills, and the soft skills they’ll need to succeed beyond the classroom.
This semester’s session brought together accomplished women from across the community, representing a diverse range of industries—from healthcare and finance to entrepreneurship and public service. The morning kicked off on a high note with a delicious breakfast, courtesy of St. Bernard Parish Schools, setting the stage for an inspiring session.
The mentors led discussions centered around four key topics: networking and personal relationships, leadership and overcoming challenges, career exploration, and financial literacy. In an interactive format, mentors rotated between dynamic 12-minute breakout sessions, allowing students to gain valuable insights and real-world advice from multiple professionals. The small-group setting encouraged open conversations, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, receive personalized guidance, and build meaningful connections.
For the students, this event was more than just a learning experience—it was a chance to see what’s possible. They left with new perspectives on career paths they may have never considered, strategies for tackling obstacles with confidence, and practical knowledge about managing finances and building professional relationships. More than anything, they saw firsthand that successful women in their own community are ready to support and guide them as they prepare for their next steps.
This session’s mentors included:
• Chandler Adams – Marketing and Communications Manager, St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce
• Muriel Altikriti – Owner, Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou & Movers & Shakers
• Erin Bigner – Pageant Director, Louisiana Crawfish Festival / Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals
• Samantha DaLuz – Director of Academic Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships, Nunez Community College
• Tracy Duplantier – National Practice Area Specialist, Lexis Nexis
• Lisa Laird – Chief Executive Officer, Nola Persistence
• Cherie’ Kay LaRocca – Vice Chancellor for Education, Training and Student Success, Nunez Community College
• Katherine Lemoine – Associate Vice Chancellor, Nunez Community College
• Lauren Maupin – Director of Public Relations, St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District
• Michelle McElveen – Community Outreach Coordinator, Ochsner Health St. Bernard Parish Hospital
• Jamie Richardson – CEO/Executive Director, Community Center of St. Bernard
• Angie Roy – Branch Manager, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Co.
• Dawn Russell – Branch Manager, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Co.
• Erin Schott – Owner/Founder, Grow Greenfingers, LLC
• Lara Schultz – Realtor, Reve Realtors
• Cydne Shipley – Development Director, Boys Hope Girls Hope New Orleans
• Renea Sullivan – Lab Supervisor, Valero Meraux Refining
• Kaitlin Tighe – Senior Reliability Engineer, Valero Meraux Refinery
• Brenna Zaccaria – Business Owner, Speech Language Pathologist, Connectabilities Therapy Center
“The WPN Mentoring Session at Chalmette High is truly one of my favorite events. It’s an honor to meet and guide these incredible young ladies, and witnessing so many mentors come together in one room to support and uplift them is incredibly powerful.” Said Jamie Richardson, the Co-Chair of the WPN Committee.
Special thanks are extended to St. Bernard Parish Schools and Chalmette High for their continued partnership in making these mentoring sessions possible. Through this initiative, the Women’s Professional Network and the St. Bernard Chamber are committed to preparing young women for success by equipping them with the skills and relationships that will serve them for years to come. This event is more than mentorship—it’s a community-driven effort to uplift and empower the next generation.
For more information about the Women’s Professional Network and other initiatives by the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, visit stbernardchamber.org.
About the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce – The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests while advancing their community. Our mission is driven by the programs, events, and initiatives we provide to the community. With a network of over 270 members representing over 2,250 employees, the St. Bernard Chamber is a driving force in the St. Bernard business community.
Through annual programming, the Chamber provides ongoing opportunities to St. Bernard and the surrounding region to network, advocate on behalf of business, and develop professional and leadership skillsets that enhance our local business environment.
The Chamber’s work is made possible through our 2025 Annual Sponsors: Chalmette Refining, the Port of New Orleans, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, the St. Bernard Parish Government, and Valero at the Parish Pillar level; The Ranch and Associated Terminals at the Commerce Partner level; Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, and Clements Insurance at the Business Advocate level;, Atmos Energy, Ordes Electric, Rain CII, EMR Metal Recycling, Fredrick J. Sigur Investment Company, Richie Lewis Councilman at Large West, SSE Steel Fabrication and Hancock Whitney at the Chamber Supporter level.
