Stories
Read updates from program participants, learn about our community collaboration and stay updated on the latest Leadership Institute of Acadiana news.
Legacy In Action Spotlight: Diogo P.F. Tavares, DEL, MBA, earns Doctorate of Executive Leadership
LIA Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and Ignite Leadership Award Honorees
The Leadership Institute of Acadiana (LIA) proudly announced its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Leadership Award and Ignite Leadership Award honorees during the organization’s Annual Meeting held at City Club in River Ranch on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This year’s...
Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIX Co-Chairs Announced
Born and raised in New Iberia, Billy Hobbs has always been a natural at building relationships. So, it’s no surprise he landed in a career centered around people. Billy obtained a bachelor’s degree in public relations with concentrations in visual arts and business...
LIA Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumnus and Ignite Leadership Award Honorees
Lafayette, LA – On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Leadership Institute of Acadiana announced Ruben D. Henderson, III as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Leadership Award. This award is bestowed on Leadership Lafayette alumni whose professional and civic...
Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVIII Co-Chairs Announced
Born and raised in New Iberia, Billy Hobbs has always been a natural at building relationships. So, it’s no surprise he landed in a career centered around people. Billy obtained a bachelor’s degree in public relations with concentrations in visual arts and business...
LIA Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumnus and Ignite Leadership Award Honorees
Lafayette, LA – On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Leadership Institute of Acadiana announced Marshall Reggie Thomas as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Leadership Award. This award is bestowed on Leadership Lafayette alumni whose professional and civic...
Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVII Co-Chairs Announced
Rachel Holland is the Director of Development and Planning for the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority, where she oversees the organization's long-term planning, public space development, research and analysis, and policy initiatives. After having worked in both...
Announcing: AVA & LIA Collaboration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2023 AVA and LIA Collaborate to Connect Veterans with Free Leadership Development & Training Opportunities Lafayette, LA – On Monday, March 27, 2023, Acadiana Veteran...
LIA Announces 2023 Distinguished Alumnus and Ignite Leadership Award Honorees
Lafayette, LA – On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Leadership Institute of Acadiana announced Robert Eddy, Jr., Managing Partner of Pinnacle Group, as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Leadership Award. This award is bestowed on alumni whose professional and...
Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVI Co-Chairs Announced
Mary Farmer-Kaiser is the Dean of the Graduate School and a Professor of History at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She grew up in Kansas and moved to Louisiana in 2000 by way of Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio. When she moved to Lafayette she did expect...
Insights from Acadiana’s leaders, available anytime.
Explore LIA’s podcast archive to hear conversations with leaders who have helped shape our region. Listen to a preview below and access full episodes HERE.