YPI - Young Professionals Initiative

05/29/2026

:::YPI Board Member Spotlight:::
Demetria Gilliam is a results-driven leader and board member of the Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana, known for her grit, vision, and ability to turn ideas into impact. As YPI’s Social Media Co-Chair, she plays a key role in keeping the community connected—amplifying service opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking events that empower young professionals across the area. Originally from Long Island, New York, Demetria made Shreveport-Bossier home in 2007 and has since become deeply rooted in the community. She earned her degree in Business Administration from LSU Shreveport, laying the foundation for her career in leadership and operations.

Professionally, Demetria serves as Intake Supervisor at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, where she leads and optimizes the intake team and drives community engagement efforts. She is known for her ability to build meaningful partnerships and execute initiatives that deliver real value both inside and outside the firm.

Her commitment to service extends well beyond YPI. Demetria serves as Public Service Chair for the American Advertising Federation of Shreveport-Bossier, Treasurer for the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, and a board member for the Fuller Center for Housing. She is also actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Louisiana and Junior League, contributing to impactful initiatives such as the King Cake Classic 5K.

Above all, Demetria is most proud of her role as a mother to two teenagers, whom she is already inspiring to lead through service and community involvement.

Driven by purpose and grounded in integrity, Demetria is dedicated to strengthening her community and leaving a lasting legacy through leadership and action.

05/28/2026

Thank you to The Arc Caddo-Bossier for including YPI in such a meaningful Reading is Fundamental event at Goldman School! 📚💙 We truly enjoyed spending time with the students and supporting an initiative that encourages literacy, learning, and community connection. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it!

05/27/2026

📚✨ Quarter 2 Reading is Fundamental Recap ✨📚
YPI was honored to partner with The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School & Child Development Centers at the Jordan Street Campus for this quarter’s Reading is Fundamental event! ❤️

This quarter’s theme, “Everyone Is an All-Star!” brought so much joy, excitement, and encouragement to the students and educators we had the privilege of spending time with. From reading engaging stories to sharing smiles and laughter, the experience was truly meaningful for everyone involved. ⭐🏆

We are grateful to The Arc Caddo-Bossier team for the warm welcome and for the incredible work they do every day to support children and families in our community. Thank you for allowing YPI to be a part of such a special initiative that promotes literacy, learning, and connection. 📖💙

A special thank you to the staff, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event a success. We look forward to continuing to support programs that inspire and empower our youth!

05/26/2026

This past weekend, a few of our YPI members had the opportunity to volunteer at the annual Mudbug Festival! 🦞🎶

Lending a helping hand to support one of our community’s favorite events was a great way to give back, connect with others, and represent YPI in action.

We’re proud of our members for showing up and serving our community with enthusiasm and teamwork. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped make the festival a success!

05/22/2026

:::YPI Board Member Spotlight:::
Chakina Bingham Hill is a Clinical Associate in the Surgical Skills Lab at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Originally from Tallulah, Louisiana, she has called Shreveport-Bossier home since 2018, bringing years of healthcare experience and a strong foundation in executive administration. She is a proud alumna of Louisiana Tech University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2020 and pursued studies in Medical Science. Above all, she is a proud mother first to Raffiel Hill and Raj Hill, and she embraces her identity as a “Black STEM Girl,” carrying that pride into every space she enters. In her personal time, she enjoys electronic repair, working as a dissectologist (puzzle enthusiast), and spending time at the park with her children.

An emerging leader in her community, Chakina serves as the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Initiative Secretary Co-Chair and is an active member of The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, where she serves as the Family Liaison for the Red Apron Pantry. Her commitment to service and mentorship is reflected in her work as a Scientific Mentor with Research Girl, Inc., a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and in her practice of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) with Volunteers for Youth Justice. She also serves as an Academic Coach with the Faith and Fostering EQUIP Program, supporting young adults—referred to as Catalysts—as they build stability, pursue education, and work toward brighter futures. Chakina maintains membership in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Biological Pre-Doctoral Society, the National Science Policy Network (NSPN), the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA), and the National Association of University Women, Inc.

Chakina is deeply committed to fostering transformation and leadership development among youth and adolescents in the Shreveport-Bossier community. She is passionate about equipping young people with essential life skills, leadership principles, and career-focused knowledge that prepares them for successful and fulfilling futures.

05/19/2026

Due to the weather and the power outage at Live!, tonight’s social has been canceled.

Everyone stay safe and drive carefully!

05/19/2026

:::Volunteer Opportunity:::
Join YPI as we volunteer at this year’s Mudbug Madness Festival — one of Shreveport’s biggest and most exciting events! From live music and crawfish to community fun, this festival is always a blast, and we’d love for you to be part of it with us.

Volunteering is a great way to:
✨ Give back to the community
✨ Meet new people
✨ Support a longtime local tradition
✨ Have fun while making a difference

Sign up and come enjoy the energy, food, and festivities while helping make Mudbug Madness a success! 🦞💛

Welcome 2026 Mudbug Madness Volunteers! The sign-up is now open! Please email [email protected] with your questions or concerns.

05/19/2026

:::Volunteer Opportunity:::
Come volunteer with YPI at the Official Shreveport Farmers’ Market this summer! 🌽🍅🌻

The market runs Saturdays, May 30 through August 29 from 8 AM–12 PM at Festival Plaza, and we’d love for you to join us in supporting one of our community’s favorite local events.

Volunteers will help:
✅ Check in vendors
✅ Redeem SNAP-match benefits
✅ Welcome and assist market visitors
✅ Support local farmers, food producers, and artisans

The Shreveport Farmers’ Market plays an important role in strengthening our local food system and bringing together communities across Northwest Louisiana, East Texas, and Southern Arkansas.

Come spend your Saturday mornings giving back, meeting great people, and helping create a successful market experience for everyone! 🌱

Register here:
https://www.eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=14596&fbclid=IwdGRjcAR4g25leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeB-7DtuqUSTIa91C2wtOoMSKKdZj-wzYJp98fqOR_upArY1U-_C36OuMmVBc_aem_NfE_d7fScL2bqj1aPOx6zA

May 19, 2026 - Information Booth - Help create a bountiful market for visitors by checking in vendors, redeeming SNAP-match benefits, and providing information to the visitors of the Shreveport Farmer's Market.

05/15/2026

:::Professional Development Workshop Recap:::
Yesterday’s Young Professionals Initiative Professional Development Workshop, led by Connor Fisk, focused on practical smart money strategies for young professionals looking to build stronger financial habits and long-term stability. The session highlighted the importance of budgeting as a foundation for financial wellness and emphasized the creation of intentional spending habits that align with personal goals.

One of the key concepts discussed was the **60/20/20 budgeting rule** — a simple and effective method for managing after-tax income:

* **60% for Needs**
Essential expenses such as housing, groceries, transportation, insurance, and healthcare.

* **20% for Savings & Debt**
Building an emergency fund, investing for the future, retirement savings, and paying down debt.

* **20% for Wants**
Lifestyle spending includes dining out, entertainment, travel, hobbies, and personal enjoyment.

Connor encouraged attendees to view budgeting not as a restriction, but as a tool that creates financial freedom, reduces stress, and helps individuals prioritize both present enjoyment and future success. The workshop provided valuable insight into developing healthier financial habits and making smarter money decisions with confidence.

Be on the lookout for more information on YPI’s upcoming Professional Development Workshops, future financial wellness discussions, and event recaps as we continue creating opportunities for young professionals to connect, grow, and lead.

05/15/2026

:::YPI Board Member Spotlight:::
Christian S. Mudd is a business leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate based in the Shreveport–Bossier area. He currently serves as Director of Strategic Accounts at Southern States Equipment, where he focuses on expanding operations across Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas while building strong vendor and customer relationships. In addition to his role in the equipment industry, Christian is a founding partner of Sterling Spirits I, II, and III, as well as multiple real estate development ventures including M&K; Development and Pine Ridge Investments. Through these businesses, he has led projects from concept to completion, including site development, permitting, and long-term operations management. Sterling Spirits was named a finalist for Business of the Year in 2025, highlighting the company’s rapid growth and impact in the region.

A Louisiana Tech graduate, Christian has earned multiple regional performance awards throughout his career and was named a finalist for Bossier Chamber Business Person of the Year. He is actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Dream Hunt Foundation, the Joyce S. Mudd Foundation, and the Louisiana Economic Development CEO Roundtable, where he is passionate about mentorship and giving back. Christian and his wife, Brittany, are proud to call the Shreveport–Bossier area home, where they are raising their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family hunting, fishing, and on the water—values that continue to shape his commitment to community, leadership, and building a strong future for the next generation.