YPI - Young Professionals Initiative

Home
United States
Shreveport, LA
YPI - Young Professionals Initiative

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

The Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana (YPI) strives to provide networking, educational & promotional experiences for young professionals

Young Professional Initiative (YPI) provides an opportunity for young pros to network and connect with like individuals working throughout North Louisiana, involve themselves in professional development programming to further their academic training and connect with community non-profits to better serve local philanthropies.

10/29/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

Gray Pou is a Senior Account Manager at Romph & Pou Agency, a powerhouse in data-driven marketing. He directs brand strategy and multi-channel campaigns for premier regional and national accounts, driving multi-market business growth through honest relationships and data-backed creative. In his 15-year career, Gray's strategic leadership has contributed to 34 ADDY Awards and sustained agency recognition on the LSU100 fastest-growing businesses list. He holds a Master's in Advertising from the University of Texas and a B.A. from LSU, and is a 2023 Greater Shreveport Leadership graduate. A dedicated community advocate, Gray serves on the Red River Revel Governing Board, coaches youth baseball, and serves as a spiritual mentor at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two wonderful children, Robert and Emma.

10/28/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::
Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Mallory Gatson is a passionate advocate for youth development and education. She earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Ouachita Baptist University in 2022 and a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from Arkansas State University in 2024. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Southern Arkansas University. Mallory serves as a Development Coordinator at Willis Knighton Health, where she works closely with middle and high school students through various youth initiatives. She is dedicated to helping students recognize the potential they may not yet see in themselves and guiding them toward meaningful opportunities. Guided by the belief that the sky is the limit, Mallory is committed to helping students grow and understand that they are not defined by their environment, but by the opportunities they choose to pursue.

10/27/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

A lifelong DeSoto Parish resident, Robby has built a career rooted in leadership, service, and community. He earned a degree in Engineering Technology from Louisiana Tech University in 2008 and an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport in 2015. After a decade in engineering, he discovered his passion for insurance and financial services. Today, Robby owns and operates two State Farm agencies in Shreveport and Stonewall. He has ranked among the company's top producers and earned numerous industry honors, including membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). His agency's success has funded a scholarship for graduating DeSoto Parish seniors pursuing higher education at Louisiana colleges. Robby serves as a DeSoto Parish Police Juror and as the 2025–2026 President of the DeSoto Parish Rotary Club. He and his wife, Beth, are proud parents of four children: Hallie, Joel, Lex, and Lili, and are active members of Fellowship Community Church

10/26/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

With over fifteen years of experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Cheradee Williams' career spans small business, workforce, youth, and economic development, and now healthcare. She currently serves as Regulatory Affairs Coordinator with the research administration team at LSU Health Shreveport, where she manages operational and compliance systems that support healthcare innovation. She has led cross-sector initiatives impacting hundreds of young people. In 2021, she led the Step Forward Teen Advisory Committee, influencing regional education policy, reaching over 5,000 students, and contributing to co-authorship in an international journal. A dedicated civic leader, Cheradee serves as an election poll worker, Treasurer for the League of Women Voters of Caddo-Bossier, and a member of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. She has also chaired the Young Professionals Initiative and Friends of Scouting. She remains committed to systems-building that empowers youth and families to shape the region's future.

10/23/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

Brittany Morrow-Carlton is a healthcare leader, community advocate, mentor, and servant leader dedicated to improving lives through leadership and service. As Manager of Patient Access for CHRISTUS Health, she oversees operations across multiple North Louisiana locations, leading teams focused on delivering compassionate, efficient, and high-quality access to care. A graduate of Southern University and A&M College and holder of a Master of Business Administration, Brittany is currently pursuing a Master of Health Administration, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Beyond her professional role, Brittany serves as Co-Chair of the Debutante Ball Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she mentors and empowers young women to become future leaders. Guided by her mottos, "Failure is not an option, always lead with love and continue to guide with grace." Brittany measures success by the lives she positively impacts.

10/22/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

Dr. Jariel Eugene Norton, Sr. is a native of Homer, LA. Born in Shreveport, LA, he was the 2005 Homer High School Valedictorian and Claiborne Parish Student of the Year. Dr. Norton was an All-Area and All-State basketball player in high school. He also played at LSU-Shreveport, and his 2005-2006 team was inducted into the LSU-Shreveport Hall of Fame. He graduated from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in 2013 and became the first African American Dentist from Claiborne Parish, opening his practice there in 2018. He achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2017, becoming the youngest African American to do so. He has 3 kids: Jariel Jr., Braeden, and Jariya. His favorite hobbies are mentoring younger students and playing with his children.

10/21/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

Melvin Nevels, Jr., LCSW, LNHA, is a behavioral health leader, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and advocate for underserved communities across Louisiana. A two-time graduate of Grambling State University, he serves as a Senior Social Worker with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing care to Veterans with serious mental illness, while also operating a private mental health practice serving clients across multiple states. Melvin is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology degree in Behavioral Health Leadership and remains committed to expanding access to quality behavioral healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities. He serves on the Grambling State University Social Work Advisory Council, is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and contributes to community outreach through his church, Praise Temple Ruston. Through leadership, mentorship, and service, Melvin works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout North Louisiana.

10/21/2026

Once a 40 Under 40 honoree, always part of the YPI family! 🥂✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s YPI 40 Under 40 Reunion Social! We loved reconnecting with past honorees, catching up, and celebrating the people whose leadership and service help move Shreveport-Bossier forward.

The celebration continues at the 40 Under 40 Gala on December 4th, where we’ll honor the next class of outstanding young professionals. Mark your calendars! 🎉

10/20/2026

:::40 Under 40 Honoree Spotlight:::

Kia Fuller serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport. A dedicated leader in the affordable housing industry, she currently serves as the 2025-2027 President of the Louisiana Housing Council. At the regional level, Kia is actively involved with the Southwest NAHRO, serving as Chair of the Scholarship and Vendor Opportunity Committees and as a member of the Member Services Committee. Through her leadership and service, she remains committed to advancing the mission of affordable housing and supporting professional development within the industry. Fuller has 10 years of experience in the housing industry. During her tenure at the Shreveport Housing Authority, she has assisted the agency to secure and administer several grants including a $1,500,000 YouthBuild Grant, 25,000,000 Choice Neighborhoods Grant, $100,000 JRAP Expungement Grant, $205,000 Emergency Safety and Security Grant and numerous Family Self Sufficiency Grants. Fuller earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern State University.

Address

400 Edwards Street
Shreveport, LA
71101

Telephone

+13186772500

Website

http://www.shreveportchamber.org/ypi

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when YPI - Young Professionals Initiative posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.