Shreveport, you showed up big. I had the honor of delivering my signature keynote, The Heart of Inclusion, at The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Leadership Luncheon hosted at LSUS, and I’m still smiling.
This luncheon is so much more than a program. It’s a powerful platform to lift up The Arc’s team of 500+ employees, the largest employer in the Caddo-Bossier parishes, who serve over 180 participants through a wide array of life-changing services. That scale reflects a community that doesn’t just talk about inclusion, it invests in it.
The room was packed with the virtually who’s who of the region, including Speaker Johnson’s representatives, Congressman Cleo Fields’ representatives, and many other high-level officials and civic leaders. Marty and I were deeply honored to be seated front and center with Board President Kevin Pesnell, fellow board members, Executive Director Kristen Powers, and Jacque Jovic, emcee of the event and anchor of KTAL News Channel 6. Their presence and partnership set a tone of shared purpose from the very start.
The Arc should be commended for the way inclusion was planned and practiced throughout the event. Select participants helped open the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, which set a beautiful tone of shared citizenship and pride. The team ensured access to the stage with a ramp donated by a local franchise of Amramp, and they made sure every attendee could see the program clearly by using an elevated stage for visibility. They also deepened the inclusive experience by providing ASL interpreters for the entirety of the festivities so information and inspiration were accessible to all.
Beyond the formalities of recognizing generous sponsors, the heart of the program shone through in the stories. Marty and I were especially moved hearing Brandon Andrews’ journey of success through The Arc’s programs, tenderly and proudly shared by his parents, Vivian and Winzer Andrews. Moments like that remind us why this mission matters. Real people, real progress, real possibility.
During my keynote, we explored how to right-size everyday obstacles, embed accessibility into culture, and move from “helping” to empowering. We laughed, we got real, and we committed to action. Several rounds of applause swelled into a standing ovation that I’ll carry with me for a long time, because I know it wasn’t just for a speech. It was for a shared vision of a more inclusive Shreveport-Bossier.
Events like this refill my cup. Thank you, The Arc Caddo-Bossier and LSUS, for the platform, the partnership, and the heart. And to every leader, sponsor, staff member, participant, and family in the room, your belief in inclusion is changing lives.
