A conversation with Dianne Clark, the executive director of Sci-Port in Shreveport.

AIRS April 21. Kelli Todd is the Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) and has been dedicated to the organization since 2004, when she first became a CASA advocate. Under her leadership, VYJ has expanded significantly, now operating eight departments with over 65 full-time employees and 400 volunteers. She has been recognized for her commitment to youth advocacy, earning multiple awards, including CASA Director of the Year in 2016. She has also served on various boards, mentored other nonprofits, and been a foster parent for eight years.

Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. With 34 years of experience, she discusses how she is growing partner agencies and food distribution. Jayne has steered her organization through crises like COVID and hurricanes.

Featured on this episode: Ninna’s Road to Rescue, founded by Ninna Lopez in Benton, LA. After leaving the corporate world to follow her passion for animals, Ninna and her team rescue and rehome small-breed dogs every month.

Airs Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m. The guest this week on Community Connections is Tiffani Robinson-Jones, co-founder and Executive Director of The Dragonfly Harbor, Inc. in Ruston, La. Tiffani has devoted her career to aiding victims through trauma-informed care. Her nonprofit provides shelter, necessities, and vital mental health services to those impacted by human trafficking.

Featured is Madison Poche, Executive Director of The Highland Center in Shreveport is on a mission to combat concentrated poverty by supporting education, economic stability, and neighbor wellness. Airs Monday, April 7 at 6:30 pm

2/17/25: Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition in Lufkin, Texas is dedicated to substance misuse prevention and advocacy in Deep East Texas. Sharon brings a wealth of experience and passion to the fight for a healthier, drug-free community. Join us as we explore The Coalition’s impact on smoke-free initiatives, reducing underage drinking rates, and fostering drug-free workplaces.

Airs Mon., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. This week Heather Carpenter interviews Kristen Gary Powers, Executive Director of The Arc Caddo-Bossier. She shares how her decades of expertise in communications and nonprofit leadership are used to advance disability advocacy in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

We were joined this week by Wendell Riley, Executive Director of the Robinson Film Center in Shreveport. RFC is dedicated to exhibiting independent, international, and classic cinema to the community. They also provide film history and media classes for all ages. Learn more about how RFC is bringing culture to the community through film and media.

Most people in the area are no strangers to the Red River Revel arts festival that occurs every fall in downtown Shreveport. But there are lots of moving parts that make this festival happen in order to enrich the culture of Northwest Louisiana. Executive Director, Logan Lewis tells us about his vision for the Red River Revel and what you can do to help!