Stephanie Bookman-Gaston is the President and Executive Director of the Fine Arts Academy of Central Louisiana, a nonprofit she founded to help children and youth explore music, dance, theatre, writing, and visual arts in a safe, inclusive environment. A lifelong musician and experienced health information professional, she brings both creative passion and professional leadership to the organization.

Heather Kleckinger and Tenisha LeSane represent the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling’s work to strengthen awareness of and access to the Louisiana 988 Lifeline. Heather, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Quality, oversees quality improvement and training, while Tenisha, the 988 Lifeline Outreach Coordinator, leads community outreach, education, and partnerships across Regions 4 through 8. Together, they help connect individuals and families experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises with free, confidential support and local resources available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Airs Mon., Aug. 31, 6:30 p.m. Hershey Krippendorf serves as Director of Development and Syringe Service Program Supervisor at The Philadelphia Center. The organization provides HIV education, prevention, testing, housing, case management, healthcare connections, and other support services throughout Northwest Louisiana, while its syringe service program focuses on harm reduction and connecting participants with medical and social resources.

Megann McDaniel is the Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, where she supports community engagement, fundraising, and awareness of the organization’s programs and growth initiatives. The YMCA offers fitness, aquatics, youth sports, childcare, afterschool programming, and community events designed to strengthen the spirit, mind, and body.

Stephanie Bookman-Gaston is the President and Executive Director of the Fine Arts Academy of Central Louisiana, a nonprofit she founded to help children and youth explore music, dance, theatre, writing, and visual arts in a safe, inclusive environment. A lifelong musician and experienced health information professional, she brings both creative passion and professional leadership to the organization

A conversation with Bennie Dotie about Shreveport's MLK Neighborhood Association

Teresa Stewart serves as Executive Director of Blood Operations at LifeShare Blood Center. LifeShare is a nonprofit community blood center that collects, processes, and distributes blood products to hospitals across Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas, helping ensure lifesaving blood is available when patients need it.

Rebecca Bonnevier, Executive Director of Artspace Shreveport, brings a wealth of experience in arts management and community engagement. She leads efforts to support local artists, activate public spaces, and make the arts accessible to all across downtown Shreveport.

Alex T. Ray Shreveport-born changemaker and owner of On A Mission LLC and Hyssop Care Sober Living Home, Alex champions recovery, purpose, and community. He also founded the Shreveport Father’s Day 5K Run & Walk and brings advanced training in psychology, human services, and organizational leadership to every initiative.

Guy and Drena Dodson are the co-directors of 5 Loaves & 2 Fish, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to serving both the practical and spiritual needs of the community. Guided by faith, compassion, and stewardship, they work together to multiply resources and bless others through service. Guy also serves as a bus driver for Bossier Parish, while Drena brings entrepreneurial leadership as a small business owner.