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.

Mark Poole is a retired Air Force veteran and small farm owner who found a renewed creative passion in clay—hand building, wheel throwing, and sculpting—and now enjoys teaching pottery to help others discover the art form. He joined the Desoto Arts Council in 2016 to promote his pottery and soon stepped into leadership as council president during a major transition.

LaToria W. Thomas President & CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, leading equity-focused initiatives after prior roles with GNOF, AARP Foundation, Dress for Success New Orleans, and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Founder of Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans, she holds degrees from Northwestern State University (BS, Mathematics) and LSUS (MS, Nonprofit Administration) and was a 2021 ATHENA Honoree and AFP North Louisiana’s 2023 Outstanding Fundraising Executive.

Lee A. Jeter, Sr. Executive Director of the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana and Pastor of Good Hope Baptist Church, with 25+ years in nonprofit administration and a prior career in the U.S. Marine Corps. His recognitions include the Presidential Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), and he holds numerous civic leadership roles including Chair of the Bossier Parish Democratic Party Executive Committee and President of the Kiwanis Club of Shreveport. Airs March 9, 2026