State of the Arts Symposium 2025

Jonathan Shirley is an educator, entrepreneur, and doctoral researcher committed to transforming how people learn and apply entrepreneurial thinking. He currently leads programs and operations at UL-Lafayette’s LEED Center and is completing his doctorate with a focus on transferable skills and entrepreneurship education. His research aims to deepen the connection between entrepreneurship and the arts, helping more students see their creativity as a launchpad for impact.

Jonathan believes the most powerful learning happens when we lead with both head and heart. With years of experience mentoring young innovators, he designs programs, advises startups, and develops workshops rooted in real-world application and human-centered growth. His philosophy of learning-by-doing empowers students to build confidence, solve problems, and pursue purpose.

Beyond his professional work, Jonathan is a lifelong learner and family-centered leader who values care, curiosity, and creativity. He sees entrepreneurship not just as a business strategy, but as a mindset—a way of approaching life with vision, courage, and intention.

Whether guiding college students, shaping learning experiences, or exploring the future of education through AI and innovation, Jonathan brings clarity, energy, and empathy to every project. His mission is simple: help people turn their ideas into action and their potential into purpose.

Mandi Mitchell serves as President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA). In her role at LEDA, Mandi leads the organization’s efforts to attract and retain jobs in Lafayette Parish and to foster a business climate that is conducive to private investment and development and entrepreneurship. Mandi received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and her M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. She also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Mandi is currently serving as a board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Southern Economic Development Council (an association of 17 southern U.S. states), and the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD).

Brittany Deal turns big ideas into thriving communities. As Director of Economic Competitiveness at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), she leads business intelligence, redevelopment, site certification, and special initiatives that shape the region’s future. Her work has fueled major projects like the University Avenue Corridor Initiative and Elevate North Lafayette.

In 2024, Brittany took on an additional leadership role as Dean of Professional Development for the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD), designing courses that equip the next generation of economic developers.A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Certified Economic Research Professional (CERP), Brittany pairs technical expertise with creativity and community spirit. She holds degrees in communications from UL-Monroe and UL-Lafayette and has been honored among Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 and a graduate of both Leadership Lafayette and Leadership Louisiana.

When she’s not transforming economies, Brittany is traveling, baking, planning epic events, or dominating game nights with her husband, Jawaskie. She believes every challenge — from city revitalization to a round of trivia — is an opportunity to lead with heart and strategy.

Leigha T. Porter is a dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and cultural advocate. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of FE Conservatory, where she provides professional training in classical and contemporary dance to young artists. She also leads the Dife Youth Ensemble, a performance company that travels internationally, sharing Creole cultural dance. Additionally, Leigha founded Parc Village, a community arts center offering dance, visual arts, and cultural programming. She is the co-creator of The Creole Nutcracker, a Louisiana-inspired holiday production, and the Executive Director of Heritage Parc, a nonprofit dedicated to arts and culture. With an extensive background in choreography, mentorship, and arts education, Leigha continues to make an impact both locally and globally.

Dr. Mark Rabalais serves as Associate Superintendent for the Lafayette Parish School System, bringing 18 years of experience in education, leadership, and innovation. He began his career as a social studies teacher and coach at Pineville High School before moving into administration in Lafayette Parish, where he served as assistant principal at Ernest Gallet Elementary and Southside High School, and principal of Ridge Elementary.

He has led instructional development at the district level since 2019, first as Chief Academic Officer and most recently as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. A recognized leader across Louisiana, Dr. Rabalais is a National Board Certified Teacher, a graduate of the Louisiana Principal Fellowship program, and a recipient of numerous honors, including LACUE’s 2011 State Teacher of the Year and PBS’s Innovative Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Rabalais has also served as an adjunct instructor at Northwestern State University and UL Lafayette, helping prepare the next generation of educational leaders. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Northwestern State and earned his Doctorate of Education from UL Lafayette.

Carly Viator Courville was raised in rural Tennessee. At age 19, she moved to Louisiana to explore her family’s roots that she had only experienced in the walls of her childhood home. Carly earned a degree in Broadcast Communications at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which ignited a passion for digital media, the French language, community and culture.

After graduation and traveling abroad, Courville started her own digital media company, Electric Magnolia Studio. She has been serving musicians, festivals, and small businesses for 15 years. These experiences led her to eventually join the small team at Festival International de Louisiane.

Carly has been Marketing Director for the festival for eight seasons – sharing a broad skillset to produce promotional content for TV, radio, social media and beyond. Working to promote local and international cultures through music, food and art has become a key focus in her life. Festival International’s quality digital content has proven to be effective in spreading the organization’s mission and has received great praise from near and far.

George Marks is a Louisiana-based visual artist and social sculptor whose work is grounded in the landscapes, histories, and cultural richness of South Louisiana. Based in Arnaudville, a community rooted in Louisiana French and Creole heritage, Marks draws inspiration from the region’s textures and terrains. His paintings often reflect the made and natural environment. His work is described as serene and beautiful, but never purely decorative—his materials and subject matter are inextricably linked.

Marks is also the co- of the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, an award-winning organization that cultivates cross-cultural collaboration among artists, writers, musicians, and cultural advocates. Partly under his leadership, NUNU has evolved into a hub for experiential learning and professional development, offering workshops, residencies, and cultural training programs on its creative campus in Arnaudville.

As a social sculptor, Marks views community engagement as part of his artistic practice, using placemaking and cultural development to support Louisiana’s creative economy. His paintings have been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally, and are held in public and private collections nationwide.

Marks has received numerous honors, including the ICON Award for Cultural Economy and the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Award.

Tina Shelvin Bingham is a dynamic community strategist, urban revitalization leader, and entrepreneur based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She currently serves as the Community Development Director for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, where she leads neighborhood revitalization efforts using the Quality of Life Framework. For over a decade, Tina has also served as the volunteer Executive Director of the McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Community Development Corporation, where she has spearheaded transformative projects such as the Homegrowers Community Farm, the Creole F.A.C.E. cultural district, and the McV Community House.

A passionate advocate for housing justice and equitable development, Tina launched the Adjudicated Property Pilot Program to address land vacancy and promote wealth-building through infill housing in McComb-Veazey. She is a sought-after workshop presenter on topics ranging from community revitalization and civic leadership to heirship property, cultural preservation, and healthy neighborhood design.

Tina is the founder and owner of Bleu Echelon, a strategic consulting firm that supports nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and government partners with planning, program development, and equity-focused engagement. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Tina has leveraged her education to excel in professional and personal roles. Tina remains deeply committed to improving the quality of life for residents in the McComb-Veazey neighborhood and throughout the greater Acadiana region.

Anna Kojevnikov serves as the Community Engagement Director at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, where she leads initiatives to support artists and cultural organizations across the Acadiana region. Her role encompasses administering six grant programs, orchestrating professional development workshops under the “Creative Acadiana” series, and facilitating collaborations between artists and community groups. Notably, she played a pivotal role in elevating the ArtSpark program to receive federal funding, enhancing its accessibility to underrepresented communities.

Beyond her work at AcA, Anna co-founded the Lafayette Tool Library, a nonprofit initiative aimed at promoting resource sharing and sustainability by allowing residents to borrow tools. Her commitment to community development is reflected in her efforts to make arts programming more inclusive and accessible, including translating grant applications into Spanish and accommodating rural and disabled populations.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Anna relocated to Lafayette in 2018 and has since become an integral part of the local arts and cultural scene. Her background in film production and passion for community engagement drive her mission to empower artists and foster a vibrant, inclusive arts ecosystem in Acadiana and beyond.

Molly Rowe is Executive Director of the Hilliard Art Museum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an innovative business leader with over two decades of experience at the intersection of business and culture. A Lafayette native who recently returned from New York, she has developed and implemented growth and reputation-building strategies for more than 50 organizations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Rowe’s distinguished career spans prestigious cultural institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City Ballet, and Swiss Institute, alongside major brands like Google and The New York Times. She has held senior leadership roles at Savannah College of Art & Design, where she launched the SCAD Museum of Art, and led strategic communications for multiple agencies.

Her academic credentials include an MBA in Strategic Management from Tulane University (2024), a B.A. in History and French Literature from Cornell University (magna cum laude), and graduate studies at Duke University, École Normale Supérieure in Paris, and Sorbonne Université.

Previously serving as President of Molly Rowe & Company, her strategic consultancy, and currently on the board of Lafayette’s Basin Arts, Rowe is known for her ability to refine vision, deepen impact, identify opportunities, cultivate key relationships, and drive organizational success across diverse cultural landscapes.

Michael Soileau was appointed as the Director of LFT Fiber in May 2024. Originally from Mamou, Soileau brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in the telecommunications industry to LUS Fiber, having worked for Comcast NBC Universal for more than two decades. At Comcast, he specialized in the broadband and cable television business, honing his expertise in product and service operations. He also served as Senior Vice President of Innovation Communications in the Caribbean where he and the team successfully launched a new fiber network and cellular network. He was responsible for all functional areas including employee management, sales and marketing and public and governmental relations as well as CBS TV2.

Before joining LUS Fiber, Soileau served as the CEO of O3, a distinguished digital experience consultancy based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At O3, he focused on digital customer experience, strategy, and innovation.As an accomplished and results-driven senior business executive, Soileau brings a solid background in product and service operations, paired with a proven aptitude for strategic business development, initiative alignment, and competitive strategy platforms. His progressive, entrepreneurial, and strategic leadership style is complemented by highly-developed interpersonal, data, and analytical skills.

Andrée Gonsoulin is the Vice President of Marketing at Tides Medical, where she leads brand strategy, product launches, and community engagement initiatives that drive growth and innovation. With a career rooted in nonprofit leadership and strategic communications, she has helped organizations amplify their impact through effective messaging and community-driven projects.

Serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Acadiana, and through her work with organizations like Hope for Opelousas and Louisiana Youth Seminar she supports various efforts for community development, youth education, and neighborhood revitalization. Having consulted for the ABC Arts Business Culture Fund, Acadiana Center for the Arts, and other local non-profits, Andrée has championed initiatives that strengthen community ties and promote cultural growth across Acadiana.With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s in Communication, Andrée brings both creativity and strategic insight to her work. Her experience spans political consulting, nonprofit fundraising, and marketing leadership, with heavy emphasis on effective communication, talent development, and community-wide collaboration, advocacy, and action.

Andrée believes vibrant arts communities attract talent—even in unrelated industries—as investing in cultural spaces enriches communities and fuels creativity and growth.

William LaBar joined CGI in 1998 after graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, initially focusing on environmental regulatory clients and leading CGI’s work at the Environmental Protection Agency. He now leads CGI’s U.S. Onshore Delivery Center program, creating thousands of jobs in smaller cities and driving over $400 million annually in local economic impact. Will also heads CGI’s U.S.-wide Corporate Social Responsibility team, enhancing CGI’s growth through community and workforce partnerships.

His initiatives include launching CGI’s first U.S. software developer apprenticeship program, partnering with universities on AI projects, advising on university R&D investments, supporting CGI’s Bridge Internship program, and shaping CGI’s nationwide STEM@CGI strategy.

Will moved to Louisiana in 2000, married Carlee in 2005, and enjoys life in Lafayette. He makes his own roux, led the campaign to renew Downtown Lafayette’s redevelopment millage, and proudly calls himself an Honorary Cajun.

Passionate about his work at CGI, Will helps CGI Partners build meaningful careers and engages deeply in the community. He’s a lifelong soccer fan, avid cook, retired soccer coach, filled with wanderlust, bike commuter, book lover, and always eager to learn.

Clare Cook is a choreographer, educator, and arts leader based in Lafayette, LA. After a decade in New York City, where she earned an MFA in Dance from NYU Tisch, Clare returned home in 2016 to invest her talents in Louisiana’s creative community. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Basin Arts, a nonprofit arts incubator dedicated to supporting sustainable creative practices and fostering meaningful connections between artists and the public.

Through Basin Arts and her broader work, Clare merges choreography, teaching, and arts administration to reimagine what an inclusive, sustainable arts ecosystem can be. She has developed community-based programs and partnerships with numerous local organizations and institutions, and launched initiatives like BARE Walls, ProjectSpace Residency, Window Wonderland, and Basin Dance Collective to empower Louisiana artists.

Clare’s recent creative collaborations include projects with choreographers Elana Jacobs and Leigha Porter, visual artist Hagit Barkai, and presentations at Ten Tiny Dances and the NOLA International Dance Festival. Her earlier work includes performances and choreography across NYC and internationally.

She has taught at NYU Tisch, LSU, and UL Lafayette, and is a proud mom of two daughters who fuel her creativity daily.

It’s difficult to find your footing after times of grieving – though condensing time like an accordion, capturing both the past and present into a full journey of cathartic healing feels so effortless at the hands of Noa Jamir. Growing up in South Louisiana, Jamir began to write music when she was a child, translating complex feelings into meaningsthat felt right even before she really understood their purpose. Along with being a staple within the New Orleans show circuit performing at Essence Fest, French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo Fest, and more, Jamir has also collaborated with fellow artists such as Sleep Habits, Mariah Houston, Wakai, and Aidan Ashland, taking inspiration in not just her songwriting, but how to expand herself as an artist entirely.

In 2024 Jamir released her debut LP titled Cicada. Named one of Stereogum’s Albums of Note, Cicada allows breezy tunes to take the reins as these storiesdocumented her personal experience of healing and the importance of holding onto each and every step of the way. Before the album’s initial thought, Jamir fell into life’s scheming factions; substance abuse, dependency, impulsion and uncertainty. What Cicada came to resemble though, was a steady ground. Cicada moves at its own accord, and that’s okay. As a compositional album alone, the dynamic shifts, deliberate pacing and endearing hooks createa charming and enticing listen, but what remains are the dualities, those bits of grievances and growth that are often overlooked in times of struggle, butare shown a sliver of the sunlight.

Rather than finding definitive answers, Jamir revels in why she is there in the first place – a breath, a stutter, a release, her writing finds truth in the solace and comfort in the company. It’s clear that she is a melancholy escapist, a rainy day purist – but rather than lean towards wallowing, Jamir redefines these feelings with a newfound hope – like discovering a hidden hole in your pocket but all your belongings still stayed with you. These songs so tenderly articulatethe humility and patience in which Jamir sees the world – through the lens of someone who knows first hand that summer will come again.

Michael Eble was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned a BFA in painting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. Michael currently serves as the Assistant Dean for the UL College of the Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Michael’s artwork explores abstracted topography, prompting viewers to reflect on their own connections within their environments. His paintings and works on paper have been exhibited in numerous regional and national solo and group exhibitions, with recent shows in Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Michael has been awarded several grants and fellowships, including an Artspark Grant, Louisiana Project Grant, and an Advance Faculty Grant from UL Lafayette. He has also received multiple Imagine Fund Awards and Grant-in-Aid Awards from the University of Minnesota, a Residential Fellowship in 2008 from the Institute for Advanced Study, and additional grants and research funding from the McKnight Foundation, Lake Region Arts Council, Vermont Studio Center, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Michael is currently represented by the Cole Pratt Gallery in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ben Eble is a twenty-two-year-old recent graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who is currently exploring the next steps in his creative career. During his time at ULL, he completed his coursework and earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a concentration in graphic design. More importantly, he developed a love for package design, an appreciation for graphic design, and proficiency in UX and UI design. His career plan and creative ambitions are, at their core, centered around exploring all the different corners that the work can take him, whether it is agency design, in-house design, or something entirely different. His main goal when designing something or creating art is to make something cool and interesting that can really bring out the “wow factor” for his audience. He is inspired by artists like Robert Valley, Jamie Hewlett, Jack Davis, Ed Hardy, and Ernie Barnes, but he also finds inspiration from other media and aspects of the world around him, such as well-designed silverware or unique short films. However, one of his main motivators is seeing the outstanding work of others, a main inspiration when it comes to pushing and improving his own projects.

Dr. Christophe Jackson holds PhDs in piano performance, biology and mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in physician assistant where he studies the effects of music on cognition, performance and stress. He has completed postdoctoral training in Neuroscience and Music at Tulane University. Clinically, Jackson works as a neurosurgery, trauma, infectious disease, and urology surgical physician assistant where he utilizes his expertise to bridge access to healthcare, research, and technology. Jackson is a Professor of Neuroscience, Music, and Medicine at Flinders University in Alices Springs, Northern Territory Australia. Outside of medicine, Jackson is a “musician at heart” having performed professionally as a classical and jazz pianist, keeping true to his New Orleans roots.