Jessica Foreman
Profession: Trinity Emergency Services / Trinity Rental Services
How long have you been a member of AcA? Approx. 6 months
Are you on the AcA Board and/or a Committee? I am lucky enough to be a Board member and participate on the Performing Arts, Development, and Sunny Side Jazz Brunch Committees.
What books are you reading? The last book I finished was Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow, which I LOVED. Gabrielle Zevin is an excellent writer. I’m currently reading Lessons in Chemistry, but have been reading it for too long to admit, so maybe not enjoying it as much as Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow.
What music are you listening to? Jungle. I’m loving the up-beat, disco vibes.
Do you have a favorite pastime? I love to hike! Don’t have many opportunities here in Louisiana, but I usually find a couple big ones to do when on vacation. Most recently went to Switzerland and hiked the Stoos Ridge and also to southern France and hiked to a calanques south of Marseille.
What trade do you believe everyone ought to learn? I would say that every Louisianian should know how to cook a gumbo, but the duck gumbo I cooked Sunday was horrendous, so what do I know.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? It would have been Whitney Houston, but my mom didn’t invite me. To punish her I accidentally swallowed the cap to a marker. Even this act didn’t urge my mom to skip the concert or bring me with her.
What has been your favorite vacation or place that you’ve traveled to? I love to travel and have thoroughly enjoyed too many places to mention. One trip that always sticks out to me is South Africa though. It was pretty incredible to feel so at home so far away.
Have you lived outside of Acadiana? Where? What makes Acadiana a special place to live? I have. I went to college in New York City where I lived for a decade and then moved to New Orleans, where I currently split my time. Back in 2016, I had plans to move back to NYC. I was living in New Orleans at the time, but was in Lafayette the weekend of the 100 year floods. Witnessing the people of Lafayette come together at such an emotional time ultimately is what prevented me from going. I remember standing in the front yard of my grandmother’s flooded home talking to my friend saying, I’m making a terrible mistake. The people of Lafayette and community of southern Louisiana are so rare. I’ve made it a personal mission to hold on to the values of our society and strive to carry them with me wherever I may end up.
Do you frequent any Downtown establishments? Absolutely love Spoonbill and Wild Child Wines. Of course also greatly appreciate Vestal, Pamplona, Hideaway, Central Pizza, and so many others that I still need to visit! Downtown is booming. It’s so fun to see.
Are you an artist? I used to perform (sing, dance, act), but haven’t performed since college. It feels like a lifetime ago.
What mediums are you most drawn to? I used to love to sing and dance. I got nodules in college though and my voice has never really been the same. It makes me realize how much of an outlet singing was for me. It sometimes feels like my emotions get muffled so I’ve had to pivot. Movement and music always help me get the creative juices flowing. I’ve also really appreciated architecture and design in my more recent years.
Why did you join AcA, and do you recall your first experience with AcA? I joined the AcA to be a part of an art community that embraces both our local culture, but also one that is curious about others. The AcA has presented so many incredible artists like Jason Isbell, Gary Clark Jr., and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Having a venue like this in Lafayette is such a blessing.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of AcA? The AcA is a hub for the culture of Acadiana – a culture that the rest of the world so greatly adores. I am thrilled, and flattered, to be a part of this presentation and inspired by all of the artists and members of the community who bring our culture to life.
Career:
What do you do in a nutshell? I work with my brothers doing operations and marketing for an oil & gas supply company my brother started about 10 years ago, Trinity Rental Services, and business development and marketing for our sister company, Trinity Emergency Services, our emergency services business line.
What are your favorite aspects of your job and company? I love connecting with people. I love seeing how our work after hurricanes helps bring people peace. The adrenaline of each job doesn’t hurt either. Mostly though, I love seeing how far my brothers have come. They’ve become wildly successful and I’m just so proud of them.
If you could mentor someone who is just starting out in your field, what advice would you give them? Don’t try and figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Figure out what lights you up now. The now will lead you to the rest of your life.
