Why is the Teche Area important to you?

The Teche Area has been a part of my life long before I ever called it home. While working for Acadiana Lifestyle, I commuted here for years and quickly realized that this region is the best muse a writer could ask for. I still describe it as a “wonderfully weird corner of the world”—because that’s exactly what it is. It’s rich with inspiration, creativity, and a unique character that’s impossible to replicate.

When I became publisher of The Daily Iberian in 2020, I officially moved here—right at the height of the pandemic. Businesses were shut down, uncertainty was everywhere, and each day, sometimes each hour, brought new challenges. It was a daunting time, but serving this community through it was an honor. That experience showed me just how resilient, generous, and full of life this area truly is. If you show up for this community, it shows up for you. I can’t imagine having gone through that time anywhere else. 

What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

I’m fortunate to have a close-knit family, and my friend group has become an extension of that. I know how rare it is to go through life with that kind of support, and I don’t take it for granted. Because of that, I spend as much time with them as I can—especially my niece, Ruby.

I’m never bored. I’m a voracious reader. I never miss a festival, concert, or show, and I try to find ways to be as involved as possible in anything that supports the betterment of the community, particularly the arts. I love indulging in all the different ways to celebrate Acadiana, from music and food to traditions and storytelling.

Who are your role models? 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had so many mentors and leaders invest in me throughout my career. From the media industry to my more recent connections in the tech field, I’ve learned from people who saw value in me, even when it was still very much unrefined. They showed me that growth and learning never stop. They also reinforced that leadership means being honest and gracious while making decisions quickly, wisely, and with the best interests of your team and industry in mind.

In the Teche Area, I’ve been surrounded by people who give so much of themselves to this community. They’ve taught me that helping a place live up to its potential is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a unique skill set, and when those talents are put toward the betterment of a region, real change happens.

What are some of your plans or goals?

No matter what I’m working on—whether it’s marketing efforts, freelance writing, or Byline—it always comes back to storytelling. I believe that the lifeblood of a community is the stories it has to tell and the ability to share them with neighbors and beyond. My broader goal is to ensure that storytelling remains accessible, with an outlet for both the art of it and the promotional benefits it provides.

Is there anything else you would like to say? 

What truly defines this area is the people—those who live here and work tirelessly to make it better. If I had one hope for this region, it would be that everyone has the opportunity to hear someone share their vision for its future. And to realize that, no matter what skills you bring to the table, there is always a role you can play in improving it. The work is incredibly rewarding and, more often than not, fun. There are many assets here that shouldn’t be overlooked, like a newspaper and lifestyle magazine right in the heart of historic downtown.