20 Under 40 – D’Andre’ Hypolite

Published 12:33 pm Thursday, April 10, 2025

Why is the Teche Area important to you? 

Growing up in New Iberia, I often considered leaving in search of more opportunities, feeling like there was nothing here for me. However, my perspective shifted when I started my career at the Boys & Girls Club in 2018. Initially, I looked for financial stability, but I found a deeper sense of purpose. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. It’s incredibly rewarding to have youth look up to you for guidance and support. 

My contemporary, Brianna Davis, often called me a “Unicorn,” and I didn’t fully understand what she meant until she explained that being a positive role model in the community has a lasting impact. When kids see someone who looks like them and comes from a similar background, it can spark something in them. New Iberia is important to me because I believe in diamonds in the rough. I want people to understand that you don’t have to leave to achieve your goals, but if you do, make sure to come back and give back. Be that resource that continues to help New Iberia thrive. 

A side note on my belief that everything happens for a reason: I grew up on Field Street and often walked to the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, where my Great Uncle Edward “Sut” Battle and Uncle William Brown worked. Today, I’m the Director of the Boys & Girls Club, located in that same recreation center where I once played. 

What do you do for fun? 

Fun for me is all about developing and supporting our future leaders. I enjoy attending events like sports leagues and community activities. I also love showing my support by purchasing things like Girl Scout cookies, school popcorn sales, and making donations to help secure the futures of our members. It brings me joy to see them participating in activities that shape them. I also find fun in listening to others and learning from their experiences. I enjoy hearing people out and often ask if they’d prefer me to simply listen or if they’d like feedback, ensuring I provide the right kind of support. For me, listening and learning go hand in hand—I believe every conversation offers something new, so I never take any interaction I have for granted. 

What are your hobbies? 

I love learning new things and enjoy listening to podcasts, watching 80s/90s movies, and listening to music. Recently, I’ve also gotten back into working out. Another passion of mine is cutting hair, it’s therapeutic, and I enjoy the conversations that come with it. On weekends, I often cut hair for members who may not have the resources to get theirs done. I understand the impact of not having a fresh cut, and I believe that a haircut can really boost confidence and change how you approach the day.

Who are your role models? 

Growing up, my mother worked tirelessly to support me, my brother, and sister. From a young age, I made it a point to help as much as possible and show her that I would always be there for her. I’ve always admired her hard work. Even though I know I tested her patience as a child, my late grandmother, Sharon Battle, taught me accountability and the importance of being genuine. My grandfather, Ulysses Hypolite, instilled in me strong values, the importance of hard work, and treating people with respect. I often hear positive stories about him, and I aspire to carry on that legacy. 

I also see Brianna Davis as a role model; her coaching and bubbly personality had a significant impact on me and helped open me up as a person. Lastly, I believe I learn from everyone, whether a child or an elder. Working with kids has taught me patience and empathy, while spending time with elders has shown me the value of time and the lessons in their stories. I’ll continue learning from everyone I meet and pay it forward to help shape the next generation of leaders. 

What are some of your plans or goals? 

My future plans involve continuing to shape our future leaders and promoting the idea that where you come from doesn’t define who you are. As I approach my one-year anniversary as Director of the Boys & Girls Club, my goal is to further foster a safe environment for youth and earn the trust of parents and the community. I aim to build strong partnerships with those who want to give back, whether through volunteering time, resources, or financial support. Additionally, I plan to recruit teens for our program, particularly those who need us most during their critical development. I also want to remain actively involved in our growing community and give back in any way I can to help us continue to thrive. 

Is there anything else you would like to say? 

As much as I’ve shared in this interview, I must admit that I’m not a man of many words, and I’m not one for praise or recognition. I’m my own hardest critic and will continue to be. But I do want to take a moment to reflect on this journey. To go from being lost with no sense of self to not only finding myself but also being in a position to lead others means everything to me. I am eternally grateful to the individuals who gave me the opportunity to grow, and I will continue to stay humble, letting the work I put in speak for itself.