The Latin American Business Initiative is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Leadership and Career Experience Program in collaboration with Jefferson Parish Schools. The innovative initiative empowers 11th and 12th-grade students within the district, providing them with invaluable leadership skills, career exploration opportunities, and pathways to future success.
The event, which took place April 5, at Bonnabel High School in Kenner, featured a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the students’ unique experiences and aspirations. Through a series of workshops, mentoring, and hands-on activities, students developed essential leadership qualities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Highlights included the opening keynote address by Southeastern President William Wainwright; a panel discussion on “Journey to Success,” led by Ana Gale-Orellana of Entergy and Jesús Domínguez of Shell Louisiana; and the “Discover Your Strengths” workshop, led by Liza Brady; as well as other Southeastern professionals and community leaders from Jefferson Parish.
“We proudly celebrate the Leadership and Career Experience Program designed to connect our students with real-world careers, leadership opportunities, and inspiration for the future,” said Jefferson Parish Public School System Director of Schools Ajit “AJ” Pethe. “We sincerely thank Southeastern, especially the College of Business and the Latin American Business Development Initiative, for their invaluable partnership.”
The program was initially offered to 70 high school students from Jefferson Parish schools, with plans to expand in the coming years to be offered every spring. Students will be selected through an application process that considers their academic achievement, community involvement, demonstrated leadership potential, and more.
“I am thankful for the work of the Latin American Business Initiative in helping expand the opportunities and social mobility of high school students in our region and, ultimately, in Jefferson Parish,” said Dean of the College of Business Tará Lopez.
Director of the Latin American Business Initiative Aristides Baraya said the historic initiative represents a significant step toward fostering the leadership potential and career aspirations of young people across the region.
“This initiative builds on the successful programs LABDI has offered for several years in Tangipahoa and Washington parishes, paving the way toward a more prosperous future for all Louisiana youth and enriching the broader community,” Baraya explained. “The goal is to equip these talented young individuals with the tools and resources they need to become confident leaders and successful professionals.”
For more information about the program or other programs from LABDI, contact Baraya at [email protected].
