Downtown Lunch & Learn: Connecting Campus to Community

402 Garfield Street,Lafayette LA 70501

08 March, 2023

Description

Join Downtown Lafayette Unlimited for our March Lunch & Learn presented by the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation featuring Carlee Alm-LaBar (William C. Schumacher Family Foundation) and Maggi Bienvenu (One Acadiana/DLU Board Member), who are engaged in local efforts to make Acadiana a place where young adults thrive and are proud to call home. They will explain how Downtown revitalization has been, and will continue to be, a vital strategy in a cooperative effort to attract and retain young talent. According to recent census data, the city of Lafayette's population has remained flat – even decreased slightly; however, thousands of college-aged students come to our area each year seeking an education, which creates an opportunity for growth. But most UL students don't consider coming across University Avenue to discover what amenities Downtown has to offer them. According to leaders in comparable communities like Pensacola, FL and Greensboro, NC, the not-so-secret answer is clear: "Double down on Downtown" and "Roll out the red carpet" for college students and young talent. Carlee and Maggi will share what they've learned from those leaders, and what successful strategies would look like in Downtown Lafayette. The good news is, much of the work has already started. Tickets are $20 and will cover the cost of lunch. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation, and our host sponsor, Esprit de Coeur, for making this luncheon possible! Guest Speaker: Carlee Alm-LaBarCarlee Alm-LaBar is the Executive Director of the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation. Across her 20-year career primarily in nonprofit and government, Carlee has become a champion for strong communities and civic engagement. The role at the foundation leverages her experiences in its investment areas of education, community engagement, and disaster relief. In this new role, she attended the Young, Smart, and Local conference in Greensboro, North Carolina where she brought back several ideas and lessons to Lafayette about how to ensure the community maintains and grows its attractiveness to young talent. A dedicated community servant, she has won several community awards including the Women Who Mean Business Award, 20 Under 40, Leadership Lafayette’s distinguished alumna award, and the Rising Leader Award at the UL Women’s Leadership Conference. In addition, she is a Next City Vanguard, a program that recognizes rising city leaders. Guest Speaker: Maggi BienvenuMaggi Bienvenu is the Manager for Workforce & Policy Initiatives at One Acadiana, connecting industry to education for a strong talent pipeline in our region. Her education credentials include a Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Special Education) and she is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership (both from UL). Before returning to Lafayette in 2015, Maggi worked for nearly a decade at Walt Disney World (FL), in roles that included guest relations, resort operations and management, tours, and training and development. A true Downtown enthusiast, Maggi proudly serves on the board for Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. Are you a member of DLU? Downtown Lafayette Unlimited is a member-based business with both individual and business members. DLU membership is comprised of local professionals, civic leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, residents, and others who are passionate about Downtown Lafayette and its economic growth. Members have access to educational and networking events focused on the issues facing Downtown Lafayette. Member dues help to support our organization in its mission to aid the Downtown district's growth and revitalization through events like Downtown Alive!, Movies in the Parc, Merry & Bright Christmas in Downtown; and through promoting the development of arts, culture, dining, and business in the core of Lafayette. Learn more about DLU membership here: www.downtownlafayette.org/membership/