Jefferson Chamber Foundation to host second annual IGNITE Young Professionals Leadership Summit

Written By Alicia Vial

‍Metairie, LA – The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host its second annual IGNITE Young Professionals Leadership Summit on Thursday, Aug. 27, bringing together emerging leaders from across the Greater New Orleans Region for a day of professional development, networking, and inspiration.

Presented by Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Agency and Barcley J. Steib Insurance Agency, the summit is designed exclusively for young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The event is part of the Jefferson Chamber Foundation’s ongoing commitment to developing and retaining the next generation of business and community leaders while advancing the Chamber’s mission to strengthen business and enrich the community.

“Jefferson Parish’s future depends on investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Ruth Lawson, president of the Jefferson Chamber. “IGNITE creates opportunities for young professionals to learn from accomplished business leaders, build meaningful connections, and gain the confidence and skills needed to grow their careers right here in our community. By supporting their professional development, we’re strengthening the workforce and helping make Jefferson Parish a place where talented young people choose to build their futures.”

The summit will feature a lineup of accomplished business and community leaders who will share practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and career growth.

Sessions include:

  • From Startup to Standout: The WRSTBND Story with Conway Solomon, co-founder and CEO of WRSTBND, who will share the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the region’s fastest-growing brands and discuss innovation, branding, and resilience.

  • Ask the Executives: A moderated panel featuring Lauren Gibbs, CEO of Gibbs Construction; Tomeka Watson Bryant, general manager and chief strategy officer of New Orleans Public Belt; and Jared Freeman, president and CEO of OnPath Credit Union. Panelists will discuss leadership, strategic decision-making, and career advancement.

  • Bring the Spark: Leading with Energy, Influence, & Impact: An interactive leadership session led by Steven Shook, leadership and organizational development consultant with ShakeItUp Consulting.

  • A keynote presentation from Becker Hall, co-founder and CEO of Hogs for the Cause, who will share how the organization grew from a local idea into a nationally recognized nonprofit that has raised millions of dollars to support families facing pediatric brain cancer.

In addition to the educational sessions, attendees will receive a complimentary professional headshot provided by Charles Duval Photography and will have the opportunity to enter a Southwest Airlines giveaway for a round-trip flight voucher.

The summit will take place at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. Networking and a light lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at 12:30 p.m. A happy hour reception will conclude the event from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $100 per person and include all programming, networking opportunities, lunch, a professional headshot, and happy hour reception.

‍For more information or to register, visit the Jefferson Chamber website.

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About the Jefferson Chamber:

For more than 25 years, the Jefferson Chamber has been the leading voice of the Jefferson Parish business community. As a nonprofit, membership-driven organization, the Chamber is committed to Strengthening Business and Enriching the Community through advocacy, connection, and growth. Representing businesses of all sizes, the Chamber champions its members at the local, state, and federal levels while fostering economic vitality and enhancing quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Chamber is Five-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a three-time Louisiana Chamber of the Year honoree (2013, 2015, 2019, 2025). For more information, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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