2025 Women in Business - April Event

Description

Start the new year with purpose and inspiration! Join us for a positive half-day Women in Business Conference, designed for women in all roles—entrepreneurs, professionals, and dreamers alike.

This empowering event is your opportunity to connect with like-minded women, gain actionable insights, and set achievable goals for the year ahead. Through panel discussions and a dynamic keynote from Auriel Campbell, you are sure to walk away feeling motivated and prepared to make 2025 your most successful year yet.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in YOURSELF, build friendships, and kick off the new year with clarity and confidence.

Seats are limited—reserve your spot today!

Auriel is a licensed professional counselor and the owner and clinical director of local group counseling practice, Lotus Counseling and Wellness. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to her mental health and biblical training journey, she was a dedicated opera singer at the world-renowned music conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio.

She has a background working with individuals recovering from complex trauma, chronic illness & pain, and spiritual wounds as a counselor. She has recently transitioned to working more with mental health professionals as a trainer and consultant, helping mental health professionals grow in competency and confidence in working with complex trauma. Alongside consultation and training, she is passionate about making mental health accessible to the greater community through courses, mental health series, her podcast, speaking, and her group counseling practice.

Alongside these endeavors, she is married to her beloved husband, Trent Istre, and they enjoy the country life with their three pups, Zeke, Mose and Chip. Auriel loves Pilates, reading, music, and anything artistic such as collaging, painting and pottery.
 

Panelist

 Keesha B. Buteau is the Founder of Beacon of Light, a Coaching, Consulting, and Public Speaking company based in Lafayette, Louisiana. With a career spanning over 20 years, Keesha has distinguished herself as a leader in the coaching and professional development space. As a member of the Positive Intelligence coaching community and DISC Assessment practitioner, she empowers organizations and individuals to achieve sustainable growth and peak performance.
Keesha is also a valued partner in Brand State U, a premier provider of training and development programs that enhance leadership capabilities across industries. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Project Management, Keesha's extensive experience includes executive coaching, consulting, and leadership training. Her work spans C-suite executives, small and large for-profit companies, and non-profit organizations, where she is known for fostering trust, collaboration, and meaningful personal and professional growth.

Keesha’s influence extends beyond her business endeavors. She was recognized as one of Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 Young Leaders in 2020, celebrated as a Steel Magnolia in Acadiana Profile Magazine in January 2024, and honored as a Woman Making a Difference in Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine for her impactful leadership. Keesha was also featured in the 4-part television segment Friday Light with Keesha, airing on KADN News 15, which focused on personal and professional development. Driven by her purpose to inspire and uplift others, Keesha is a trusted source of encouragement and a beacon for those striving to define and achieve their own success.


Kacee Thompson is the Executive Director of Hospice of Acadiana Foundation, Inc., where she is responsible for securing and managing funding for the unreimbursed care and support services provided to the terminal patients, and families, of Hospice of Acadiana. Additionally, she leads all marketing and communication efforts for the organization. With 30 years of experience in business development, communications, and project management, Kacee skillfully merges her strong business acumen with a deep commitment to service. Her expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and community outreach has been crucial in driving forward significant initiatives at Hospice of Acadiana. Notably, she has been instrumental in the launch of a new inpatient hospice house and the establishment of an endowment fund designed to support the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Kacee earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from the University of Louisiana, where she nurtured her passion for effective communication and community engagement. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kacee enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Eric Thompson, and their three children: Ben, 23, Ryan, 22, and Mary Louise, 20. Her dedication to both her family and her career underscores her commitment to positively impacting the lives of those around her.


Dr. Kathryn Strother is a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic health conditions. A Lafayette native, Dr. Strother understands the unique healthcare challenges and needs of area residents. She provides a full spectrum of care for the entire family, from annual physicals and immunizations to treatment of asthma, diabetes and hypertension.
Dr. Strother earned a medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport before moving back to Lafayette to complete her residency. She is certified by the American Academy of Family Medicine.

Born and raised in Lafayette, LA, Sara has always held a deep appreciation for her roots and the vibrant culture of her hometown. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Business Administration, she earned her Master of Taxation from the University of Denver. Following her academic pursuits, Sara began her professional journey in public accounting with Grant Thornton in Denver. Her desire to be closer to family ultimately brought her back to Lafayette. Upon returning home, Sara continued her career in public accounting, eventually becoming a partner at a small, local firm prior to joining the Stuller Family Office, Federated Management Services, Inc.

Outside of her professional life, Sara is a devoted mother to her son, Jackson, and a proud pet parent of two dogs, Koa and Millie. She often spends her time cheering for Jackson at sporting events. When she’s not at the field, Sara enjoys staying active through yoga and cherishes quality time spent with her family and friends.