Women in Industry Forum Empowers the Next Generation Workforce

Click here to see photos from the event

Students arrived early, excited and expectant, for this year’s Women in Industry Forum. From the moment they walked through the doors of the Price LeBlanc PACE Center, they were greeted with big smiles as industry volunteers welcomed them and guided them to their seats. More than 130 volunteers supported the event throughout the day, eager to share their enthusiasm for industrial career pathways.

Students kicked off the day with an interactive “Guess My Career” game, challenging them to match industry professionals with their current roles. From there, they rotated through hands-on stations with activities that highlighted both technical and professional skills. Activities ranged from STEM experiments and resume-building to social media etiquette and crafting a vision board, all designed to inspire confidence and help students envision a future in Louisiana’s industrial sector.

During lunch, students heard from keynote speaker Darylene Pugh, plant manager of the Shell Catalysts & Technologies Port Allen site. She shared her career journey from a young engineer to leading the world’s largest refining catalyst plant, encouraging students to dream big and pursue their passions with determination.

Over lunch, students visited with female mentors from local manufacturing sites, engineering firms, contracting companies, and post-secondary schools. These conversations gave them space to ask questions, gain practical advice, and see first-hand the opportunities available in industry.

The day ended on a high note with the “Dress for Success” fashion show. Students laughed and engaged with the show as volunteers demonstrated what to wear—and what not to wear—to a job interview.

The response from local schools was overwhelming, with participants from 27 high schools from six parishes, including Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, St. James, and West Baton Rouge. In total, about 300 students and teachers joined in the action-packed event.

"Based on a post-event survey 100% of students said the Women in Industry Forum increased their knowledge about industry."

“The Women in Industry Forum is an incredible way to show young women the real career possibilities available to them right here in Louisiana,” said Connie Fabre, President & CEO of GBRIA. “The energy, excitement, and commitment from both the students and the industry leaders who volunteered their time demonstrates how powerful it is when we work together to build our future workforce.”

A special thank-you goes to Janile Parks of FG Louisiana, who served as chair of the planning committee, and to all the committee members whose time, creativity, and dedication made this event possible:

• Danielle Labbe, ABC Pelican
• Hillary Sutton, Alliance Safety Council
• Meagan Kohls, Alliance Safety Council
• Kara Henderson, BASF/Women in Manufacturing
• Tamara Alexander-Maxie, BASF/ Women in Manufacturing
• Jackie McCreary, CF Industries
• Laura Eiklor, ExxonMobil
• Katy Yu, Innophos
• Tina Moak, Innophos
• Hisa Turner, LCA
• Alison Bordelon, LCTCS/ Women in Manufacturing
• Leeann Baham, Methanex
• Alicia Gautreau, OxyChem
• Savannah Strachan, Shell
• Chloe Camel, Shell
• Renee Leblanc, Shell
• Michelle Hardy, Turner
• Blanche Gallagher, The TJC Group/Industry Makes

This inspiring event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

• OxyChem
• ExxonMobil
• Methanex
• Shell
• Honeywell
• Turner Industries
• Air Liquide
• BASF
• CF Industries
• HGA
• LCTCS
• Linde
• Nalco Water
• Syngenta
• The TJC Group/Industry Makes
• Women in Manufacturing
• ABC Pelican
• Air Products
• Alliance Safety Council
• Ascension Roofing & Fabrication
• Innophos
• On-Site Health & Safety
• Trade Construction Co., LLC

Thanks to everyone who gave their time, energy, and support, GBRIA’s 2025 Women in Industry Forum was truly an unforgettable day of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.

The next Women in Industry Forum will be hosted by the New Orleans Region Industry Alliance (NORIA) on November 18 at the Edward Dufresne Center in Luling. Sponsorship opportunities are available now at https://www.gbria.org/events/noria-women-in-industry-forum.