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300+ Women Gather to ''Own Your Story'' at Livingston Parish Women's Leadership Expo and Conference

- Featured ArticleLP Biz NewslettersChamber News

The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 300 women to its 2026 Women's Leadership Expo and Conference on Thursday, September 24, at Abundant Life Outreach Center.

Built around the theme "Own Your Story," the day brought together business owners, professionals, and community leaders from across the parish for a day of connection, learning, and encouragement.

Keynote speaker Lisa Maggio, author of Crushed: A Miracle Was Her Only Option, shared her powerful story of faith, resilience, and pushing forward when the odds say otherwise. Dr. Brenna Barzenick, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, business owner, author, and educator, walked the room through her playbook for the decade ahead, comparing what guided her from 20 to 49 with what will carry her from 59 to 69, and what has changed along the way. Fantasy romance author Rachel Schneider, creator of the Fire & Metal series, joined by video to share her journey as a writer.

Emcee Lori Steel kept the energy high throughout the program, while attendees visited local vendors at the Expo and connected with women at every stage of their careers.

"The Women's Leadership Conference has always been about more than one day — it's about what happens when women in this community are given a room to be seen, heard, and inspired. Nine years in, this event continues to grow because the women of this parish show up for each other every single year. As both the Committee Chair and the Interim President & CEO of this Chamber, I am incredibly proud of what this community has built together — and of the women who make it what it is."
said Angela Alessi, Interim CEO of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce.

Photo Album

Relive the day and find your photos in the full album: HERE

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the businesses who invested in the women of Livingston Parish.

Presenting Sponsor: Heirloom Journeys

Gold Sponsors: Bank of Zachary, First Guaranty Bank, Holmes Building Materials, Living in Parish, North Oaks Health, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Livingston, and Redemption Process Development & Bookkeeping, LLC

Silver Sponsors: Baton Rouge General Physicians, Bonvenu Bank, Brandy Robertson, State Farm, D.R. Horton, Inc., Mike's Bail Bonds, Ochsner Health, Primerica, Shannon Bernard, Quality Engineering & Surveying, LLC, Sheriff Jason Ard, and TWRU CPAs & Financial Advisors

What's Next

Missed Rachel in person? So did we. Rachel Schneider couldn't join us in the room this year, but we're not done with her story yet. Stay tuned. You won't want to miss this one.

In the meantime, keep the momentum going at our upcoming events:

  • LP Biz Connections: AI You Can Actually Use | Wednesday, September 30 | [time, location] | Our monthly networking luncheon featuring Kelsie, COO of Gulf South Technology Solutions, on practical AI for small businesses. Open to members and those considering membership. Register here
  • Small Business B(AI)sics: AI Training 101 | Tuesday, October 6 | 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. | Literacy & Technology Center, Room 119, 9261 Florida Blvd., Walker | A free, hands-on AI training in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, supported by Google. No tech background required, and you don't need to be a Chamber member to attend. Spots are limited. Register here
  • Meet Your Candidates: Livingston Parish | Wednesday, October 14 | Doors open 5:00 p.m., program at 5:30 p.m. | Events at Serenity, 33135 LA-16, Denham Springs | A nonpartisan forum and meet and greet ahead of the election. Hear directly from candidates across the ballot, from U.S. Senate to local races, and ask your questions face to face. Free and open to the public, registration required. Presented by Sport Clips. Register here

Not a Chamber member yet? Learn more and join here: https://business.livingstonparishchamber.org/member/newmemberapp

See all upcoming events: https://business.livingstonparishchamber.org/events

About the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce

The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses through networking, advocacy, education, and community engagement. Building Business. Building Community.

248 Veterans Blvd., Denham Springs, LA 70726 | 225-665-8155

300+ Women Gather to ''Own Your Story...