The Bayou Region Nonprofit Conference Will Return in October 2026!
Stay Tuned for Details.
The Conference You Love, AMPLIFIED !
Bayou Community Foundation and the Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits invites nonprofit professionals, Board members and volunteers to attend our annual one-day learning and networking conference on Thursday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Fletcher Technical Community College!
The 2025 Bayou Region Nonprofit Conference is POWERED By:
This Conference is also Supported By:
Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor? Contact Executive Director Jennifer Armand at Jennifer@BayouCF.org or call 985-219-0047 to learn how you can connect with local nonprofits while supporting this impactful event.
Don’t Miss Out — Reserve Your Seat Today!!
Registration tickets ($85) available Tuesday, August 19 through Monday, October 6.
- If paying for registration tickets by CHECK, please email your completed registration form to Kati@BayouCF.org, and mail both the form and your check to: Bayou Community Foundation, 315 Barrow Street, Houma, LA 70360.
- Registration Tickets are $85/person and includes keynote presentation, your choice of two breakout sessions, breakfast, lunch and networking opportunities with other local nonprofit leaders.
- Registration Tickets are nonrefundable.
Questions? Contact Community Impact Officer Kati Lee at Kati@BayouCF.org or call 985-219-0048
About Our Conference:
GET READY TO AMPLIFY YOUR NONPROFIT’S IMPACT!
With the theme, “Impact Amplified,” our 7th annual conference is designed to help us explore ways to elevate fundraising, streamline operations, build strong teams and harness technology for effective storytelling and marketing—all while infusing creativity and fresh energy into our organization’s work.
From an exciting list of general sessions and breakout presenters, our conference is designed to help your organization thrive, equipping you with practical tools and strategies to expand your reach and strengthen your mission.
A highlight of this year’s conference will be an afternoon panel featuring local nonprofit leaders who will share success stories, creative strategies, and lessons learned as they stepped outside of the box to advance their missions.
Join us for a day of learning, connection and inspiration with sessions crafted to help you increase your organization’s effectiveness and community impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your nonprofit’s future during this day-long conference JUST FOR US! REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Conference Agenda
Printable Conference Schedule HERE
General and Breakout Session Information
Opening Keynote: Julie Laperouse – Founder, President and Chief Peacock of Screaming Peacock Consulting
Leaders Don’t “Should” Themselves!
You’ve hit the career milestones, you’ve learned the lessons, you’ve even passed on the lessons. Now what? What SHOULD you do with all this opportunity and these skills and relationships you’ve built? You SHOULD do what makes sense and brings you joy, not just what everyone else tells you that you SHOULD. We’ll work through how to think differently about your decision-making at the leadership level of your career and have a handful of laughs in the process.
Julie Laperouse has been screaming all her life, but made it a profession in 2008 founding her training and speaking business Screaming Peacock. Julie challenges and energizes clients through customized training courses, engaging keynote addresses, executive coaching, and people strategy.
Julie has worked with clients ranging from Associated Builders and Contractors to Gulf Coast Bank to Kean Miller, LLP and with other corporate and nonprofit organizations of every industry and size. She’s even spoken to the National Funeral Directors Association. (A much livelier crowd than you’d think!)
Julie speaks and trains on leadership, thriving as a woman in business, public speaking, working with humans, team building and more. She is considered an expert trainer and facilitator with an impressive track record of high-performing professional clients.
She is also an author, having published her first book in 2011, “Are you a Screaming Peacock?” which serves as a tag-along to her public speaking engagements. Maintaining Screaming Peacock as a side hustle, Julie has also served as Chief Talent Officer of Advantage Capital and Managing Director of Emergent Method. She also co-owned a janitorial supply business with her husband, Paul, and is willing to share her lessons learned about working with your spouse over an old fashioned.
Julie is a native of Jennings, Louisiana, and received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communication with a minor in Theater. She is active throughout her community and was included in the Baton Rouge Business Report’s “Forty Under 40” list in 2014 and named one of the “Most Influential Women in Business” in 2017. In her free time, Julie enjoys cooking, running, being outside, throwing parties, and crafting with her four daughters, Annie Grace, Peyton, Beckett and Gentry.
Lunch Session Speaker: Dr. Heather Carpenter – LSU Shreveport Institute for Nonprofit Admiration and Research
The State of the Nonprofit Sector in Louisiana
Dr. Heather Carpenter will share the latest research and insights on Louisiana’s nonprofit sector, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the state’s philanthropic landscape. Drawing on data and real-world examples, she will explore the sector’s economic impact, evolving community needs, and strategies for building resilience and sustainability in the years ahead.
Dr. Carpenter is a highly networked nonprofit professor, researcher, consultant, and trainer passionate about nonprofit capacity building and talent development. She has served as a nonprofit professor and academic program director for over ten years and a nonprofit leader for over 20 years. She serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research at LSU Shreveport. INAR’s mission is to conduct research and disseminate knowledge about nonprofit organizations. It has three programmatic areas: academics, professional development, and research.
She has published numerous academic journal articles and books. She previously served as co-editor and chief of the Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership and was on the board of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, the national accrediting body for nonprofit academic degree programs from 2017-2023. In 2022, the Nonprofit Times selected Dr. Carpenter as a Top 50 Power and Influence Nonprofit Leader.
Dr. Carpenter is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, active in the Downtown Shreveport Rotary Club, and serves on the advisory committee for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. She was recently named to the Volunteer Louisiana Commission by the Governor. This state service commission has a mission to “Strengthen Louisiana communities through volunteerism and national service.”
She earned her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies with an emphasis on Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Master of Management in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. Her husband is a Navy Veteran and Captain at Spirit Airlines, and they have a 13-year-old daughter.
Afternoon Session: Introducing A NEW Interactive Local Nonprofit Panel Discussion
Innovate, Adapt, Succeed: Bayou Region Success Stories
- Kassie Babin – Operations Manager, Bayou Country Children’s Museum
- Elmy Savoie – Executive Director, Foundation for Terrebonne General Health System
- Ericka Wolfe – President and Co-Founder, HAP–Helping All People
- Daisy Cheramie – Executive Director, Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank
BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS
Ned Fasullo, Velocity Partners Group
“Smart Tech & AI Strategies for Mission Growth & Sustainability”
The keys to a successful nonprofit are tied to how the organization properly utilizes technology & AI for its communications, operating and marketing. Come learn more about how the myriad of tools and systems can be a critical advantage in your long term success!
Ned Fasullo is a seasoned executive with 30 years of experience in Director, VP, and C-level management roles, specializing in sales, marketing, business development, technology, and government relations. Throughout his distinguished career, Ned has been a trusted advisor to business owners and leaders in various sectors, including food manufacturing, MSP & SaaS technology, construction, and industrial fields.
His expertise lies in leveraging professional networking and business best practices to help companies achieve their desired outcomes. A published author of “The Small Book of Big Marketing” in 2017, Ned is also recognized for his contributions as a Silicon Bayou Top 100 List maker from 2012 to 2017. In his spare time, he spends time with his wife & five children, is the leader of Ned Fasullo & The Fabulous Big Band Orchestra & plays semi-competitive tennis at Bocage Racquet Club in Baton Rouge.
Helene Wall, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Wall Consulting
“Results Driven Strategic Leadership“
In this interactive session, nonprofit directors, managers and board members will gain practical strategies to strengthen their leadership, inspire teams, and drive measurable results for their organizations. Session participants will will learn how to:
• build mission-aligned teams to achieve organizational goals
• inspire and motivate staff while navigating change and uncertainty
• transform vision into impact that resonates with funders, partners, and the community
• foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Helene Wall, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Wall Consulting, and her team help create unity between leadership’s vision and the people, processes and technology needed to achieve success. Helene is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional with 30+ years of experience in human resources administration and organizational effectiveness.
Having served in prior roles with regional and director-level HR oversight, and as Associate Director/HR Consultant for a Top 100 CPA firm, Helene’s focus has always centered on successful workforce strategies and positive change management. Through collaboration with business leaders and mid-level management, Helene helps clients navigate leadership, performance, compliance and culture into strategies for successful business outcomes.
Laura Siu Nguyen, CEO and Consultant of Table Story Comms
“The Digital Roadmap: From Marketing Plan to Measurable Results”
In today’s fast-paced digital world, nonprofit leaders need more than just good intentions – They need a clear plan, the right tools, and the ability to measure what works. This session will walk you through the essentials of creating a practical digital marketing plan tailored for nonprofits of any size. In our session, we will cover:
- Marketing Plan Essentials: How to define your audience, set realistic goals, and craft a roadmap that guides your outreach.
- Digital Tools That Work: Tools to help you stay organized, manage campaigns, and streamline your workflow without overwhelming your team.
- Metrics That Matter: A breakdown of what to track (and what to ignore) so you can prove your impact, adjust your strategies, and communicate results to your board and funders.
- Participants will leave with actionable steps, recommended tools, and a framework they can immediately apply to strengthen their digital presence and better connect with their communities.
Laura Siu Nguyen is a dynamic and results-driven professional currently serving as the Chief of Staff at Bear Process Safety, where she plays a pivotal role in steering the company towards its strategic goals through effective leadership and operational excellence. With a rich background in Marketing & Communications spanning over 6 years, Laura has honed her expertise in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, driving brand awareness, and fostering meaningful engagements. She also has a small consultancy called tablestory comms where she helps small businesses, non profits and communities tell their story.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Laura is the Founder and Curator of Night Market BTR, a celebrated community event that showcases local artisans, performers, and culinary talents. Her vision and dedication to creating a vibrant cultural experience have not only enriched the local community but also underscored her commitment to supporting
small businesses and promoting cultural diversity.
Dr. Beverly Brooks Thompson, Ph.D, CFRE
“Impact Fundraising: Turning Outcomes into Outpourings”
In today’s philanthropic landscape, donors want measurable, mission-driven results. This session will show you how to identify, capture, and communicate your organization’s true impact through data-driven storytelling that inspires deeper engagement, larger gifts, and lasting loyalty. You’ll explore strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tools to build a culture of impact measurement and turn your outcomes into your greatest fundraising asset.
Beverly Brooks Thompson, Ph.D., CFRE, is a published academic and practitioner in the field of philanthropic leadership. She holds a Doctorate in Human Resource Development, specializing in Organizational Leadership, with more than 25 years of fundraising campaign experience. Her fundraising counsel focuses on major and mega gift strategies, leadership coaching, campaign counsel and readiness, capacity building, and organizational assessment.
Beverly combines proven advancement principles and fundraising best practices with innovative, custom-tailored strategies to assist clients in realizing their philanthropic goals. In addition, Beverly works with philanthropists, family offices, family foundations and corporations as a guide to reinvest in society in ways that are productive and meaningful. Her clients are guided by individual visions for a better world; Beverly works to stimulate that vision for maximum impact both personally and/or to meet Corporate Social Responsibility goals.
Beverly is a licensed as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Certified Advisor in 21/64 Next Generation Family Wealth and a Master Trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In addition, Beverly holds faculty appointments at the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University, the Mandella School for Public Policy at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN.
Beverly gained national attention as the Director for Forever LSU: The Campaign for Louisiana State University, supporting the three contiguous Baton Rouge campuses of LSU. Raising more than $798 million (exceeding the $750 million goal), the Forever LSU campaign has stood out as a paradigm for success in higher education campaigns nationwide. She has also held executive leadership roles at Brooks Thompson Consulting, Pursuant and the Foundation for Woman’s at Woman’s Hospital. Programs under Thompson’s direction have received national awards and recognition at CASE, APAP and NASPA, as well as awards from the American Advertising Federation.
Our Generous Donors make this Conference and ALL BCF’s Nonprofit Programing Possible!
