Leadership Webster

10/15/2026

Session 2: SIMSOC (Simulated Society)

What does it take to build and maintain a successful society? Our Leadership Webster class got a firsthand look during their latest session.

A big THANK YOU to our session facilitator, Steve Fowler and his wife, Laura, for guiding our class through SIMSOC (Simulated Society), an interactive experience that challenges participants to think critically about leadership, communication, decision-making, and the complexities of society.

Throughout the day, participants navigated real-world challenges involving economic inequality, justice, diversity, trust, power dynamics, and leadership.

As the day unfolded, participants had to negotiate, collaborate, problem-solve, and sometimes make difficult decisions. They quickly discovered how cooperation, competition, trust, and communication can shape the success (or struggles) of an entire community.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about understanding how those decisions impact others and recognizing the importance of working together, even when perspectives and priorities differ.

We can’t wait to see how the lessons learned during this session carry over into the months ahead!

09/09/2026

Leadership Webster 2026 - 2027 | Session 1: Orientation & Minden History

Today marked Session 1 for our newest Leadership Webster class, and we packed a lot into our first day together!

Getting to Know the Class
We started the morning at the Greater Minden Chamber getting to know one another and laying the foundation for the months ahead.

City of Minden Mayor Nick Cox joined us for a personality assessment that gave everyone a little insight into how they think, communicate, and work with others. Participants were then grouped by personality traits and challenged to work together on community projects built entirely out of LEGOs.

It was a fun exercise, but also an eye-opening reminder: it takes different personalities, strengths, and perspectives working together to bring a vision to life. It’s much like how a strong community operates.

Discovering Our History
After lunch, we headed downtown for a visit to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum,. It’s always exciting to introduce first-time visitors to this incredible FREE hidden gem right in Downtown Minden and give them a deeper look at the people, places, and stories that shaped our community.

Welcoming Visitors to Minden
Next, we made our way to the Minden Civic Center, where the City of Minden is hosting the Louisiana Chief of Staff Conference over the next few days. Our class had the opportunity to help welcome attendees to our city and squeeze in a little networking along the way!

Investing in Downtown Minden
We wrapped up the day with visits to Brick Street Coffee and Under Dawgs Sports Grill/Fleur-De-Lease on Main.

Owners Derek & Debbie Peris and Claudine Thomas shared the stories behind their businesses, why they chose to invest in Downtown Minden, insights into business ownership, and a look at what’s ahead. Hearing directly from local business owners was the perfect way to connect so much of what we talked about throughout the day - leadership, investment, collaboration, and community.

Meet the Leadership Webster Class of 2026 - 2027!

We’re excited to spend the next several months learning, connecting, and growing alongside this group of community leaders:

• Kyle Allums — City of Minden
• Jacque Biggs — Bradley Murchison
• Laura Burns — Self-Employed
• Laci Campbell — Moore Veterinary Clinic
• Elissa Cupples — Perryman Welding
• Tynesa Grigsby — Gibsland Bank & Trust
• Ashley Hamlin — Minden Medical Center
• Zachary Harrison — City of Minden
• Dana Haynes — Minden Medical Center
• Amber McDown — Minden Press-Herald
• Mckenzie McLemore — Hers Bridal & Special Occasions
• Dr. Annie Moore — Moore Veterinary Clinic
• Laura Perryman — Perryman Welding
• Levi Pruitt — Minden Medical Center
• Hollan Randle — Louisiana Benefits Group
• Kayelee Robinson — Durrett Law & Title
• Melaney Sanders — City of Minden
• Nickolas Tramel — Interstate Building Materials (not pictured)
• Larry Waltman — City of Minden
• Blair Woods — City of Minden

What a way to kick off Leadership Webster!

Over the next several months, this group will build deeper connections with one another while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the businesses, organizations, industries, and people that make the Greater Minden community such a great place to live, work, and lead.

Session 1 is in the books , and we appreciate everyone who played a part in making it such a great day!

07/07/2026

Ready to grow your leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of our community? Join us!

Leadership Webster is designed for emerging and established leaders who want to get connected, get informed, and make a lasting impact in the Greater Minden area. Over the course of nine, one day a month, sessions, participants will explore topics like education, economic development, healthcare, local government, nonprofits, and more — all while building relationships with fellow community leaders.

The program begins this September and includes a special two-day visit to the Louisiana Legislature in April.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the Greater Minden area, this program is for you.

Apply by July 23:
https://greatermindenchamber.com/leadershipwebster/

04/30/2026

We appreciate Amber McDown/Minden Press-Herald for her coverage and pictures at the event!

Minden Press-Herald | Youth Leadership graduates 19 students from across Webster Parish https://press-herald.com/youth-leadership-graduates-19-students-from-across-webster-parish

04/29/2026

Yesterday was a proud day for our Chamber as we celebrated the graduation of our 2026 Webster Youth Leadership class. 🎓

This group has grown so much over the past year, and we truly can’t wait to see where life takes them next.

A big thank you to Mayor Nick Cox for reminding us all that great leadership starts with strong character. And to Mia Feaster and Hayden Gregg—thank you for sharing your experiences and highlighting the incredible accomplishments of this class.

To the families, educators, and administrators—thank you for investing in these students and showing up to support them. It means more than you know.

The future is bright. ✨

Class of 2026 Graduates:
· Teal Austin – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Ella Durden – Glenbrook School
· Mia Feaster – Minden High School
· Layla Garrett – Minden High School
· Hayden Gregg – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Josh Hasty – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Emma Herring – Minden High School
· Kaylee Johnson – Doyline Panthers
· Amelia Lott – Glenbrook School
· Maggie Mandino – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Ava Martin – Minden High School
· Joe McGraw – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Adleigh Moore – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Scarlett O’Glee – Glenbrook School
· Meredith Robinson – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Angel Stewart – Minden High School
· Brody Walker – Glenbrook School
· Kyla Whitt – Glenbrook School
· Topher Wilson - Minden High School (not pictured)

04/28/2026

Congratulations to Webster Youth Leadership student, Angel Stewart! ✨

Angel was presented as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Debutante. They held their Cotillion Ball on April 11, 2026. We are so proud of you, Angel!

04/27/2026

Congratulations to our Webster Youth Leadership student, Teal Austin! Incredible accomplishment!

Big recognition for Lakeside Senior Teal Austin! 🧪⚛️

Teal has been selected as a recipient of the Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry award from Iota Sigma Pi, the National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry. This honor highlights her academic excellence and achievement in the field of chemistry.

We are proud of you, Teal, and excited to see what the future holds!

04/15/2026

Session 8: Parish Government Day

Today’s session gave our group a deeper understanding of how parish government operates and the many offices that serve the residents of Webster Parish. From elected officials to public service departments, students learned how decisions are made, services are delivered, and how these roles impact our daily lives. It was a great opportunity to see the connection between leadership, service, and community.

▪️Speaker Mike Johnson
We began the day hearing from Kathy Babers, who shared insight into the work being done at the federal level and how it connects back to our local communities. It was a great perspective on how different levels of government work together.

▪️Bossier Webster Parish District Attorney
Assistant District Attorney Chance Nerren spoke with the group about the role of the DA’s office, the justice system, and how their work helps maintain safety and accountability in our parish.

▪️Webster Parish Clerk of Court
Students learned about the importance of record keeping, legal filings, and how the Clerk of Court’s office plays a vital role in the judicial system.

▪️Webster Parish Registrar of Voters
At the Registrar’s Office, the group met with Registrar Angela Hall, and gained a better understanding of voter registration, elections, and the importance of civic participation.

▪️Webster Parish Police Jury
Jim Bonsall, President of the Webster Parish Police Jury, shared how they serve as the governing body of the parish, making decisions that impact infrastructure, budgets, and overall parish operations.

▪️Lunch at Under Dawgs
The group enjoyed lunch together at Under Dawgs, taking a break to connect and reflect on the morning’s experiences.

▪️Webster Parish Libraries
The library visit highlighted the wide range of resources and programs available to the community, far beyond just books, serving residents of all ages.

▪️Webster Parish Assessor
Students learned how property is assessed and the role this office plays in supporting parish revenue and services.

▪️Webster Parish Office of Community Support
We wrapped up the day learning about programs and services designed to support individuals and families in need throughout the parish.

It was a full day of learning, giving our group a greater appreciation for the many people and offices working together to serve Webster Parish each day.

Next stop…graduation! 🧑‍🎓