08/10/2026
I can hardly believe it… Desire Line is 5!
Warning: I’m being unusually reflective. This is long. There are feelings. And eventually, cracklins.
From growing up in swamp surrounded by builders, to a teenager changed by Hurricane Katrina, to art, urban planning, 12 years in government, and now five years running a company—I keep thinking about how fortunate I am for the people that shaped the journey to today.
Steve Rucker, my college advisor and ceramics professor: “No one will care about what you’re doing, so you better make sure it makes you feel something.” Thank you for teaching me to focus on what I care about.
Terri Wilkinson, who hired me for my first planning internship: “We don’t do fancy planning here. It’s nuts-and-bolts planning.” Do the day-to-day work. Get it right.
Natalie Robottom, who hired me as a young Planning Director: “I pay you to give me the best advice you can. It’s up to me whether I take it. When you’re in charge, you’ll understand it’s not personal.” I understand now.
Pat Forbes, former Executive Director of the State Office of Community Development, who believed me when I said, “If someone else can do this job better for Louisiana, hire them.” And then hired me.
Bobby Gelpi, my stepdad: “Invest in yourself.” It took taking major risks, swinging for the fences, missing, and swinging again to fully appreciate this one.
Stephen D. Villavaso, J.D., FAICP, my Master’s Committee Chair, professional colleague, and dear friend: “Our communities are so full of life; slow down and get some cracklins.” The work will always be there. Don’t forget to enjoy life while you’re at it.
Rick Meyer, a friend of my dad’s who continues to look after me long after his passing: “You come from a family of business owners. This is in your blood.”
Jared Carter, my husband and 16-yr retired captain of the NOFD, who has always made me feel like I could reach up and capture the stars: “You can do anything. Focus is your superpower.”
And Evelyn Campo, who has walked beside me through every chapter of my professional life, always ready with: “Of course we can do that.”
And then there’s the Desire Line LLC team.
If the above people helped shape the person who started Desire Line, our team made it a company. They’ve taken chances, challenged assumptions, solved hard problems, survived long meetings and impossible deadlines, and brought their own talent, curiosity, humor, and heart to this work.
Desire Line was not built alone. Every person who has worked here has left their fingerprints on it—and I am incredibly proud of what we have built together.
Five years feels impossibly long and, somehow, like a snap.
This company was built over a lifetime—by the people who taught me, the places that shaped us, the communities that trusted us, and the team that keeps showing up to do the work.
Here’s to five years of Desire Line, a few cracklins along the way, and whatever path we make next. ❤️ Learn more at www.desire-line.com 💖
