SHREVEPORT, La. — The Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana, a program of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, has named Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden the 2025 Young Professional of the Year. The recognition was presented during the 40 Under Forty Awards and Gala, sponsored by Ochsner LSU Health, at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino.
Manchester-Sanden earned a Master of Science in nonprofit administration and a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from LSU Shreveport in 2018. She has served with the Renesting Project for more than seven years and became executive director three years ago. In 2025, she was recognized as the Remarkable Woman of the Year for the ArkLaTex by Nexstar Media for her leadership and community impact. She is also pursuing the Professional Community and Economic Developer credential through the Community Development Institute, Louisiana.
“We are pleased to recognize Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden as the YPI Young Professional of the Year,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “This year’s 40 Under Forty class represents the very best of our region’s emerging leaders, and Emily exemplifies the dedication and commitment to service that strengthen Northwest Louisiana.”
The 40 Under Forty Awards honor professionals under 40 who demonstrate excellence in their careers, education, community leadership, and volunteer efforts. One honoree is chosen each year as Young Professional of the Year, representing the highest achievement among the class.
The 2025 honorees are:
Aaron Bronson, Visit Shreveport-Bossier
Joe Brownlee, Bossier Parish Community College
Keidra Buggs, Volunteers of America North Louisiana
Caitlin Busada, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport
Keshia Carhee, Eight Consulting LLC
Clint Davis, Bonvenu Bank
Marcus Edwards, City of Shreveport
Shanaé Elbert, Efficient Assistance by Elbert’s Events
Chris Eldredge, Heard, McElroy and Vestal
Heather Fontenot, Shreveport Rouxgaroux
Laura Gauthier, The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center
Leona Gray, Shreveport Police Department, Community Policing Bureau
Ronnetra Green, Brentwood Hospital
Kevin Hebert, LSU Health Shreveport
Kourteni Henderson, DeSoto Parish School Board
Trestin Holmes, U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
John Hoogland, Hoogland’s Landscape
Lauren LJ Jones, Shreveport Green
Erin Kenny, Starns, Kenny and Easterling LLC
Linsey Kincaid, Forte and Tablada Inc.
Crystal P. Mack, Fresenius Kidney Care
Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, Renesting Project Inc.
Annie Pearl McCulloch, Caddo Parish Schools
Daniel McDonnell, Shreveport Fire Department
Brooke McGaugh, LSU Health Shreveport
Deidre McVay-Schulmeister, The Arc Caddo-Bossier
Alicia Mingo, Happy Healthy Pregnancy LLC
Madalyn Monarch, First Horizon Bank
Victoria E. Moore, Envision Media and Marketing
Brigette Moss, Fixx Medical Spa
Dr. Sara Munjampalli, Sleep Care Clinic
Phelicia Neal, Sunbelt Staffing
Clinton Patrick, Volkert Inc.
Bob Thames, Single Source
Jonathan Wall, BOM Bank
Sara Walters, LSU Health Shreveport
Jamie Wells, Centenary College of Louisiana
Luke Whetstone, Cook, Yancey, King and Galloway
TaLisia Williams, A New Beginning Counseling Services LLC
Pastor Kermit Young Jr., The Prayers Club and City of Shreveport