Our Board of Directors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana is governed by a seventeen member Volunteer Board of Directors from our seven Parish service region: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes. Our volunteer Board of Directors meets at a minimum of twelve times annually, serves an initial three-year term, participates in and supports all fundraising activities, provides governance and financial support, is an Ally in our region by promoting our Vision and Mission, and is an integral part of our strategic plan. We invite and affirm all community allies to join our movement and help us grow youth served, community engagement, and sustainable funding by upholding our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) values.
If you are interested in serving on our Volunteer Board of Directors, please CLICK HERE for the Board application and multi-layer background screening authorization form.
2023 Board of Directors
Velika Trahan- Chair (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana)
Lacy Viator- Vice Chair (Investar Bank)
Erika Carlisle - Treasurer (Carroll & Carlisle)
Erica Martin- Secretary (Entergy)
Dan Losey - (Retired P66)
Kelly Miseles (Retired Army & Big Brother)
Vic Salvador (Retired Ward 3 Marshal)
Anthony Celestine (Office for Juvenile Justice, Calcasieu Parish)
Dave Foley (AFI Mortgage)
Kedrick Nicholas (McNeese State University)
Alex Richard (B1Bank)
Ed McGuire (PSN Law Firm, Board Legal Counsel)
Cinnamon Salvador (Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Office)

A Little Time Can Make a Big Impact
NOTE: All names have been changed to protect the identities of the wait list children enrolled in our mentoring program. For many children in our community, having someone to spend…
Greg and John Go the Distance
When John Fontenot lost his father a little over 10 years ago, he thought about…
Read more about Greg and John Go the Distance
BBBS-SWLA Summer Program is a BIG Success!
While summer is a kid’s favorite time of year, it can be tough (and expensive)…
Read more about BBBS-SWLA Summer Program is a BIG Success!
Foster Grandparents of the Year 2016
In addition to their work with the children and families of Southwest Louisiana through its…
10 Years and 10,000 Memories
Big Sister Brenda is a southern girl. She graduated from Sulphur High School and grew…
One Big and One Not-So-Little
When Brad Ragusa was a kid in the early eighties, his mom pitched him an…