(LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA) – The SOWELA Foundation has a new slate of executive officers for 2026. Executive officers include President Ron Richard with Richard Law Firm, Vice President Dr. Daniel Hall with Louisiana Foot and Ankle Specialists, Secretary Michelle Guidry with Louisiana Bridge Builders, and Treasurer Barry Brown with Red River Bank.
New to the board for the 2026 year is Heather Hohensee with Woodside Energy. Additional board members include Kyle Edmiston with Visit Lake Charles, Ryan Hess with CSE Federal Credit Union, Field LaMotte with Westlake Chemical, Kevin McCarthy with L’Auberge Casino Resort, Karen Hardy McReynolds with the City of Lake Charles, Emily Fenet Parker with L’Auberge Casino Resort, Dr. Richard Roe with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, Kelly Sickey, and Hiren Zaveri with Prosperity Hospitality Management.
The SOWELA Foundation will host its annual Taste of SOWELA fundraiser on Friday, March 6, 2026, benefiting student scholarships at SOWELA Technical Community College. The signature event showcases the College’s renowned Culinary Arts program and features an evening of unique food tastings, beer and wine vendors, live entertainment, and a blackjack tournament. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.sowela.edu/taste.
SOWELA is committed to helping students graduate with little to no debt. The College does not participate in the federal student loan program, making SOWELA Foundation scholarships an essential component of student success and access to higher education.
About the SOWELA Foundation
The SOWELA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting student access and success by providing supplemental resources to enhance education and training, support instructional excellence, promote career opportunities, and meet workforce needs in Southwest Louisiana.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.