Lead. Build. Belong.
Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP) is a collective of 20 to 35-year-old leaders, creatives, and changemakers working together to shape a vibrant future for Natchitoches Parish through bold ideas, real connections, and community impact. The mission of NYP is to attract, develop, and retain young talent in Natchitoches Parish by cultivating leadership, driving community innovation, and building a place where the next generation wants to live, work, and thrive.
Why Should I Join NYP?
When you join NYP, you join a community where young professionals don’t just start their careers, they build a life, shape the culture, and create what comes next.
NYP has annual signature events, regular socials, and community service opportunities, as well as several other professional development opportunities throughout the year. Membership is FREE and open to all young professionals in Natchitoches Parish between the ages of 20 and 35.
Members can join committees and help lead and shape the events, community service, and professional development opportunities that NYP hosts each year. Members on the mailing list also receive discounts for NYP signature events. Members will be automatically added to the mailing list upon joining.
Events Designed to Connect
NYP annually hosts professional development workshops, networking socials, and signature events. Active members of NYP will be notified by email and on social media when event dates are set and registration is open.
The Level Up Conference
The Level Up Conference is a high-energy, modern professional development experience designed to empower participants to grow in both their careers and personal lives. This dynamic event offers fresh, relevant workshops and networking opportunities, connecting driven professionals from across the region who are ready to take the next step in their journey.
The Big Ideas Method
The Big Ideas Method is a framework for creating community-focused programming that sparks meaningful impact. By designing and implementing projects that address local issues and opportunities, the method brings people together through strategically timed events held in meaningful locations—ensuring that every idea connects, engages, and drives positive change. Below are some potential framework opportunities.






Mentorship Program
The new Young Professional Mentorship Program will pair young professionals ages 20–25 with members ages 26–35 to foster growth, guidance, and real-world insights. Through these connections, participants gain valuable support while building stronger roots in Natchitoches, ensuring the next generation of professionals is equipped to thrive locally.
Highlighting Young Professionals' Success
Each year, NYP awards 4 deserving young professionals in the Natchitoches area with the 4 Under 40 award. This award celebrates the achievements of innovative and impactful young professional leaders. Active members of NYP will receive an email annually notifying them that the window has opened to nominate for 4 Under 40.
You can view past years' award winners below.
4 Under 40 Classes
Click below to see the name and employer of the award winners.
Alexa Bernard-Conday, Natchitoches Parish School Board
Coordinator of Federal Programs and Homelessness Services
Brittany Barton, BOM Bank
Operations
Holly Guillory, Engage Federal Credit Union
Chief Operating Officer
Tiffany Woods, City Bank & Trust Company
Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer
Dustin Dauzat, Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
Director of Programs and Events
Kathryn Beaudoin, Raising Canes
Restaurant Leader
Logan Lambert, BOM
Senior Accountant/Assistant Vice President
Lynda Hammett, Dazzle Dance Center
Owner
Amy Lee, Northwestern State
Director of Marketing and Branding
Crystal Conway, Engage FCU
Community Development Officer
Frank Taylor, Universal Tech, LLC
HVAC/Home Improvement Contractor and Property Investor
Dr. Grant Eloi, Natchitoches Parish Schools
Superintendent
Danielle Cobb
De’Andrea Sanders
Rebecca Blankenbaker
Faith Stanfield
Eddie Harrington
Harrington Law Firm
Mario Fox
Rhodes Realty
Kelli West
Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau
Blaise LaCour
BOM
Craig Caskey
Alliance Compressors
Sarah Stewart Nelson
Northwest Louisiana Cancer Center
Stewart Carnline
EpicTouch
Chris Lyles
Northwestern State University
Randee Patton
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Micah Murchison
BOM
Rodrick McIntosh
Rhodes Realty
Ryan Todtenbier
Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier
Josh Axsom
Axsom Air
Laura Lyles
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
Maggie Matuschka
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
Danielle Rhine
Salim-Beasley, LLC
Lauryn Sharplin
Sharpco Hotels Group
Howard Conday
The Law Office of Howard E. Conday
Justin Rhodes
Rhodes Properties & Development
Valencia Sarpy Jones
New York Life Insurance
Carrie Hough
BOM
Haley Taitano
Northwestern State University Athletics
Vanner Erikson
Northwestern State University
Corbin Covher
Northwestern State University
Thank you to Our Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are available to businesses looking to get their brand in front of young professionals, or who are looking to engage with their target audience. Our packages include signature event sponsorships, social media recognition, website recognition, and mass email recognition. Corporate sponsorship levels range from annual commitments of $100 to $1,000.
Sponsorships are currently closed and will reopen soon. Email Trinity@GoNatchitoches.com if you are interested in sponsoring NYP or have questions.