United Way Southwest Louisiana announces the Inaugural ALICE Summit of Louisiana, scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, at L'Auberge Lake Charles. This groundbreaking event will raise awareness about the critical challenges faced by Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals within our community—hardworking individuals who still struggle to meet the basic necessities of life. Register today at unitedwayswla.org/alicesummit.
The ALICE Summit is not just an event; it’s a pivotal moment for our region. We invite community leaders, businesses, and organizations to discuss the challenges of our ALICE population and forge sustainable solutions that will empower thousands in Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data highlights the significant challenges many households in our region face. In Allen Parish, the ALICE population stands at an alarming 36%, while Beauregard Parish reports 24%. Calcasieu Parish is home to 26% of its residents who fall under this category, with Cameron Parish at 31% and Jeff Davis Parish at 35%. These statistics illustrate the pressing need for unified efforts among community leaders and businesses to address the economic struggles faced by many families. We can strategize effective solutions and drive impactful change for our communities by coming together at the inaugural ALICE Summit.
The Summit will feature distinguished national speakers and panelists, including leaders from prominent businesses and legislators, such as:
- Louisiana State Representative Jason Hughes, House District 100 and Vice Chair House Appropriations
- Dr. Stephanie Hoopes, National Director, United for ALICE, United Way of Northern New Jersey
- Jaimie Hebert, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Louisiana
- Patty Riddlebarger, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Entergy Louisiana
- Mayor Nic Hunter, City of Lake Charles
- Tristi Charpentier, Vice President, People-Centered Initiatives, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation
- Sarah Berthelot, President & CEO, Louisiana Association of United Ways
- Norman Morris, CEO, LA Realtors Association
- Ken Oldham, President & CEO, United Way of Frederick County, Maryland
- Heather Davidson, Senior Advisor, Cloud 9 Nonprofit Advisors
- Kevin Delahoussaye, Executive Director, Louisiana Housing Corporation
- Susana Schowen, Secretary, Louisiana Workforce Commission
- Susan East Nelson, J.D., Executive Director, Louisiana Partnership for Children & Families
- Jan Moller, Executive Director, Invest in Louisiana (formerly LA Budget Project)
- Shawn Wilson, Former Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation
- Mary Leach Werner, Chairman, Sweet Lake Land & Oil Company
- Dr. David LaFargue, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions, SOWELA Technical Community College
Participation will help foster collaborative discussions among community stakeholders aimed at driving actionable strategies for economic stability and inclusivity.
"We believe that by joining forces, we can elevate our community’s most vulnerable members," said Denise Durel, President & CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. "This summit is our opportunity to listen to the voices of our ALICE population and to inspire our collective action towards meaningful change."
What’s In Store:
- Insightful discussions that spotlight the real-life experiences of ALICE individuals, like Maria, a mother from Lake Charles working multiple jobs to support her family amidst financial uncertainty.
- Panel #1: "Building Resilience: Strengthening Working Families in Post-Hurricane Louisiana"
- Fireside Chat: "Shaping Opportunities for Working Families"
- Panel #2/Speakers: “A Home for the Future: Addressing Housing and Transportation Challenges for Louisiana’s Working Families”
- Panel #3: "CEO Roundtable"
- Networking opportunities with local and national leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in our community.
Get Involved:
We invite you to register as a sponsor or attendee or buy a table setup spot for the ALICE Summit. Your support is crucial in building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can change the narrative and create a brighter future for ALICE individuals and families across Louisiana. Learn more at unitedwayswla.org/alicesummit
How to Register:
To register for the summit or to secure sponsorship opportunities, please visit unitedwayswla.org/alicesummit
Having a table set up at the event presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses and nonprofits to showcase their offerings and engage directly with the community. It allows organizations and nonprofits to connect face-to-face with potential customers, partners, and supporters, fostering relationships that can lead to valuable collaborations and increased visibility. As attendees explore the event, they will have the chance to learn more about what these organizations do.
Join us in making a lasting impact. Together, we can uplift the ALICE population in our region and create pathways for economic opportunity for all.
The ALICE Summit sponsors are CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Calcasieu Refining Company, L'Auberge Lake Charles, Westlake Corporation, Phillips 66, UpScale Productions, Lake Charles Memorial Health System, Cumulus Media, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and LyondellBasell.
###
About United Way Southwest Louisiana
From strengthening local resilience to advancing healthy communities, youth opportunity and financial security, United Way Southwest Louisiana is mobilizing communities to take action so all can thrive.
UnitedWaySWLA.org