By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
In a celebration of promise, purpose, and potential, the Commission for Women of Bossier City hosted its annual LEAD Award Luncheon on Thursday, April 17, at The Stable in Bossier City. The event, attended by community leaders, educators, and families, recognized the achievements of 14 exceptional young women from Bossier Parish schools who participated in the Commission’s Mentoring Program.
Susan East, president of the Commission for the 2024-2025 year, opened the afternoon with heartfelt remarks highlighting the growth of the program and the bright future ahead for its participants.
“As president of the Commission for Women of Bossier City, I am incredibly proud of the mentor program and everything it brings to our community,” East said. “This year, we had 14 outstanding young women participate from Bossier Parish schools—our largest and most impactful group to date. These young women are the future of Bossier, and they are already showing us what leadership looks like.”
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the LEAD Award (Leadership Enhancement Award for Future Development), a scholarship created to honor the purpose and outcomes of the Mentoring Program. The award supports young women in their pursuit of leadership and community service and is based on academic achievement, personal growth, and civic engagement.
The 2025 LEAD Award recipients were:
- Michelle Hood, Bossier High School – $2,000
- Brelynn Smith, Haughton High School – $1,000
- Joslyn Buzzanca, Benton High School – $500
In addition to the LEAD scholarships, the prestigious Magnolia Award, sponsored by Bossier City Councilman Brian Hammons, was presented to Nya Hunt of Airline High School. She received a $500 scholarship in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and service to the community.
The Mentoring Program, a cornerstone initiative of the Commission, is designed to enrich the educational experience of high school senior girls in Bossier Parish. It offers participants unique opportunities to engage directly with community leaders and gain insight into the legal, political, economic, cultural, and educational systems shaping their world.
“Our mission is to develop well-rounded, community-minded citizens who will go on to become the next generation of leaders and ambassadors for Bossier,” said East. “These young women are already rising to that call.”
As the luncheon concluded, applause and warm congratulations filled the room. The day served as both a tribute to the hard work of this year’s mentees and a celebration of the Commission’s enduring commitment to empowering women and uplifting the community.
For many in attendance, the event was not only about recognizing academic success—it was a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in mentorship, opportunity, and the belief that young women can lead with confidence and purpose.
The Commission For Women of Bossier City, Inc. was established in 1986 to act as an advocacy agency for women in the Bossier City area. The commission is composed of up to 25 women who volunteer their efforts to promote and further legal, political, economic and educational opportunities for the advancement of women in the Bossier City area. The commission also seeks to enhance the quality of life for all area residents by dedicating their time to examining family and women’s issues in the community.
One of the Commission For Women of Bossier City’s main endeavors is The Bossier Women Leaders of Tomorrow Program, a mentoring project developed to enrich the educational experience of Bossier Parish high school seniors. The mentees participate in various events and programs covering a broad range of topics including: job shadowing opportunities, cultural events, political forums and governmental exposure (through attending both a Bossier City Council meeting and taking a tour of the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton). Each mentee is eligible to receive a small leadership award.
For a number of years, the Commission For Women of Bossier City supported the efforts of the YWCA during the annual Women’s Week events. The group also hosted the final luncheon event for the annual Women’s Week activities. However, when the YWCA became inactive, the Commission For Women of Bossier City decided to continue the celebration and created Inspiring Women Week. During Inspiring Women Week, the Commission For Women of Bossier City has honored women in the following areas: military, education, philanthropy, business and more, with the proceeds being given to various well-deserving organizations within our community.