05/06/2026
What an incredible evening of connection, collaboration, and community impact!
Last night, the Lake Charles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, was honored to host our Small Business Mix and Mingle Networking event in celebration of National Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026). We were excited to welcome over 50 small businesses that attended this dynamic networking event, all coming together to support, connect, and grow within our local business community.
A very special thank you to Area337, A Latino Kitchen, and owner Gus Garden for his outstanding hospitality and for allowing us to host this event on his beautiful patio. If you are looking for a venue with great food and an amazing atmosphere, we encourage you to consider Area337 for your next event.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our generous door prize donors: Devin McComb with The Wax Studio, Tuwanna Guillory August with Allstate Insurance Agency, Marshal Nate Keller, Attorney Brittany Chavis, Karla Edwards with First Impression Gift Shop (FIGS)/Stuff-A-Buddy by FIGS, Attorney Brent Hawkins, Chamaine Bruno with Creole Kutz by Chamaine, and Villa Harlequin. Your support helped make the evening even more special.
We also thank our outstanding presenters, Marzetta Landry of The Venue Lake Charles, who provided valuable networking tips, and Arthur Woodard of A2J Photobooth LLC, who shared impactful insights on delivering exceptional customer service. We appreciate Olivia Roberts from the Office of Workforce Development for attending and sharing helpful resources with our attendees. A special thank you as well to Dean Day and Katie Rather of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University for their continued partnership and dedication to supporting small businesses.
This event was expertly hosted by Cherish Gradnigo, with leadership support from Telisha Hayes Glaude and Areiona Freemon. We are especially grateful to our Economic Development Chair, Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief, and our dedicated committee members: Amber Allen, Areiona Freemon, Beverly Williams, Cherish Gradnigo, Dee Jackson, Dr. Gisele Hawkins, Jennifer Vickers, Kalita Watson, Karen Hardy, Karley Picque, Montonya Johnson, Rose LeBlanc, and Telisha Hayes Glaude for their hard work and commitment to making this event a success.
We are proud to continue creating spaces that uplift and empower small businesses in our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us! We look forward to continuing this important work together.