Track 1

Arts, Education & Sciences

Women in Visual & Performing Arts

Expanding the Canvas: Women Creating the Future of the Arts

Women are reshaping the arts by embracing creativity as an organic, expressive, and deeply human force. This panel brings together voices committed to creative intelligence, constant motion, and the power of art to fulfill and connect. Panelists will explore how artistic expression builds belonging, especially for those who feel like outsiders, and expand how we imagine the future of the arts.

Sarah Siereveld

Sarah Siereveld is thrilled to be a part of the Women's Symposium in its 10th year! Since relocating from New Jersey to Monroe in 2018, Sarah has made her mark in our community with her performing arts background and leadership roles.

She earned her MBA from ULM in 2020 and currently serves as an Advancement Officer. Sarah is an active leader at ULM and throughout the NELA arts community, having recently co-directed ULM’s Little Shop of Horrors in 2025. She has served on the boards of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and New Music on the Bayou, and has performed locally with the Strauss Theatre Center, Monroe Symphony, Bayou Masterworks Chorale, and various ULM events.

She is a proud recipient of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s Top 20 Under 40 Award.

Sara Beth Howard 

Sara Beth Howard is a visual artist, certified art educator, and rural arts advocate who is passionate about accessibility to the arts for her underserved community of Lake Providence, Louisiana (East Carroll Parish). In 2016 she earned her Louisiana Art Education Certification and Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She has served on the Boards of: East Carroll Parish Head Start; Friends of the Louisiana Cotton Museum; Doorway to Louisiana, Art’s Advisor; and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. She actively seeks grant funding for community-based art activities and in 2024 set in motion “Art for All, Lake Providence” in collaboration with local artists Brandon Virgil Sr. (Black Creative Circle); Wanda Manning (Together for Hope, Lake Providence); and Catherine Oswalt, artist entrepreneur and five community organizations which represent the breadth and depth of Lake Providence. 

She enjoys teaching, learning from others, and collaborating with novice and professional artists alike. Her teaching career included El Dorado, Arkansas; Ouachita Parish Talented Art Program; The Masur Museum Summer Art Camps; events at Courtyard on Cotton Gallery and The Trove; Briarfield Academy, Lake Providence and community art projects for East Carroll Parish Library, Four H, Counsel on Aging, Together for Hope and Doorway to Louisiana. 

Her accomplishments as a visual artist, working in experimental printmaking and multimedia, include numerous local and significant regional art exhibitions. Her art practice is influenced by the processes involved in printmaking such as repetition, visceral mark making, failure and discovery. Her lakeside studio is her refuge and sanctuary where she seeks renewal and strength for the uphill battle of fundraising for Art for All, Lake Providence.

Sara Beth is married, with two adult children. She loves the water and spending time with family and friends listening to music, telling tales, and making benign mischief. 

Jessica DeTiege 

Jessica DeTiege is the Owner and Artistic Director of Dazzle Dance, where for the past 14 years she has cultivated a studio rooted in excellence, creativity, and confidence. Dazzle Dance offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and pointe, and is known for producing dynamic, meaningful performances and showcases that highlight both solid technique and authentic artistry. Through her leadership, Jessica has guided dancers to regional competition wins, reflecting her commitment to high-quality training and an uplifting studio culture.

Jessica’s influence extends well beyond the studio and stage. She has mentored young women who have pursued pre-professional dance paths and become working professionals, carrying forward the discipline and self-belief they developed under her guidance. With extensive experience in business, marketing, and communications across diverse organizations, she brings both vision and strategy to everything she leads. A Howard University alumna, Jessica was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. When she is away from the studio, she enjoys studying, writing, traveling, developing multimedia projects, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Her life’s work reflects her dedication to empowering others and making a lasting impact on the world around her. 

Women in Education 

Beyond the Classroom: Women Advancing Education

Women are advancing education by rethinking how knowledge is created, shared, and transformed. This panel explores inclusive pedagogies and learning ecosystems that extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries, centering reciprocal learning and student agency. Panelists will also engage with emerging questions around artificial intelligence by examining its potential, its risks, and its impact on equity, critical thinking, and the future of teaching and learning.

Dr. Alvina Thomas 

Dr. Alvina C. Thomas is a first-generation graduate and currently serves as Dean of Student Success Services and Title IX Coordinator at Louisiana Delta Community College. She holds an Ed.D. in Leadership Studies from Louisiana State University-Shreveport and has over 30 years of experience in higher education, with a focus on improving student success and well-being. Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has held many leadership positions, including Assistant Director for Student Loans, Director of Financial Aid, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Her work demonstrates a strong dedication to access, equity, compliance, and student advocacy.

When not championing student success, Dr. Thomas enjoys giving back through community service projects, continuing her lifelong dedication to making a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond. Dr. Thomas is a member of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® - Omicron Iota Omega Chapter.

Dr. Jamil Norman 

Dr. Jamil Norman has over two decades of experience as a registered nurse and nearly twenty years dedicated to advancing nursing education and leadership. She currently serves as Associate Dean II at Walden University, where she provides strategic oversight for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, helping to shape the next generation of nursing leaders and scholars.

Dr. Norman earned her BSN from the University of Central Arkansas, MSN from Grambling State University, and PhD in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler. An educator, researcher, and mentor, she is deeply committed to student success, faculty development, and innovation in nursing education, contributing to the future of healthcare through compassionate, evidence-based, and transformational leadership.

Jennett Johnson Hunter 

Mrs. Jennett Kay Johnson Hunter is the principal of Minnie Ruffin Elementary School in the Monroe City School District and brings more than 30 years of experience in education. Her career includes service as a Special Education Inclusion teacher, Civics/Free Enterprise Honors teacher, American History teacher, assistant principal, and community resource. Having worked across elementary, middle, and high school levels, Mrs. Hunter has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for all children and ensuring equitable access to high- quality instruction.

At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to accountability, equity, and helping every student succeed – both academically and socially. Inspired to become an educator as early as the 11th grade, Mrs. Hunter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies with a minor in Physical Education from Northeast Louisiana University and later a Master of Arts in History, with additional graduate coursework in Special Education and certification in Administration. She believes strong schools grow from clear expectations, honest conversations, and a shared commitment to learning and growth for both students and adults. As a woman leader, she strives to lead with integrity, resilience, and purpose while creating spaces where others feel supported, valued, and empowered to lead.

Missy Washam 

Missy Washam is an educator turned entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for helping others reach their potential. She was recognized as Educator of Distinction for the state of Louisiana during her tenure in Ouachita Parish Schools. Missy has been mentored by internationally renowned author and speaker Dr. John C. Maxwell for over a decade and is certified as a Speaker, Trainer, and Coach through Maxwell Leadership. She trains leaders internationally and brings a practical, people-first approach to her work.

Through her leadership development company, Mpactful Messages, organizations and leaders are equipped with practical tools, training, and keynote experiences that improve communication, strengthen accountability, and drive productivity and profit. Mpactful Messages is also home to the Leadership Collective, the company’s signature coaching program designed to help leaders move from overwhelm to confidence while building strong, effective teams that deliver consistent results.

Missy is the author of Because He Said So: Discovering Who the I AM Says I Am and co-author of Unstoppable: A 40-Day Devotional for Women to Lead with Confidence and Purpose and Built to Lead: A 40-Day Devotional for Hard-Working Leaders. She co-founded Soul Sisters Ministry, which supports women of faith through prayer, devotionals, and retreats. Missy serves on the board of the International Foundation for Women’s Empowerment.

She hosts two podcasts: Reel Sisters Rewind, where she and her sister revisit 80s movies with fun, insightful commentary, and a leadership-focused podcast with her business partner, Mayce DelValle, centered on practical strategies for today’s leaders.

Missy and her husband of 35 years, Chris, are empty nesters and the proud parents of two adult sons, both married, and have a precious granddaughter, Kate. Missy’s mission is to inspire others to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Women in STEAM

Power and Progress: Women Leading STEM

Amanda Carter 

Amanda Carter, M.S., is a Senior Curriculum Developer on the mathematics content and editorial team at Great Minds, a developer of knowledge-building K–12 learning materials used by thousands of students nationwide and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. She has worked at Great Minds for nearly eight years, supporting educators with high-quality tools designed to help every student reach their full potential. Her work is driven by a deep love of mathematics and a commitment to helping all learners become curious thinkers, knowledge seekers, and confident problem solvers who find fun and joy in mathematics.

With more than 20 years of experience in mathematics instruction and curriculum development, Amanda is known for her work in pedagogical research, learner engagement, and creative task design. She collaborates closely with mathematicians and educators from across the country to create rigorous, engaging instructional resources that inspire curiosity, confidence, and deep mathematical understanding.

A Monroe native, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Louisiana Monroe and her master’s degree in mathematics from Louisiana State University. She began her career as an Instructor of Mathematics at ULM, where she taught for over a decade and instructed thousands of students. During her time at ULM, she presented at statewide conferences and designed and led workshops and summer institutes for K–12 teachers from school districts across the region, with a focus on strengthening mathematics content knowledge and effective pedagogical practice.

Amanda lives in Monroe with her husband, Kade, and their two children, Elle and Max.

Lakeysha Bullock Doyle

Lakeysha Doyle, a Winnsboro, Louisiana native, is among the 8% of women in the United States who hold an FAA private pilot license and is also a certified drone pilot. With more than fifteen years of experience in aviation, including travel to over forty countries supporting the transportation of U.S. armed forces, she brings a global perspective to her work. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a minor in Business, and now serves as a Contract Administrator and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Facilitator for the City of Monroe, where she works to expand access to public contracting and advance equity for small and disadvantaged businesses.

With a background spanning municipal procurement and aviation, Lakeysha connects STEM, public infrastructure, and economic development by helping move technology from research into real-world community impact. She is the founder of Bullmoore Aerial Services, a drone-based firm providing aerial imaging, mapping, and inspection services for construction, infrastructure, and emergency response, and she regularly partners with universities, first responders, and community organizations to introduce young people to careers in STEM, aviation, and emerging technologies. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for The Wellspring Alliance for Families, and her leadership has been recognized through her selection as a 2023 Leadership Ouachita graduate, Top 20 Under 40 nominee, and Young Leaders United Award recipient.

Marilyn Dorris 

Marilyn Dorris is a Talent and Senior Delivery Manager at IBM Monroe Client Innovation Center.  She has over four decades of leadership experience across corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors. Her work focuses on talent strategy, delivery excellence, and workforce readiness, preparing individuals and teams to succeed in a technology-driven business environment.  Grounded in servant leadership and disciplined preparation, Marilyn is committed to advancing women in technology through intentional skill development, ethical leadership, and strategic career alignment. She is also the author of I’m Blessed and Highly Favored: A Leadership Devotional Journal, which emphasizes purpose, resilience, and intentional growth.

Marilyn holds a degree in Business and an honorary Doctor of Ministry and has served on several civic and professional boards, including Zonta Club of Joliet, Joliet Exchange Club, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, and the Louisiana Delta Community College Foundation. At the University of Louisiana at Monroe Women’s Symposium, she will challenge Women in Tech participants to build technical competence, leadership confidence, and purpose-driven impact.