Women in Finance

The Wealth Portfolio: Investing in What’s Next

While we hear about the importance of women prioritizing their mental and physical health, it is imperative for women to investigate their financial health - this includes savings, retirement, income, spending, debt, credit score, insurance coverage, taxes, etc. Understanding one’s financial profile is crucial to long term stability and mental well-being. Whether you’re navigating financial concerns for yourself, a partnership, or a family; our panelists are here to answer your questions and present ideas for financial freedom

Dr. Elizabeth Ragland 

Dr. Elizabeth Ragland serves as Insurance and Risk Manager at Crest Industries, where she partners with the General Counsel to guide enterprise-wide insurance strategy and risk management. In this capacity, she has restructured Crest’s insurance program to improve efficiency, facilitated the transition to a new broker, and is leading the development of a centralized platform that provides Crest businesses with unprecedented access to loss, premium, and exposure data. She is also coordinating the design and implementation of the company’s corporate enterprise risk management program.

 Elizabeth’s career bridges industry and academia. Before joining Crest, she was an Assistant Professor of Business at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she also coordinated the Business Administration & Entrepreneurship program and taught courses in insurance, risk management, and business strategy. Earlier in her career, she was a senior commercial underwriter at Burns & Wilcox, managing a multimillion-dollar book of surplus lines property and casualty business.

 She holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University, an MBA, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. Elizabeth is also an Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) and an active member of professional and community organizations. She is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering women in business, and advancing innovative approaches to risk management.

Toni Bacon 

Toni Bacon is a dedicated professional with a passion for community service and a distinguished career in banking. In 1994, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). With 32 years of experience in the banking industry, Toni currently holds the position of Senior Vice President in Commercial Lending at Century Next Bank.

Beyond her banking career, Toni is actively involved in various community organizations, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact. She serves on the boards of the ULM Foundation, United Way, First West Finance Committee and First West Long Range Planning Committee. Through her involvement in these organizations, Toni actively contributes to the betterment of her community.

Toni's Christian faith is very important to her and guides her involvement in her church and her community. In addition to serving on committees at her church, she also co-teaches a life group class for adult women. Her belief in the importance of giving back to the community, through sharing her faith and serving where one lives is a driving force in her life. This philosophy also led her to take on additional responsibilities as she decided to run for the position of Police Juror in her district. For Toni, serving as a Police Juror is not just a role but a meaningful way to give back to the parish that has been a source of blessings for her and her family. With a blend of professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to community service, Toni Bacon continues to make a significant impact in both the business and civic spheres of her life.

Latetao Hutchinson 

Latetao Hutchinson is theVice-President, Sr. Program Manager for Communications & Community Engagement for JPMorgan Chase. She is the President & CEO of her nonprofit, Morehouse Community Development Corporation, Vice-President of the Northeast Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Monroe Chamber Diversity Committee, a member of Business & Professional Women of Monroe/West Monroe, on the City of Bastrop Revitalization Committee, a member of Keep Morehouse Beautiful, Vacation Bible School Director of William Drive Church of Christ, former advisory board member of McCann College of Business & IT, former Monroe Chamber Ambassador, former West Monroe Chamber Diplomat, former member of Junior League of Monroe, a Leadership Ouachita Class of 2022 graduate, a 2023 Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional in Northeast Louisiana by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, was awarded the City of Bastrop Everyday Hero Award in 2023 and nominated as a 2024 MyArkLaMiss Remarkable Woman!

 Latetao has 22 years of marriage to Marcus Hutchinson of Hutchinson Automotives and one daughter, Jozlynn Hutchinson, a sophomore at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and raises her nephew Devante Carson. She is passionate about people, culture and community.  With family and faith as her compass, she lives out her Christian purpose through the honor and pleasure of servant leadership!

Women Entrepreneurs

Creating Capital: Women, Equity & Access

Starting a business is a financial and emotional leap that requires passion, dedication, and financial support - not to mention immense time, a limited resource for all of us. While women present numerous business ideas, that initial leap is often plagued with fear of failure or financial ruin. Our panelists offer hands-on knowledge of this process - from taking over an existing enterprise, to starting a new business from the ground up. If you find yourself considering entrepreneurial ventures, our panelists are here to share their experiences and advice for not only taking the leap, but avoiding pitfalls.

Rachel Verucchi 

Rachel Verucchi is a Louisiana-based real estate professional, entrepreneur, and community leader with a strong background in operations, customer service, and business development. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, she graduated from Sterlington High School in 2007 and began her career in restaurant and retail management before transitioning into real estate in 2014 as Director of Operations for the Misti Hajj Group at Keller Williams Parishwide Partners. She became a full-time Realtor in 2018 and, in 2024, partnered with Misti Hajj to co-found the Hajj Verucchi Group, where she now serves as co-Team Leader and Realtor.

A multi-million-dollar producer, Rachel is also a real estate investor and serial entrepreneur, with ventures including Reno the Roe, a property renovation platform, and The Hudson, a booth-rent salon. She is a part owner of Keller Williams Parishwide Partners and remains deeply involved in industry leadership, having served as 2025 President of the Northeast Realtors of Louisiana and continuing as a director at both the local and state levels. Her professional involvement includes the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, and nonprofit board service with Twin City Hands of Pride. Rachel was also featured in a 2015 New York Times article on LGBTQ+ marriage in the South.

She has been married to Rami Verucchi since 2014 and is the mother of two children, Hendrix (7) and Finch (3). Outside of her professional endeavors, she prioritizes time with family, friends, and the community.

Nicole West 

Dr. Nicole B. West, DVM, is a veterinarian, practice owner, and community leader in Northeast Louisiana. A 2003 graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. West is the founder and owner of Corner Vet of Sterlington, a small animal general practice she established in 2017 in Sterlington, Louisiana. Under her leadership, Corner Vet of Sterlington has been named Bayou Life’s Best Veterinary Clinic in 2023 and 2025 and was a finalist for the award in 2019, 2022, and 2024.

Dr. West is a 1999 graduate of Louisiana Tech University and a former member of the 1998 Final Four Lady Techsters women’s basketball team, where she played under legendary coaches Leon Barmore and Kim Mulkey. Her background as a student-athlete helped shape her work ethic, leadership style, and commitment to excellence.

In recognition of her professional accomplishments and community impact, Dr. West was honored as a Monroe Chamber of Commerce Top 20 Under 40 Young Professionals Award recipient.

She is married to Brian West, head softball coach at West Monroe High School and former professional athlete with the Chicago White Sox. Together they have three daughters: Ava, a junior at WMHS; Evie, a sophomore at WMHS; and Estelle, a fifth grader at OCS. Their family also includes two spoiled dogs, Punch and Waffles, and an orange tabby cat. Dr. West is an active member of First Methodist Church of Monroe.

In her free time, Dr. West enjoys playing tennis, traveling with family and friends, reading, Bible study, and gardening.

Christine Rambo 

Christine Rambo, CEcD, MBA is the President and Founder of Upsize Economics & Marketing, a national economic development consultancy and marketing firm. With 32 years of experience, Christine Rambo has provided economic development, marketing and branding services for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and communities across the country. 

Prior to starting her own firm, Christine served as Senior Vice President for North Louisiana Economic Partnership for more than a decade. Christine previously led the marketing effort for a network of ten Louisiana Small Business Development Centers (LSBDC) statewide. Prior to entering economic development, Christine worked for 12 years as an award-winning anchor/reporter for KTBS, the ABC affiliate in Shreveport, LA and KNOE, the CBS affiliate in Monroe, LA. 

Christine received an MBA from University of Louisiana at Monroe and a BA in Communications from American University in Washington, D.C. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), named to the 2018 list of Trademark Women of Distinction, a national registry of accomplished women from every business sector. 

Women in Social Sciences

Redefining Advocacy: Women Turning Research into Action

While women are well-represented in the social science fields, they still experience gender-specific issues and concerns that, if not expressly advocated for, can be overlooked. Ensuring that women hold leadership positions in these fields and advocate on behalf of their employees,

clients, and patients means better working conditions for all associated parties and the discipline itself. Our panelists come from unique corners of this discipline - including the law, healthcare, and public health; they will speak to their experiences in the social sciences and answer questions for those considering similar career moves.

Kim Lowery 

United Way President and CEO

Kim Lowery serves as President & CEO of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, where she works alongside a dedicated team to improve lives through education, economic stability, and health-focused initiatives. Born and raised in Northeast Louisiana, Kim is a graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe and has spent her career serving the region she calls home. With more than 15 years in nonprofit leadership, she brings a steady, thoughtful approach to connecting people, ideas, and resources in ways that build long-term community strength.

Kim is especially committed to creating space for collaboration, listening closely, and helping others connect to meaningful work. She believes in shared responsibility and the value of every voice — especially when tackling challenges that affect people’s daily lives. In addition to her work at United Way, Kim serves on several community-focused boards that reflect her belief in practical partnership and sustained progress for Northeast Louisiana.

Deidra Adair 

President and CEO Chidlren's Coalition 

Deidra Adair is the Executive Director of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana (CCNELA), where she leads efforts to create thriving communities for children and families across the region. A longtime advocate for Northeast Louisiana, Deidra brings decades of service and a deep personal connection to CCNELA’s mission.

Deidra’s professional background includes leadership and marketing roles with a strong focus on community engagement and organizational growth. Her previous experience includes serving as Assistant Executive Director of ARCO, Marketing Director for Newk’s Eatery in Monroe, West Monroe, and Ruston, and Marketing Director for CC’s Coffee House in Monroe. Across these roles, she has led teams, strengthened organizational culture, expanded funding and visibility, and driven strategic communications efforts.

Deidra and her family reside in Monroe. She and her husband, Jeremy, are the proud parents of Olivia (15) and Fitz (12). She is honored to lead an organization that has positively impacted her own family and is committed to building on CCNELA’s strong foundation so every child in Northeast Louisiana can reach their full potential. 

Michelle Anderson Thompson

Assistant Attorney General at Louisiana Department of Justice

Michelle Anderson Thompson is a career prosecutor who takes a proactive approach to criminal justice. Both inside and outside the courtroom, she has earned a distinguished record of service in the pursuit of justice. After receiving her undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University, she came home to Monroe to be an Assistant District Attorney in the Fourth Judicial District, prosecuting domestic violence and felony cases. She later joined the Louisiana Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General, where she currently prosecutes criminal cases throughout Louisiana. She also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana prosecuting federal crimes.  

Beyond the courtroom, Michelle has played a pivotal role in shaping policy by drafting and advocating for legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims. Passionate about education, Michelle has devoted her efforts to teaching legal principles on a statewide level to law enforcement, attorneys, aspiring attorneys, and community organizations.

Michelle’s dedication to outreach has included partnerships with local entities such as the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Family Justice Center, the Civic Engagement Institute for Youth, and the Twin City Art Foundation. Michelle continues to combine legal expertise with a passion for advocacy and public service.