The Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Business Development Connection is proud to showcase the 2026 Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner, presented by Willis Knighton Health. These awards are an annual celebration of the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of our region.
This year’s program highlights a new class of Honorees whose impact reaches far beyond their industries. Through bold ideas, business growth, and a deep commitment to community, these individuals and organizations are helping to drive progress and opportunity across Northwest Louisiana.
From rising businesses gaining momentum to seasoned professionals leading with purpose, the 2026 Honorees reflect the strength, diversity, and forward movement of the Shreveport-Bossier business community. Their work not only builds successful enterprises but also opens doors for others and contributes to a more vibrant and inclusive regional economy.
We are proud to recognize this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, whose career has left a lasting mark on both our community and those they have served. We will also honor our Business of the Year Recipient, an organization that continues to lead through innovation, investment, and a strong commitment to making a difference.
In addition, honorees across the Emerging Business, Small Business Owner, Top Business Professional, and Non-Profit Professional categories showcase the next generation of leadership. These individuals are excelling in their fields while actively shaping what’s next for our region.
Join us on Thursday evening, June 11, as we come together to celebrate achievement, impact, and the continued growth of our business community. For reservations and additional information, visit www.shreveportchamber.org or call 318-677-2500.
– Dr. Timothy Magner, President of Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
Business of the Year Recipient
Whataburger
Whataburger serves up goodness 24/7 with a made-to-order, customizable menu of burgers and other favorites delivered just the way you like them. Born in Texas with a deep commitment to creating opportunity and strengthening the communities it serves, Whataburger is proud to be in northwest Louisiana. The brand has spent eight flavorful decades serving up big bites, bold flavors and even bigger fan love.
Its secret sauce (besides that Fancy Ketchup) is its family members — real Louisianans serving up real hospitality and meaningful connections in the community they call home. Across the Shreveport-Bossier area, Whataburger invests in programs that expand access to education, support youth development and address food insecurity, driving meaningful, sustained community impact.
Whataburger is the hometown hamburger place that hasn’t compromised on quality, service or community. To learn more, shop the Whatastore or find your nearest location, visit Whataburger.com or download the app on iOS or Android. Hungry for more? Discover what keeps fans coming back by diving into real stories from Whataburger superfans at stories.whataburger.com.
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Chief Wayne E. Smith
Chief Wayne E. Smith was appointed chief of police for the Shreveport Police Department in January 2022 after serving as interim chief. With more than four decades of law enforcement experience, he began his career in August 1980 and has dedicated his life to public safety, service and the betterment of the Shreveport community. Throughout his career, he has worked to build trust between law enforcement and the community, supporting initiatives that strengthen relationships and enhance public safety.
Raised in Red River Parish, Smith’s early life instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience and service to others. He rose through the ranks, serving as corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and ultimately chief, earning the respect of his peers while prioritizing community engagement, mentorship and partnerships with local organizations. Today, he oversees a department of more than 800 personnel.
Under his leadership, the department has advanced modern strategies while maintaining strong community connections. He remains committed to outreach efforts that support youth development, crime prevention and neighborhood collaboration, reflecting a career defined by professional excellence and a widely respected reputation.
He holds an MBA from Centenary College and a Bachelor of Science in organizational management from Wiley College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, a distinction reserved for law enforcement leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence.
Beyond his professional service, Smith is a devoted family man. He is married, the father of three children and grandfather to four. He is an active member of Sunrise Baptist Church, demonstrating his commitment to faith, family and community service.
Top Business Professional
Jazmin J. Jernigan – Louisiana State University Shreveport
Jazmin Jernigan is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of community engagement, business innovation and alumni advancement. A Shreveport native, mother and two-time graduate of Louisiana State University Shreveport, she considers herself a connector, bringing together diverse perspectives to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact.
As executive director of the LSUS Alumni Association and director of alumni development, she leads initiatives that strengthen institutional pride, expand alumni connectivity and drive philanthropic growth among more than 42,000 LSUS graduates.
Beyond her leadership in higher education, Jernigan is the founder of Aesthetic Innovations, an award-winning creative firm recognized for excellence in visual storytelling. With more than 17 years in operation, her company continues to serve clients across an array of industries and backgrounds.
Dr. Jessica Rambo-Franklin – North Highlands Elementary School
Dr. Jessica Rambo-Franklin is the principal of North Highlands Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a dedicated educational leader with more than 17 years of experience. She has served as a teacher, master teacher, assistant principal and now principal, leading with a focus on student achievement, teacher development and a strong school culture.
Rambo-Franklin holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University Shreveport, a master’s degree from Louisiana College and a doctorate in educational leadership from Northcentral University. She is recognized for her ability to build systems that support instructional excellence while empowering educators to grow as leaders.
Under her leadership, North Highlands Elementary has improved from a D to a C while increasing literacy outcomes and strengthening school culture.
Tia S. White – JP Morgan Chase
Tia White is a community advocate, entrepreneur and financial education leader dedicated to expanding economic opportunity and empowering others through knowledge and access. In her role with JPMorgan Chase, she works closely with organizations across the Shreveport-Bossier community to deliver hyperlocal financial education initiatives aimed at closing the wealth gap and strengthening long-term financial stability for families.
Outside of her professional work, White leads several personal ventures focused on uplifting women and encouraging a higher quality of life. She is the author of FRAPPED and the Sassy and Saved devotionals and the creator of more than 10 guided journals centered on reflection, personal growth and faith. A proud mother of three adult children, White also enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures.
Emerging Business
Apotheworx Pharmacy – Dr. Heidi Cram
Dr. Heidi Cram, Pharm.D., is the owner of Apotheworx Pharmacy, a concierge-style pharmacy in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. Founded in 2024, Apotheworx was created to bridge the gap in traditional retail pharmacy by offering personalized, patient-centered care. With a focus on accessibility, medication management and direct patient relationships, Apotheworx delivers a higher standard of service tailored to individual needs.
Cram brings more than a decade of leadership experience in pharmacy management and a passion for community health. Her commitment extends beyond patient care to revitalizing downtown Shreveport through business development and community engagement, making Apotheworx both a health care provider and a catalyst for local growth.
Golden Glam MediSpa – La’Shundra Renee Green-Washington
La’Shundra Renee Green-Washington, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner practicing in Shreveport, Louisiana. She completed her MSN clinical education in 2021 and serves as a practitioner at Golden Glam Med Spa in Shreveport. She is married with four children and has been affiliated with local health care organizations, including Christus Coushatta Health Care Center and Willis-Knighton medical practices.
Founded in 2024, Golden Glam Med Spa was established to bring premium aesthetic and wellness services to the region. Since opening, the spa has combined medical-grade treatments with an elevated client experience, growing into a full-service med spa serving the Shreveport-Bossier area and surrounding communities.
SirSarot Insurance Agency – Toras Hill
SirSarot Insurance Agency, “The Wealth Key,” was founded Feb. 16, 2024, by retired educator Toras Hill with a mission to empower the community through financial literacy. Drawing on his background in education, Hill developed the agency to transform complex insurance concepts into clear, actionable guidance, moving beyond transactions to serve as a trusted advocate for clients.
The agency specializes in life, health and Medicare solutions, as well as fixed and indexed annuities, retirement planning, disability and long-term care insurance. SirSarot Insurance Agency is committed to helping individuals make informed decisions that secure their legacy and financial future, guided by the belief that knowledge is power and that strong families create protected futures.
The Mel Perspective LLC – Melvina A. Smith
The Mel Perspective LLC is a minority woman-owned publishing and leadership development firm initially founded in 2020 by Melvina Smith, a 32-year Air Force veteran. After a strategic pause to complete military service, the business formally launched following her retirement in 2025. The company specializes in culturally relevant children’s literature and leadership programming that honors the sacrifice and service of military families while strengthening literacy in underserved communities.
Operating as a lean, single-owner enterprise, the business generated $15,576 in revenue in 2025 and continues to expand through museum placements, school partnerships, statewide service initiatives and federal contracting readiness. Through its SOAR to Greatness framework, The Mel Perspective integrates storytelling, leadership strategy and community engagement to produce measurable social and economic impact across Louisiana.
Non-Profit Professional
Badreka Harper – The Arc Caddo-Bossier
Badreka Harper is the administrative operations manager for The Arc Caddo-Bossier, an organization committed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities. After a successful career in broadcast media management, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2022, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue purpose.
At The Arc, she leads administrative operations, board coordination, cross-divisional initiatives and key events. Harper designs systems that remove barriers and keep the organization focused on its mission. She was recognized as the 2019 Top Business Professional of the Year recipient, a Chamber Forty Under 40 honoree and served as Ms. Black Shreveport. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement, The Cinderella Project and GEMS and serves as senior coordinator for the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program.
Diane Libro – Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
Diane Libro joined Catholic Charities of North Louisiana in April 2024 with a commitment to advocacy for those who are marginalized, rooted in faith. Previously, she worked for Volunteers of America North Louisiana in various roles, including communications, program operations and quality assurance. She has a background in newspapers and spent seven years reporting for The Shreveport Times.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in theological studies from the University of Dallas. She is married with one teenage daughter. In her off hours, she can often be found lacing up her running shoes or serving at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.
Dixey Robertson – First Methodist Church, Shreveport
Dixey Robertson, a lifelong resident of Shreveport, serves as business administrator for First Methodist Church, where she oversees church finances and the stewardship of its 195,000-square-foot historic campus. With a strong background in nonprofit administration spanning local, regional and national organizations, she brings both expertise and dedication to her role.
She considers it a privilege to help preserve one of northwest Louisiana’s landmark properties alongside a committed support staff. Deeply rooted in the community, she has also been actively involved in her children’s schools and local civic organizations. She and her husband, Paul, have two adult sons, Trent and Ellis, and have been members of First Methodist since 2001.
Small Business Owner
Dr. Sara Munjampalli, MD – Sleep Care Clinic
Dr. Sara Munjampalli, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine and sleep medicine. She provides patient-centered care with a focus on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Serving approximately 12,000 patients in the Shreveport-Bossier area, she is dedicated to improving health and quality of life through evidence-based care.
She leads an American Academy of Sleep Medicine-accredited sleep facility, reflecting her commitment to high standards in diagnostics and treatment. Munjampalli is known for her empathetic approach, helping patients achieve lasting relief through customized care. She and her husband are raising their two children in Shreveport, where she remains deeply committed to serving the community with compassionate, high-quality care.
Antonisha Parish – I’d Wax That Studios
Antonisha Parish is the founder of I’d Wax That Studios and a Shreveport, Louisiana, native who developed a passion for beauty at an early age. After attending Louisiana State University Shreveport and initially pursuing psychology, she discovered her true calling in cosmetology. She went on to graduate from Career Technical College and obtained her cosmetology licenses in both Louisiana and Texas.
Parish began her waxing career in 2015 in Houston, Texas, before returning to Shreveport in 2017 to continue her work. In 2018, she established her own brand, I’d Wax That Studios, driven by a desire for independence and entrepreneurship. With a passion for helping others feel confident and look their best, she views her work as more than a service, empowering clients through self-care and confidence.
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine. Photos by Jeremy Hernandez.
