Bossier is home to all types of young professionals who are on their way towards or already leading Bossier Parish into the future. To help you get to know the who’s who of tomorrow, let’s meet some of Bossier’s young talent.
This month’s Millennial Pro is Kourtney Washington. A self-described 30-something, Southern woman, Kourtney was born, raised, and educated in north Louisiana. Although her hometown is Minden, she works and plays in Bossier City. When she isn’t working, you can usually find Kourtney serving as President of the Young Professional Initiative of North Louisiana, or cuddled in bed watching Netflix with both of her cellphones set to do not disturb.
Let’s get to know Kourtney a little better, shall we?
- What do you do & why?
I am the Director of Sales and Marketing at CenturyLink Center in Bossier City. My responsibilities are generating sales and sponsorships as well as overseeing the operations of the Sales and Marketing Department including: sales, advertising, and public relations. I also work closely with our facility partners such as sponsors, suite holders, club seat holders, advertising clients, promoters, and artist representatives. I am in love with my career. The days are long, the stress is high, and the stakes are even higher; but I take comfort in knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
I do what I do because the roar of a crowd of 14,000-plus people all sharing in the same moment is electrifying. It never fails, as soon as one concert is over, I am counting down the days until the next one!
2. What is a normal day like for you?
There is really no such thing as a normal day when you work at an arena. One day I could be passing elephants in the staging area of our building as I make my way to my office, or I could see a music legend doing a load of clothes in our laundry room before a sold out show. However, a typical non-show day for me begins with me arriving to our building around 7AM. I always start my day with some type of caffeine, and a Spotify playlist. I’ve been in a ‘90s hip hop mood lately. Then begins me adding to my never ending to-do list. Usually I respond to what feels like hundreds of emails, and voicemails and juggle email threads, phone calls, and meetings with media, promoters, sponsors, potential sponsors, suite holders, and VIPs. The other parts of my day are spent announcing a new addition to our upcoming events page, creating email blasts, administering our website, and analyzing our social media reach. A typical non-show day is over around 5:30PM, but the emails and texts never stop. In order to preserve some type of personal life, I attempt to unplug from all communications around 7 p.m. However, I still find myself sending emails, texting, and reading articles about artists and tours in the middle of the night. It’s not unusual for my coworkers to get an email from me at 3 a.m.
3. Why do you live/work in Bossier?
Because I love this community! It’s important for me to contribute to our quality of life. I hate hearing about young professionals leaving our region to work and live elsewhere. I want us to be enticing enough for our best and brightest to stay here and help us build a community we can all be proud of!
4. What is your favorite thing about Bossier?
Coming from a small town, I love how close-knit and familiar Bossier feels to me. And I especially love that I am able to work so closely to the Red River… there is something about seeing the joggers and folks walking their dogs on the parkway as I drive to work every day that makes me feel like I’m still in Minden and these folks are my neighbors. I still wave at strangers and talk to folks in the checkout line at the grocery store. I was raised that being friendly to folks is just good manners. Thankfully, friendliness is plentiful in Bossier City.
5. Where is your favorite hang out spot in Bossier and why?
Without a doubt, my favorite place to unwind after a long day is Ralph and Kacoos. Fresh, raw oysters on the half shell, a strong Bloody Mary, zydeco music, and good company will cure whatever my workday has thrown at me.
6. What is your favorite thing to do in Bossier?
Duh! Seeing concerts at CenturyLink Center! Where else in this area can you see Paul McCartney, Journey, Charlie Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Stevie Nicks in the span of less than 12 months?!
7. What would you like to see this area have in the future it doesn’t have now?
I would love to see this area have a Trader Joe’s grocery store. I have been soliciting (re: begging) Trader Joes via email for YEARS to come to Shreveport/Bossier! I’m not going to give up until I am able to go to my favorite grocery store locally.
8. What do you want to accomplish in the future?
I have professional and personal goals I would like to see become a reality, but they all have one central goal… I would like for my life to be used to help others.
- If you could tell other people one thing about life in Shreveport-Bossier, what would it be?
I always say, if you think there’s nothing to do in Shreveport-Bossier, you’re not paying attention! Our area is abundantly rich in arts and culture! Whatever your interests may be you are sure to find a tribe of people who enjoy those same things in this area. You just have to open your eyes!
So proud of you Kourtney!