There are already a group of young movers and shakers in Bossier. These millennial professionals will have a big say in shaping the future of the community.

Let’s meet one of them. This month’s Be Bossier Millennial Pro is Charnae McDonald.

Charnae is Campaign and Communications Manager for the United Way of Northwest Louisiana. But beyond what her business card says, she has to wear many hats and bear a lot of responsibility, such as managing all communications, public relations, marketing, website, video marketing, and social media to name a few.

“No one, myself included, says they want to be a fundraiser when they grow up, but I’ve always been passionate about being involved in community, and that’s what United Way NWLA offered,” she explained. “I’ve spent the majority of my professional career here and United Way NWLA has really helped me feel fulfilled and the sense of community I’ve always craved.”

She applied to United Way out of love of their reputation in the community and how they pull together resources in times of need. She takes pride being involved in providing solutions to tough issues like poverty and illiteracy.

“Locally, we are able to narrow in on issues that plague families in poverty and those just above the poverty level.Beyond that, United Way has programs available to the public that provide free books to children, free tax preparation services, free financial counseling, discounts on prescription medications, a free 24/7 help line that acts as a central hub for local and government resources and so much more,” Charnae pointed out.

While her offices are housed in downtown Shreveport, she lives in Bossier City. Charnae said she is proud to live in a community of its size that makes so much happen.

“Bossier finally has the right formula for it and now it’s just a matter of making it happen. Stay tuned,” she urged.

She moved to Louisiana five years ago and sees herself staying in Bossier, saying, “We are offered a lifestyle other places we call home just can’t compete with!”

Here are some fun facts about Charnae:

• A native Californian, Charnae loves Louisiana culture, including Mardi Gras and Cajun cuisine.
• She credits United Way of Northwest Louisiana for making her a better communicator, stronger storyteller, and a part-time socialite.
• One of her major efforts at United Way NWLA are workplace fundraising campaigns where they partner with local businesses to raise money.
• Besides her day job, Charnae also serves as co-chair of the Bossier Chamber Diplomats where she regularly attends ribbon cuttings to support large businesses and small family-owned boutiques and startups.
• She also serves on the board for the North Louisiana chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the board for the Northwest chapter of Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL).
• Her heart to serve doesn’t end there, volunteering for local festivals like the Film Prize, Mudbug Madness, Christmas in the Sky, and even leads the Celebration Church café with her husband.
• Charnae says she has never felt more connected to any community than she has with Bossier.
• Her favorite thing about Bossier is watching it grow, saying, “It’s exciting to see how many businesses choose to get their start or expand in Bossier.”
• Her favorite things to do and places to hang out are taking a walk through Walker Place Park with her pug, roaming the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets on a nice day, and enjoying the new developments in the East Bank District.
• If she could tell people one thing about Bossier, it would be that Bossier is a small community, but there is so much momentum and growth with housing, new businesses, entertainment and more.