Livingston Future 5 Winners Announced

Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Livingston Future 5 award on Friday, July 30, 2021. The announcement coincides with the Chamber’s Livingston Young Professionals annual meeting which also showcased a previous Future 5 recipient, Mayor Jonathan “JT” Taylor from Town of Livingston as the keynote speaker.

Winners of the Livingston Future 5 include Alli Castle of Homekey Mortgage, Nikki Sykora of Quality Engineering and Surveying, Brittany Kenney of South Haven Realty, LLC, Leah Smith of Fika Skon and SLU, and Jeffrey Jones of Empower 225.
 
MEET THE WINNERS
 
Alli Castle | Homekey Mortgage
Alli Lives, works, and volunteers in Livingston parish.  She is a Mortgage Loan Officer, with her eye on finishing her master’s degree.  She is passionate about this industry and housing for all.  She is a member of several organizations plus volunteers at a local food bank, local church and fundraises for wounded police officer, Nick Tullier.  She juggles a family, career, volunteer time and community. 
 
Nikki Sykora | Quality Engineering and Surveying
Nikki’s career highlights include convincing her current employer to undergo a software system change that has brought positive strides and innovation to the business. She volunteers her time as a tee ball coach, and other one day options such as LYP community service opportunities and students against destructive decisions. She has plans within her industry to continue personal and professional growth. 
 
Brittany Kenney | South Haven Realty, LLC
Brittany started her real estate brokerage at the end of 2020 and already today has 9 people working with her.  She won the Baton Rouge Real estate producers Rising Star Award and is consistently in the top 10% of realtors in our area.  She is engaged in service to our military families and has a personal story in regards to military families.  According to her sister how nominated her, “Regardless of life’s adversities, Brittany remains a positive influence and is everyone’s biggest cheerleader. “
 
Leah Smith | Fika Skon and SLU
Leah held a position at Livingston Parish School System for over 17 years where she eventually oversaw the school food service program.  She took charge by saving funds, writing grants and making the program efficient and effective.  In August of 2020 she took a huge leap of faith and a career change by accepting a position as an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University.  In addition, she obtained an esthetician certification, started a small business and is owner of a skin care boutique. She stays involved in business and professional programs and committees through the Chamber.
 
Jeffrey Jones | Empower 225
To say the Jeffrey has become engrained in helping in his community is an understatement.  6 community outreaches, 200 meals, more community outreach, restoration project, work with psychiatric patients and on….  His professional role is similar as it leads him to minister at the Livingston Parish Detention Center, a specialty center.  He is part of My Community Cares.  His personal story of transformation is inspiring and today he gives back at every chance.
 
About Livingston Young Professionals:  Livingston Young Professionals (LYP) is a program of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce.  LYP was formed in 2015 for young professionals living, working or volunteering in Livingston Parish. LYP offers opportunities for professionals ages 21-40. 
 
About the Chamber: The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is the largest and longest-standing business organization in Livingston Parish. We represent the business community and coordinate community initiatives and programs which make Livingston Parish better. The chamber is 501C6 nonprofit association serving Livingston Parish and each of its municipalities and communities.