The Athena Awards, an esteemed accolade presented by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, serve as a powerful testament to the extraordinary achievements of women leaders within the community. Established to honor the dedication and contributions of women who excel in their professional and personal endeavors, the awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also promote the importance of women’s leadership and empowerment. The historical roots of the Athena Awards can be traced back to the Athena International organization established in 1982.

Implemented as a means to recognize and elevate the role of women in various sectors, the awards were designed to honor women who demonstrate excellence in their professional lives while also helping to empower other women. This year’s award honorees came from diverse backgrounds and careers. Each candidate underwent a rigorous selection process. These women have all made significant contributions to their communities through professional achievements and advocacy for women’s rights. This year’s recipient was no exception.

Dr. Wanda Henderson Thomas is a full professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program Director, and Associate Dean for Admissions at LSU Health Shreveport. She began serving others while in college and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High School in 1992, earned a B.S. in Biology from Yale University in 1996, and a medical degree from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 2000. She returned to Shreveport to enter the Pediatric Residency program at LSU Health Shreveport, where she completed her training in 2003.

That same year, she had the honor and responsibility of serving as Associate Dean for Admissions at LSU Health Shreveport Medical School. As a member of the senior leadership at the medical school, Dr. Thomas engages with women at all levels of healthcare service. From mentoring medical students and serving as a fourth-year women’s advisor to writing residency recommendation letters, she has developed close professional relationships with the students. She has also served as a preceptor for Nurse Practitioner students who need clinical hours in pediatrics. These students shadow her in her private clinic as well as on the wards as they learn how to care for pediatric patients.

Dr. Thomas’ pursuit of medicine as a career began at home. “Having no physicians in my family, my parents encouraged me to be limitless in my pursuit of academic achievement. Along with academic excellence, I trained in classical ballet for almost 15 years. The rigors of dance taught me that time, dedication, and perfect practice are essential tools to being successful in any field.”

Balancing the hours of dance training and performing, along with a difficult academic load, made her thrive. She found herself drawn to the challenges of Science and Math. Those two subjects opened her eyes to the possibility of becoming a physician trailblazer, someone who can make an impactful difference in the greater community. “In the spirit of excellence, I sought out a college that would challenge me in both my studies and in my views of the world. Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, I always knew that there was so much more in the world to see. As the child of educators, my parents instilled in me a thirst for knowledge. I have always known that education is the means by which the world and its endless possibilities would open to me.”

Dr. Thomas was introduced to the National Area Health Education Center (AHEC)Association (NAO) as a fourth-year medical student completing my Family Medicine clerkship with one of the state’s AHEC community preceptors. She has served as the Program Director of LSU Health Shreveport’s AHEC office since 2013..

To further demonstrate her expertise and scholarly/ creative achievement, Dr Thomas has lectured at the following:

Partnership in Science Education Pipeline: Association for Academic Minority Physicians, Naples, Florida, October 2010 National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Washington, DC July 2016 National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Washington, DC July 2018

National Association of Minority Educators (NAMME), Inc. Dallas, Texas April 2018

National AHEC Organization Spring Conference Plenary, San Diego, California March 2019

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI)Professional Development Conference. Washington, DC March 11, 2022. Collaborative discussion with Offices of Diversity Affairs and Student Affairs-Improving Recruitment of African American and Black Students into Medical Education Yale Medical School.

Recruitment Presentation. June 30, 2022. New Haven, CT. Collaborative Discussion with Offices of Diversity Affairs and Student Affairs- Improving Recruitment of African American and Black Students into Medical Education.

National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Salt Lake City, UT, July 2023.

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Student Affairs, Learn Serve Lead, Admissions Breakout Session, Atlanta, GA, November 2024.

This is just a smidgeon of what this remarkable woman has accomplished.

It’s a fact that operating a restaurant is one of the toughest businesses to be in. According to the National Restaurant Association, about 60% of restaurants fail in their first year, and 80% fail within the first five years. But television and movies that use a restaurant as a backdrop make it look so easy, right? Behind the scenes are high operational costs, an inventory that can and will spoil (leading to waste), and there’s always a struggle with maintaining and managing a workforce. Then there are the strict food safety and hygiene standards and strict regulations that have to be followed. On top of that, finding the right supplies and suppliers of key ingredients, depending on what food you’re serving. Items like hickory BBQ can be a nightmare to get right, so finding a supplier will be essential. to mention, a competitive market filled with customers who have high expectations and cameras on their phones with apps linked to review sites.

Still want to open a restaurant? If so, then take a couple of pages from Don O’Byrne’s playbook.

First, Don suggests you heed the warning of Warren Buffet, “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.” Next, be prepared to drive the car you built. In other words, you should have the ability to do everything that is done under your roof because one day, you will have to do it. How long can you go without getting paid? Cash flowing an owner’s salary often gets put on hold until all debt and expenses are paid and sometimes it can be a long time before that happens. Know who your demographic is. Don’t count anyone you know as part of this demographic. Look for economic indicators to ensure there’s enough of your demographic to support your efforts without a competing restaurant closing to do so. Changing customers’ palettes takes time.

“Watch your flock. If you can’t count sheep, you surely won’t be able to count your inventory twice a day to remain profitable in this business”, said Don. Your operational setup should start in a good location, which can significantly impact a restaurant’s success. It should also be immaculately clean and comfortable so that your guests will want to return again and again. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Stick to a menu that you know and do it well. Advertise where you think your demographic grazes.

Lastly, Don warns that owning a restaurant is not for the faint of heart. It’s a huge sacrifice and a test of your physical prowess. Undertaking a restaurant launch can be hard on personal relationships because you will be putting in long hours and time away from family. It can be scandalous. In the first month of opening his Shreveport location, Don and Don Juanz was a target of social media libel filled with obscene and insidious comments that were directed at injuring the business’s reputation. The “ghost writer” even attempted to libel Don’s family which led Don to seek legal assistance from a detective and an attorney. “We learned that the “ghost writer” used nine different online IP addresses that were tracked to a certain geographical area that led us to who we think the “ghost writer “was. Then it stopped abruptly,” said Don. You must be willing to persevere and overcome catastrophes such as this and unforeseen events like COVID-19 or the stock market collapse in 2008. “We’ve overcome so much adversity just to do business here that I thank God I’m still here”, said Don. Covid set Don Juanz’s expansion plans into Texas back by four years, but with perseverance, Don has managed to expand his restaurant brand at a time when many others are shuttering their doors.

Are there benefits to owning a restaurant? Absolutely. You are your own boss. You can pride yourself on your product and your ability to boost the local economy by providing jobs that, in turn, deepens your involvement in your community. There is also the potential for a pretty good financial gain if you work smart and are willing to learn and adapt as you go.

When it comes to the housing market in Bossier City, many homes follow traditional Southern designs, often featuring Ranch or Craftsman styles. But hidden among the oak trees and azalea bushes of the exclusive Stonebridge community lies a thoroughly modern marvel that is redefining Southern living.
“This home is unlike anything else you’ll find in this part of the state,” says Debbie Hynes, the Century 21 agent listing the property. “It’s a true masterpiece of contemporary design that seamlessly blends cutting-edge style with all the comforts of a luxurious family home.”
Built in 2023 for that year’s Parade of Homes showcase, this home is the creation of Michael Jeane of MJ Construction—a respected local builder who has been wowing crowds with his innovative designs for over a decade. Along with Michael, designers Amanda Thaxton and George Plaxco were brought in to complete this incredibly beautiful space.
“Amanda and George really poured their hearts into this home,” Hynes explains. “They were determined to create something that would turn heads and challenge people’s preconceptions about what a ‘Southern home’ should look like.”
And challenge those preconceptions, it does. From the dramatically angled roofline to the seamless walls of glass that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, every inch of this 2,887-square-foot stunner screams modern sophistication—and that’s before you even step inside.

Of course, no discussion of the home would be complete without mentioning its showstopping kitchen. Clad in gleaming white cabinetry, accented with gold hardware, and anchored by a massive quartz island, it’s the culinary oasis that would make even the most seasoned chef swoon.
“The current owner took this kitchen to the next level with his impeccable design choices,” Hynes explains. “From the Calacatta gold backsplash to the premium GE Profile appliances, every detail has been meticulously curated to create a space that’s both beautiful and incredibly functional.”
But while the kitchen may be the heart of the home, it’s the sprawling primary suite that seals the deal. Boasting wood-tile floors, a freestanding soaker tub, and a gigantic walk-in shower with gold fixtures, it’s a true oasis of luxury and relaxation.
“This primary bathroom is just stunning,” Hynes raves. “The team spared no expense in creating a space that feels like your own personal spa. And the fact that it connects directly to the covered patio and outdoor area makes it feel like your own private resort.”

Buyers will need a trustworthy expert to keep this gorgeous bathroom with its own walk-in shower in pristine condition, year after year. Thankfully, the quality build will reduce the risk of unexpected breakdown. Yet, having a pro plumber in your contact book will spare you many hassles going forward. 

Speaking of the outdoor living spaces, Hynes highlights the thoughtful design choices that elevate this home’s impressive curb appeal. Every element, from the custom concrete patio to the woodplank ceiling on the covered porch, has been carefully selected to create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic.

the custom concrete patio to the woodplank ceiling on the covered porch, has been carefully selected to create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic.
As impressive as all these features are the true heart of this home lies in the passion and attention to detail that went into every aspect of its creation. The current owner has taken the home to new heights with impeccable design choices—and it’s that sense of craftsmanship and care that makes the house unique.
“The design team really has an incredible eye for design,” Hynes marvels. “They took all the amazing architectural features and elevated them to a whole new level. This house feels like it belongs in the pages of Architectural Digest, but it also has this wonderful sense of lived-in comfort. It’s the perfect blend of form and function.”
For Hynes, that harmonious fusion of style and substance is what makes this home truly special. “This isn’t just a house—it’s a work of art,” she says.
“And the fact that it’s located in Bossier City, with all the community amenities that Stonebridge has to offer, makes it an absolute gem.”
Living in the Stonebridge neighborhood is like finding your slice of Southern charm wrapped in a bow of suburban sophistication. Picture this: tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and homes that effortlessly balance traditional elegance with modern appeal. As Hynes looks out over the great room, she can’t help but smile. “You know, in a market where most are still debating between beige and off-white for their shutters, this house struts in wearing gold hardware and glass walls. It’s like someone dropped a Tesla in a parking lot full of Cadillacs—and somehow, it just works.”
And in Bossier City, that’s exactly the kind of disruption the luxury market needs.
Photography Marc Gibson, Marc Gibson Photography.
Listing Agents Kalette Haley and Debbie Hynes