2025 Political Parties Speaker: Monique Blanco Boulet

The Louisiana Youth Seminar is proud to welcome Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet as our featured speaker for the 2025 Political Party Kickoff!

On January 3, 2024, Monique Blanco Boulet made history as the first female Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish. A lifelong leader and bridge-builder, she’s known for working across party lines to deliver results that make a real difference in people’s lives—from improving roads and broadband access to preparing communities for the future.

Before becoming Mayor-President, she served as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission, where she led major regional initiatives like the Acadiana Rural Fiber-to-the-Home Project, Watershed Management Planning, and regional transportation improvements. Her work brought together local, state, and federal partners to tackle big challenges with creative solutions that benefited families across Acadiana.

A proud Louisiana native and graduate of UL Lafayette, she also brings private-sector experience from the energy industry and holds an Executive MBA. She is deeply rooted in public service—not only through her own career, but as the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Louisiana’s only female governor, and Coach Raymond Blanco, a legendary educator and mentor.

She and her husband David recently celebrated 30 years of marriage and are the proud parents of four children. Mayor-President Boulet’s story is one of leadership, service, and staying true to your values—making her an incredible example for every LYS delegate learning to lead with purpose and impact.

Meet your 2025 Program Directors: Parker Stanford & Caihren Wood

Parker Stanford

Parker is a Baton Rouge, LA native and a graduate of Catholic High School where he went on to obtain his undergrad at the Louisiana State University and his Master’s in Corporate Finance and Consulting at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder. In his non-LYS life, Parker is a Client Service Associate for the Boulder Legacy Group, a wealth management team of Morgan Stanley, in Boulder Colorado. His message to the delegates is to never be afraid to take the next step, and meet the future challenges head on. What great things could you accomplish? What amazing relationships could you make? What new joys could you find? Parker says: “Take this week on with open arms and an open mind. Take the time to learn new things about yourself, learn new things about others, and to learn new things about the world around you. Here at LYS you have the opportunity to see incredible growth, and to discover things about yourself you may have never found possible. Do not be afraid, because here at LYS you cannot fail, and the possibilities are endless.”

Caihren Wood

Caihren was born and raised in Vacherie, LA and graduated from St. James High School. He then attended Louisiana Tech University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and master’s in Business Administration. In his non-LYS life, Caihren works as an Operations Engineer at Lockheed Martin in Camden, Arkansas. His message to the delegates is to be present this week. Here at LYS there are many new doors to be opened, you just have to be willing to take the first step through. Have full confidence in yourself, and do not be afraid. Caihren says: “LYS has the opportunity to change your outlook on life, if you allow it to. There are always lessons to be learned, new experiences to have, and new relationships to build. If you allow yourself to be open minded and receptive, you will walk out of this week with many new experiences you may have never thought possible. Lean on each other, lean on yourself, and you will not be disappointed.”

Meet LYS Executive Director, Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord

Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Youth Seminar and currently serves as the Interim Vice Provost at San Diego State University, where she leads initiatives in academic innovation and faculty excellence. A nationally recognized expert in speech, language, and hearing sciences, Sonja is also a tenured professor and former Program Director of the M.A. Program in Speech-Language Pathology. Her research focuses on child language acquisition and disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and she has been awarded numerous federal and local grants—including several from the National Institutes of Health—to support her groundbreaking work.

Sonja is a proud product of Louisiana and a lifelong believer in the power of youth leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, and her passion for education and mentorship has defined her career in both academic and community settings. She is a dedicated teacher and mentor, recognized with multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards and a strong publication record that spans peer-reviewed journals, national presentations, and collaborative school partnerships.

Her leadership journey began at the Louisiana Youth Seminar, where she attended as a delegate in 1995 from Riverdale High School and was named Most Outstanding Delegate. She returned to serve as a Junior Counselor, Counselor, Head Table member, and Program Director from 2000–2003. Sonja is a proud member of the LYS 5-Year Club, was inducted into the LYS Hall of Fame, and currently serves on the Board of Directors in addition to her role as Executive Director.

Whether mentoring future speech-language pathologists in San Diego or empowering high school students in Baton Rouge, Dr. Pruitt-Lord is committed to helping others find their voice, embrace their potential, and lead with empathy and purpose. Through every chapter of her life, her message remains the same: leadership starts with listening, learning, and lifting others up.

Sonja has spent the last 25-plus summers (and her Birthday!) in Baton Rouge but resides in San Diego with her husband and daughter. 

The 2024 Life Achievement Award

Senator John Breaux

The 2024 Life Achievement Award in Honor of Roddy Richard recognizes Senator John Breaux's long and distinguished career in the U.S. Congress, representing the interests of Louisianians. Known as a centrist and a bridge between parties, as well as an expert in health care and energy law, Senator Breaux is not only our Life Achievement Award winner but also a cherished friend of the Louisiana Youth Seminar (LYS).

Born in Crowley, Louisiana, Senator Breaux is a proud native of the Acadiana area. He graduated from what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1964, the same year he married his wife, Lois. He earned his law degree from Louisiana State University in 1967 and then began his storied political career.

In 1972, at the age of 28, he was elected to the House of Representatives, becoming the youngest member of Congress at the time. He represented Louisiana's 7th District for 14 years before being elected to the United States Senate in 1986. In the Senate, he was a widely recognized bipartisan leader. In 1993, his Democratic colleagues appointed him Chief Deputy Whip, a position he held until his retirement.

Throughout his 32-year tenure, Senator Breaux was seen as a centrist in a divided Congress and was often sought out by Republican leaders for support on key votes. Conversely, he also served as a Democratic emissary, working to gather moderate Republican votes for Democratic proposals.

He held numerous key Senate committee positions and was instrumental in passing the 1996 welfare and health insurance reform bills. He was the main architect of the $400 billion Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization Act. As a senior member of the Finance Committee, Senator Breaux served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy. He also held positions on the Subcommittee on Health Care and the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight. Additionally, he served on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee, where he was a leader on telecommunications and transportation issues, as well as fisheries and ocean policy.

After retiring, he became a Distinguished Professor at Louisiana State University and a Principal and Director for Crossroads Strategies. He also led the "Ceasefire on Health Care" campaign, advocating for solutions for the uninsured.

Senator Breaux is a member of the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame, a LPB Louisiana Legend, and recipient of the US Senate’s Golden Gavel Award and the Panetta Institute Jefferson-Lincoln Award.

As a member of the LYS Hall of Fame and the LYS ‘71 Club, Senator Breaux has supported LYS as a donor, guest speaker, and advocate. In 1973, he encouraged delegates to get involved, saying, "The greatest reason that you should be involved is that we don’t have a perfect system, that we have room for improvement. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, especially because you are too young."

Whether 50 years ago or today, Senator Breaux knows that there are young leaders, like himself, capable and ready to make a difference. It is our hope that the 2024 delegation recognizes Senator Breaux’s tireless advocacy for Louisiana’s people, his example of service, and his ability to be a centrist leader in themselves.

2024 "No Man Is An Island" Award

Dr. Annie Wingate Spell

In 2012, LYS established the "No Man is an Island" Award to honor an outstanding delegate alumnus who exemplifies the ideals of LYS. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Annie Wingate Spell, our 2024 awardee. Dr. Spell is being recognized for her exceptional professional accomplishments, overcoming challenges, and dedication to her community.

Dr. Spell is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. She attended LYS as a delegate in 1996 before her Junior year at the Academy of Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau. Following high school, she earned a degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she was awarded the university’s highest honor of 2002 Outstanding Graduate. Spell completed her doctorate in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University in 2007.  Then in 2010, Dr. Spell earned a masters degree in psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology.   

Her research on childhood responses to trauma, particularly following Hurricane Katrina, has been published in a parenting book and various academic journals. She operated a psychological services clinic in Lafayette, specializing in childhood and adolescents, often providing pro bono services to children in need.

In July 2013, as a child clinical psychologist with a newborn son, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite the serious prognosis and a severe reaction to chemotherapy, she achieved remission in January 2014. This experience profoundly influenced her life's mission and opened the door to her next chapter in tireless philanthropy and volunteerism.

Viewing her survivorship as an opportunity, Annie has dedicated herself to philanthropy and community service. Her efforts have supported organizations such as American Cancer. Society, Hearts of Hope, the Miles Perret Cancer Center, Autism Society of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, United Way of Acadiana and many more. She has organized fundraising events, supported educational programs, and created initiatives for cancer survivors, demonstrating her commitment to community development.

Additionally, Dr. Spell co-chairs the Tides Medical Foundation which annually grants funds to worthwhile organizations that support patient access, youth development and community collaboration. Annie also served as Co-Chair of Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s transition team in 2023. The community has recognized her contributions through awards such as: ‘Supporter of the Year’ by the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and the Nedra Andrus Lifetime Achievement Award by the Junior League of Lafayette.

Above all her community contributions, Annie’s, husband Joe, and their two sons, Foster and Tagg, are the highlight of her life.

Today, as we honor Dr. Annie Wingate Spell, we recognize her significant professional achievements, commitment to her community and journey through adversity, Dr. Spell has made an exceptional contribution to something greater than herself.