Bridging the Bayou - the Podcast of Fletcher Technical Community College

Ep. 030 - Growing a Business and Strengthening a Community with Mike Lewis

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Mike Lewis, owner of Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse. From his early days in the restaurant industry to building one of the Bayou Region's most recognizable restaurant brands, Mike shares the story behind Big Mike's, the lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship, and the challenges he has overcome along the way. The conversation explores leadership, consistency, community involvement, and the vision behind Big Mike's newest restaurant project. Mike also discusses the importance of investing in local communities, supporting regional growth, and creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and feel at home. Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse - https://bigmikesbbq.com [https://bigmikesbbq.com] Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu [https://www.fletcher.edu] Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

Ep. 029 - Workforce, Collaboration, and Economic Growth with Christy Zeringue

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Christy Zeringue, President and CEO of Colab. From workforce development and economic growth to regional collaboration and community identity, Christy shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the Bayou Region. The conversation explores talent retention, industry expansion, quality of life, and the importance of creating a strong future for the communities that call South Louisiana home. Colab - https://www.colabregional.com [https://www.colabregional.com]  Louisiana Economic Development - https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com [https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com]  South Central Planning & Development Commission (SCPDC) - https://www.scpdc.org [https://www.scpdc.org] Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu [https://www.fletcher.edu/] Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

Ep. 028 – Building Careers in Energy and Advanced Technologies with Nancy Clement

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Nancy Clement, Dean of Energy and Advanced Technologies at Fletcher Technical Community College. From unexpected career paths to the growing demand for skilled trades, Nancy shares her perspective on opportunity, workforce needs, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s job market. Whether you're exploring your next step or just curious about the future of workforce training, this conversation offers insight into careers that are shaping our region. ASE Education Foundation - https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org [https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org] Federal Aviation Administration - https://www.faa.gov [https://www.faa.gov] National Center for Construction Education and Research - https://www.nccer.org [https://www.nccer.org] Energy and Advanced Technologies - Fletcher.edu/E&AT [https://www.fletcher.edu/programs/technical-education/index] Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

Ep. 027 - Building Industry Connections and Workforce Pathways with Hillary Charpentier

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Hillary Charpentier, Executive Director of the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA), for a conversation on leadership, industry, and the evolving opportunities across the Bayou Region. From an unexpected career path to a role at the center of regional collaboration, Hillary offers insight into the connections and conversations helping move South Louisiana forward. It’s a discussion about growth, impact, and what it takes to bring people and opportunity together. South Central Industrial Association (SCIA): https://www.sciaonline.org Nicholls State University (Chef John Folse Culinary Institute): https://www.nicholls.edu [https://www.nicholls.edu] Manufacturing Week (National Manufacturing Day Initiative): https://www.mfgday.com [https://www.mfgday.com] Fletcher Technical Community College: https://www.fletcher.edu [https://www.fletcher.edu/] Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

Ep. 026 - Public Service, Workforce Development, and Legislative Leadership with Rep. Jessica Domangue

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes State Representative Jessica Domangue of District 53 to the podcast for a conversation on public service, workforce development, and legislative leadership in Louisiana. Representative Domangue shares insights on how her background as a licensed clinical social worker shapes her approach to policymaking, the importance of trauma-informed leadership, and the role economic development plays in strengthening communities across the Bayou Region. It’s a thoughtful conversation about balancing service and family, supporting mental health and coastal restoration efforts, and building workforce pathways that create opportunity and long-term prosperity for Louisiana. Start Corporation Website: https://startcorp.org [https://startcorp.org] Phone: 985-333-2020 Louisiana State Legislature https://www.legis.la.gov [https://www.legis.la.gov] Fletcher Technical Community College https://www.fletcher.edu [https://www.fletcher.edu]