After high school, LeighAnna went on
to attend Louisiana State University and
she graduated with a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Kinesiology, specializing
in Human Movement Science - Pre-
Physical Therapy.
Throughout her undergraduate years,
LeighAnna stayed active as a member of
the Kinesiology Club, the Black Student
Union and as a volunteer for various oncampus
events.
For her, it seemed as if she was taking
all of the proper steps toward becoming
a physical therapist but, as it happened,
things didn't seem to turn out as she had
planned.
“I’d say that my biggest failure was not
getting into Physical Therapy School,”
LeighAnna admitted. However, even
with the slight setback, she also admits
that one seeming failure opened up other
doors and opportunities, “Not getting in
helped me realize that that career path
was not right for me. It has led me to
discover so many other opportunities
that I would have overlooked.”
One of those opportunities was
deciding to compete in pageants again.
This time it would be aimed at helping
others. “I wanted to compete when I
graduated as a way to become more
involved in the community and push forth
my platform,” was how she explained it.
That platform she wanted to push
became known as EMPOWER. Packing
a very strong meaning, the word is an
acronym for Evoke Metabolic Progress
through Outreach, Wellness, Education,
and Reinforcement. “My aim is to provide
the community with the tools needed to
manage and prevent metabolic diseases
such as heart disease and diabetes,”
LeighAnna explained.
During that time LeighAnna decided
to enroll in the Masters of Business
Administration program at LSU with
a concentration in Human Resource
Management.
Still, in school, she is maintaining her
presence in the health industry. “I work
as needed as a Team Lead for Catapult
Health - A National Preventative Care
Practice,” she said as she continued
pointing out how passionate she is about
health and physical activity. “I would
like to change the world by making sure
everyone has access to healthy food
options in their neighborhoods, health
care and programs that encourage active
lifestyles.”
At present, school is her main focus
and first priority, but she still involves
herself in the wellness movement.
“I believe self-care is so important,”
LeighAnna said. “I even make sure that
my personal schedule is balanced.”
Along with her many other duties,
being crowned Ambassador means
that she will have to entertain more
travel engagements. However, she is
not deterred by this. “It’s a lot, but I’m
truly looking forward to our cruise to the
Bahamas in January. It will be all about
‘Sun, Sea, and Service,’” she noted.
And so, between graduate school,
travel, healthcare and setting an example
as Ambassador, LeighAnna’s schedule
appears to always be full. Due to her
upbringing and the self-discipline she
has instilled in her life, she seems to
come prepared.
“I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished
my biggest goal yet,” said LeighAnna. “I
hope to open my own community center
and continue to work in the community
making a difference.”
Already making a difference,
LeighAnna realizes that everything she
has done so far has guided her to who
she is and who she will become.
“I feel that everything I've been doing
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF LEMAR OF CPLEMAR PHOTOGRAPHICS
is leading me to something great,” she
optimistically declared. “From graduating
undergrad, to almost being done with
graduate school, to winning my title
and working hard in the community to
promote my platform. Everything means
so much to me.” ��
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIANNE DEMERITTE OF GDEMERITTE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIANNE DEMERITTE OF GDEMERITTE PHOTOGRAPHY
JANUARY / F E B R UARY 2 0 1 8 breakthrumediamagazine.com | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | 25
