On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Roy Griggs School of Business (RGSB) at Southern University at Shreveport hosted an engaging and empowering session of its “CEO Talks” speaker series, presented in collaboration with Chase Bank, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Held in the Alphonse Jackson Building, the event welcomed students, faculty, and aspiring entrepreneurs eager to learn directly from local CEOs and founders who are making a difference in their industries and communities.
The featured speakers included:
 | Attorney Claudia Payne – Founder of The Payne Firm, who shared insights on building a legal practice with purpose, resilience, and excellence. |
| Ryan Williams – CEO of Seedlinks and Owner of Uptown Bar & Lounge, who spoke about vision, innovation, and creating inclusive spaces for social and economic growth. |
| Trasheda Tolliver – Owner of Matters of the Heart North Louisiana, who inspired attendees with her passion-driven journey in home care services and heart-centered leadership. |
Each speaker offered candid advice on navigating entrepreneurship, balancing challenges, and staying rooted in community service. Their stories reflected diverse paths to success—but shared one common theme: the power of perseverance and purpose.
Students were encouraged to ask questions, network with presenters, and explore the real-life applications of what they’re learning through their business courses. The event also highlighted how local business ecosystems and education institutions can collaborate to support future business leaders.
RGSB’s Mission in Motion
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RGSB, Inc. was established to enhance the lives of citizens by providing access to business education, degree attainment, training certifications, and career explorations.
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