Our Story
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE RESOURCES FOR HIGH TECH START-UP COMPANIES
Nexus Louisiana’s mission is to accelerate the growth of high-potential technology-enabled companies by providing them with coaching, capital and connections. Our programs leverage regional collaboration to foster mentorship, investment, and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and transform the technology industry in Louisiana.
Our Impact
Nexus Louisiana exists to connect local entrepreneurs to the coaching, capital and connections they need to grow and succeed. Through our mentorship, programming and connections to capital investors, we are helping to create a better, brighter future for the tech industry in Louisiana.
Leadership & Staff
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Calvin Mills Jr. is a nationally award-winning serial tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, software and application development, and help desk support. He is the Founder, CEO and president of CMC Technology Solutions, SLT Technology, Inc., and his newest venture HelpIT, Inc., a software and application development company that he plans to take public on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Calvin is recognized as a dynamic speaker, mentor, philanthropist, small business advocate, and author. He is vested in helping people within the tech sector, especially the next generation of entrepreneurs. Calvin launched a nonprofit called CLIMB (Changing Lives Is My Business) to help give access to technology and its resources to under deserved youth.
Through his companies, Calvin is changing the dynamics of the technology workforce in Louisiana by helping to create Louisiana's first IT apprenticeship program with a focus on cybersecurity and custom training for individuals looking to find employment in the technology field. SLT Technology, Inc. is the only company in Louisiana backed by the global company Oracle for workforce development.
Calvin shares his story of struggle and perseverance in his book "No Secrets to Elevation: An Entrepreneur's Story of Persistence." An accomplished entrepreneur, Calvin is the recipient of the following awards and recognitions:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business Achievement Award (2006)
- U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Minority Small Business Statewide Champion of the Year (2008)
- U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Minority Small Business Statewide Champion of the Year (2008)
- 1 of 50 Business Leaders Invited to the White House Business Summit (2016)
- Southern University Excellence in Leadership Award (2017)
- Black Enterprise Magazine BE 100 Modern Man (2018)
- National Small Business Association Board of Trustees Appointment (2019)
- Lew Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year recipient (2019)
- Certificate of Commendation, Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome, City of Baton Rouge (2019)
- National Small Business Administration Small Business Advocate of the Year (2019)
- NOLA Tech 30 Honoree
Calvin is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and holds a Bachelor's degree in computer science from Southern University A&M College.
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Stephen Loy is an experienced communications and legislative relations professional. He started with Nexus Louisiana as the director of communication in 2004, and was promoted to Executive Director in 2011. Stephen manages the day-to-day operations, developing strategies to attract early-stage companies, and managing one of Nexus Louisiana’s signature programs, Tech Park Academy. Prior to joining the Tech Park, Stephen managed public relations and legislative initiatives for the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. He began his career with LSU’s Office of Public Relations. Stephen is accredited in Public Relations and is a past President of The Public Relations Association of Louisiana—Baton Rouge Chapter (PRAL-BR). He served as Treasurer of the Southern Public Relations Federation Board of Directors and is a past President of the Louisiana Business Incubation Association. Stephen currently serves on the board of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC).
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She is passionate about advancing entrepreneurship and helping communities thrive. As the Director of Marketing and Communications she develops comprehensive marketing strategies to drive growth for Nexus Louisiana while creating collaborative relationships with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community officials. Before joining NexusLA, Na’Tisha was the director of public affairs for Louisiana Housing Corporation, the state’s housing agency dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions for Louisiana residents, and the director of marketing and communications for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center – State Office. A native of Monroe, La., she holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in marketing and mass communication from Southern University and A&M College and received executive training at the University of Notre Dame. She is a 2020 Leadership Baton Rouge alumna, was named a Northeast Louisiana Top 40 Under 40 Young Professional and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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Kasey Frioux is the longest tenured employee at Nexus Louisiana and has been with the organization since it was founded in 2001. As the Director of Operations, she manages the 40,000 square foot Tech Park, serves as the liaison for the board of directors, and assists with all entrepreneurial initiatives. Before joining Nexus Louisiana, Kasey had a career in the automotive industry spanning more than a decade and worked for some of the South’s largest dealership networks.
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Sylvia Alaniz is an experienced accountant and human resources professional. Committed to serving the community through her work, she takes pride in providing the best customer services possible to our members, partners, and colleagues. As the Accountant and Human Resources Manager, Sylvia’s role includes, but is not limited to grant management, donor tracking, and employee relations. She has an accounting degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.
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Named one of Top 25 African American Millennial Publicists in Huffington Post, Narcisse is a passion-driven brand storyteller with a demonstrated history of presenting innovative ideas and customized strategies. On and off social media, this everyday educator shares tips and tricks with an unconventional approach to marketing and motivation. Through event production, she creates an interactive experience which allows brands to connect directly with their target audience and make a huge impact.
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As Investment & Program Development Manager, Madeleine assists members in forming and reviewing essentials for seeking investment, such as pitch deck reviews, competitor and market research, and business plans. She aids in curriculum design and execution of accelerator programs hosted by NexusLA and researches and brainstorms ideas for programs to expand the Technology Park’s reach. She also works closely with Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angel Network in performing due diligence for potential investments. Madeleine may be seen around the Tech Park with her dog, Betty, who is a frequent visitor. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Spring Hill College and an M.S. in Finance from Louisiana State University.
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With skills in writing, social media marketing, and building interpersonal relationships, Analise is an organized and creative marketing professional. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a focus in strategic leadership.
A Texas native, Analise has spent a large portion of her life devoted to gymnastics and adventuring. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with Young Life, traveling with friends, and creating video content.
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Julian started his career in tech product development as a business analyst focused on e-commerce in the semiconductor industry. Following his curiosity, he became a management consultant at Deloitte and led M&A divestiture and integration engagements in a variety of industries, including pharma and biotech.
He then transitioned back into product development and e-commerce at Amazon, launching machine learning solutions for 3rd party sellers on the platform. Julian was also tasked to lead product development for AWS Startups, building their first micro-targeted product line. With another stop in education technology, Julian has found a home as DoseSpot. He leads product innovation, helping the company grow and deliver safe and reliable ePrescribing technology and software integrations across multiple healthcare markets.
Julian is originally from Louisiana and graduated as valedictorian from Southern university in Baton Rouge with a B.S in Computer Science. He also has an M.B.A from The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, focusing on strategy and entrepreneurship. Julian resides in New Orleans with his wife and 2 boys. He currently is active in both the Baton Rouge and New Orleans startup ecosystems as an EIR, strategic advisor, and investor. He enjoys carnival and festival season in Louisiana, beach getaways with his family, and a good book. -
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Paul is a seasoned operations specialist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and medical industry. Paul strives for operational efficiency while focusing on the strategic planning for all businesses as it pertains to customer service and customer expectations. As the Director of Member Engagement, he helps Nexus Louisiana Technology Park members build, scale, and develop their startups. In addition, Paul focuses on business development for the Tech Park by searching for new members and vendors to add to our ever-growing ecosystem. Paul received his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University.
Our Board
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Anita Byrne, Chair
Partner, SSA Consultants
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Terry Landry, Jr., Vice Chair
Policy Director, Southern Poverty Law Center, Designee of Mayor the Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish
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Anita Tillman
CEO, AMcorp International, LLC
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Brace "Trey" Godfrey, III
Senior VP of Policy, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
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Mackenzie D. Rodriguez
Special Counsel & Patent Attorney, Stone Pigman
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Michael Stubblefield, PhD
Vice-Chancellor of Research & Strategic Initiatives, Southern University and A&M College
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Monette Davis
Associate, Stone Pigman
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Robert Twilley, PhD
Vice President of Research & Economic Development, Louisiana State University
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Ross Reilly
Vice President of Business Development, Lamar Advertising
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Tedra Cheatham
Executive Director of State Economic Competitiveness, Louisiana Economic Development (Designee)
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Willie E. Smith, Sr., PhD
Chancellor, Baton Rouge Community College
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
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