Playing a part in our community's future

In light of the global pandemic, many organizations have been faced with adapting or changing strategies to meet the needs of those they serve. In response, the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation launched the Lepage Center Mentorship program. Since early April, the Lepage Center has been matching entrepreneurs and small business owners with business experts to assist them with getting their companies back on track or re-imagining the services that they currently offer.

Tulane University and Freeman School alumni have been donating their time, with the Lepage Center, and sharing their professional experience with companies that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. These mentors bring a wealth of experience in the areas of strategic growth, operations, finance, marketing, technology, and innovation. To date, the Center has connected more than sixty companies with mentors.

We are pleased to share a few of our participants' comments from this experience.

DeeLightful Cupcakes

Dwynesha "Dee" Lavigne is the founder and owner of DeeLightful Cupcakes, a gourmet cupcake and confectionary treats bakery. Due to the pandemic, Dee found herself without a baking facility or connection to her loyal customers. Dee needed to shift gears quickly and heard about the Lepage Mentorship program through JEDCO, one of the Center's community partners.

"Working with the Lepage Center and being paired with a knowledgeable mentor has been a great tool in transforming my business and taking it to the next level - Chef Dee Lavigne"

Tulane alumni, David Heikkinen, serves as Dee's mentor. They have been working together to build her company's online presence and to expand its product offerings. David is the founder of Heikkinen Energy Advisors.