Erin Monroe Wesley
Market Vice President for Greater Louisiana, Cox Communications
Erin Monroe Wesley is the Southeast Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Cox Communications, overseeing governmental and public affairs efforts in Louisiana, Florida and Georgia. Prior to joining Cox, Monroe Wesley served as Special Counsel for Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.
Prior to joining the Louisiana Governor’s office, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), Executive Counsel for the Office of Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitchell J. Landrieu, Associate Executive Counsel for the Office of Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and as a staff attorney for the Louisiana State Senate.
Monroe Wesley has been recognized as a Top Forty Under 40 leader (2015), Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist (2015), Woman of Distinction (2014), Influential Woman in Business (2012), and Most Powerful and Influential Woman by the National Diversity Council (2011).
Her commitment to the community she serves is easily seen through her board service and engagement with the City Year Board of Directors, LSU National Diversity Advisory Board of Directors, Baton Rouge Area Chamber Board of Directors, Downtown Development District Board of Directors, Southeast Louisiana Super Region Committee, Baton Rouge Area Foundation’s Civic Leadership Committee, Junior League of Baton Rouge and The Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
A Shreveport, LA native, Erin received her undergraduate degree from LSU. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law Center from which she was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni in 2013.
Why did you join the CPEX board?
I’m passionate about CPEX’s mission to build resilient communities across our state through the power of planning.
Why is the work that CPEX does so important?
Great communities aren’t built by coincidence. There needs to be a shared vision for sustainable growth and development that includes the voices of everyone impacted. CPEX’s work is so important because it’s intentional in integrating the voices of all Louisianans into the planning and decision-making process.
What CPEX project are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of CPEX’s work to create greater awareness of the coastal crisis facing our state. CPEX created a Best Practices for Development in Coastal Louisiana report to guide our coastal communities through land loss and other natural and man-made threats.
What changes would you like to see in your community in the next five years?
In five years, I hope that we’ll have forward thinking communities across our state that have adopted smart growth practices to enhance their quality of life for all of their citizens.
Amelia Gabor
Communications and Special Initiatives Coordinator
As CPEX’s Communications and Special Initiatives Coordinator, Amelia helps to organize and promote CPEX initiatives, like the Louisiana Smart Growth Summit as well as other projects, events, and outreach activities. She oversees CPEX’s social media content and metrics and assists with all communications campaigns and endeavors. Amelia loves participating in CPEX’s community engagement opportunities and working with people, and is especially engaged in the intersections of art, health, equity, climate resilience and planning. In her final semester at LSU, she used her experience at CPEX to spearhead the Tiger Cross Project–an initiative that uses art to enliven campus crosswalks as engaging and safe places for people–in an effort to emphasize the benefits of safe, walkable communities to their inhabitants.
Amelia is an Honors graduate of the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University with a specialization in Political Communication and a minor in Political Science. She enjoys cats, pilates, board games, and cooking for her friends and family
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CPEX?
I started at CPEX as an intern in February 2022. I came on as a full time team member in January and have been here for 6 months.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB FIT INTO THE CPEX MISSION?
As the Communications and Special Initiatives Coordinator, my role directly contributes to fulfilling CPEX's mission of promoting thoughtful planning, development, and community engagement in Louisiana. I support communication efforts, disseminate information through various channels, and raise awareness about CPEX's initiatives and events. By coordinating special initiatives like the Smart Growth Summit, I aim to bring thought leaders and community members together to move Louisiana forward through best planning practices.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?
I produce content for social media and newsletters. I shoot and edit photos and videos, write and edit blogs, manage logistics for the upcoming Smart Growth Summit, help to design presentations and talking points for the many thought-leaders we have on our staff. I often support membership or planning initiatives like Park(ing) Day 2023!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love being able to express myself creatively both through my work and in the environment I share with my wonderful colleagues. I’ve been able to incorporate so many of my passions into placemaking efforts.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR?
Everyone whom I admire was new in their career at some point! I’m surrounded by so many experts who make a huge difference in our community that it can be difficult to see where I fit in. I’m still learning but am emboldened more each day to offer what insights and experience I do have. I have a lot of passion for what I do, and I know that experience will come in time.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING?
When I'm not at work, I’m on the pickleball court, studying for my MBA program, playing board games, or in warrior pose at Yogalates. I’m also never too busy to chase a stray cat and offer my undying love.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR WHAT PLANNING CAN ACCOMPLISH IN LOUISIANA?
Planning is the base upon which we build a better quality of life for all residents. I can see a future that includes walkable communities connected by reliable, accessible public transportation. I hope for more projects like the Government Street road diet, attracting new local businesses and multi-family residential spaces. I’d love to see a Louisiana where I feel welcome and valued, and where diversity is celebrated. I have already seen planning facilitate these changes in small ways.
IF THERE WAS A NEWS STORY ABOUT YOU, WHAT WOULD BE THE HEADLINE?
Louisiana Native Wins Tony Award for “Bread and Butter: The Pickleball Musical”
THREE WORDS TO BEST DESCRIBE YOU:
Theatrical. Energetic. Talkative.
Vision for a Community Center in District 6
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The development of a community center for Council District 6 is part of an overall plan to revitalize the Cortana Corridor Economic Development District (CCEDD). CPEX is conducting an existing conditions analysis and leading a robust engagement process to ensure that the development of the community center is informed by community voices. Engagement includes a stakeholder meeting, three community meetings, and two online surveys; one to provide opportunity for community residents who can not attend the meetings to provide input and the other to specifically hear from students.The findings will inform site selection and design of the community center, with construction anticipated to be completed by May 2025.
PROJECT GOAL:
Our goal in this project is to engage residents and gather valuable insights and data for the new District 6 Community Center. The community engagement process ensures residents’ needs are heard by providing a platform for sharing ideas, concerns, and priorities. CPEX is working alongside Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr. to create a space that reflects the heart of District 6 and helps to build a stronger, more inclusive community that serves residents' needs.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT SO IMPORTANT?
A community center in Metro Council District 6 will serve as a vital resource to residents within this area. Over time, this district has faced disinvestment, intensifying the need for the envisioned community center to uplift the community. By engaging extensively with stakeholders, residents, and students, this project ensures that the community's firsthand experiences, challenges, and needs are at the heart of the planning process.
WHAT WAS CPEX’S FAVORITE PART OF THIS PROJECT?
The best part of this project–and every project like it–is engaging with the community. Receiving feedback from the people who will be directly affected by this community resource allows us to confidently present our findings, knowing that the amenities will reflect the wants and needs of District 6. It’s so fulfilling to be working with partners who care about planning with a community, not just for a community.
WHAT HAS CPEX LEARNED WHILE WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Our work on this project has reinforced the belief that community centers play a pivotal role in fostering connections, addressing community needs, and promoting well-being. It serves as a vital gathering space, providing essential services, support, and recreational activities for residents. Our engagement with the community and their excitement about the development has revealed the profound impact a community center can have in revitalizing and empowering District 6.