Mansura Chamber of Commerce welcomes new President, Hallee M. Walters!

The Mansura Chamber of Commerce is entering a bold new chapter. Local leaders and residents are extending a warm welcome to Hallee M. Walters, who was recently elected as the organization's new president. A proud native of Mansura, Walters steps into the role with a lifelong passion for her hometown, a clear vision for economic growth, and a deeply rooted commitment to public service.

Walters brings a diverse and impressive background to the presidency. As a devoted mother of two daughters and a professional educator with the Avoyelles Parish School Board, she has spent years investing in the future of the parish. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Public Relations and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Her ultimate professional goal is to become a school administrator, where she aims to create environments that empower both teachers and students to thrive. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Sigma Tau Delta Sorority, an organization where leadership, scholarship, and community service remain central to her core values.

Her connection to the Mansura community and its beloved Cochon de Lait Festival spans a lifetime. Walters has witnessed firsthand the rich cultural traditions that make the festival one of Louisiana's most cherished annual celebrations. She proudly represented the town as the 2010 Miss Cochon de Lait Festival Queen and later as the 2014 Ms. Cochon de Lait Queen. Over the course of her pageant career, she earned more than 30 titles, reflecting years of dedication, leadership, and public advocacy.

Beyond her time on stage, Walters spent eight years serving behind the scenes as a Festival Pageant Director and board member. This extensive experience provided her with an intimate understanding of both the triumphs and the challenges currently facing the Chamber and the festival.

Upon beginning her presidential term, Walters shared an inspiring message aimed at uniting and elevating the community.

"The Mansura Chamber of Commerce is deeply embedded within me," Walters said. "This opportunity is not just a personal achievement—it is a victory for every woman who has ever been told she couldn't lead with strength, integrity and grit. I hope my journey encourages others to believe in themselves and never give up on serving their communities."

Looking forward, one of Walters' primary objectives is returning the Chamber to its core mission of giving back. As a nonprofit organization, she believes the Chamber must serve as a driving force for local volunteerism, family-friendly events, and meaningful community partnerships. Her strategic plans include actively supporting local businesses, celebrating local workforce achievements, and bringing fresh, exciting events to the town of Mansura.

Emphasizing that true progress requires a collective effort, Walters is actively welcoming ideas, feedback, and participation from all residents.

"It truly takes a village to accomplish great things," she noted. "Together, we can restore the Mansura Chamber of Commerce and our beloved Cochon de Lait Festival to the strong foundation on which they were built. Every voice matters."

Driven by faith and accountability, Walters expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to lead the community with humility, transparency, and a servant's heart.

The Chamber is actively inviting individuals and businesses to join them in shaping this new chapter. Annual membership dues are highly accessible, set at just $20 a year per person for individuals and $50 yearly for businesses.

Those interested in joining or volunteering can easily request information by emailing mansurachamberofcommerce@gmail.com or by reaching out through the official Mansura Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Physical membership application forms are also available for pickup at the Mansura Police Department.