Member Spotlight
Heather Hohensee
You’ve lived in other countries and now have made Southwest Louisiana your home. What are some of your favorite things about living here?
After growing up in Oklahoma and spending thirteen years in Europe, I’m proud to now call Southwest Louisiana home. Living here has given me the incredible gift of being close to family while also pursuing meaningful career opportunities—first in the non-profit sector and now in the LNG industry.
What I love most about Southwest Louisiana is the balance it offers: the warmth and familiarity of a close-knit community, with access to nearby cities that satisfy my love for travel and urban experiences. And of course, there’s nothing quite like the culture here—where every day feels like a celebration. From the food and music to the people and the rich biodiversity, Louisiana offers a lifestyle that’s truly unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
Tell us about your Great Dane and where you both like to go together in SWLA.
I’m lucky to be the proud dog parent of my second Great Dane, Georgie, who’s almost four years old. It’s been wonderful to see Southwest Louisiana becoming more and more dog-friendly, with inviting dog parks, pet-welcoming patios, and stores that make pups feel at home.
That said, after years of apartment living with my first Dane, DJ, my favorite way to spend time with Georgie is much simpler - relaxing on my patio with a cup of coffee while she lounges in the backyard. Sometimes the best adventures are the quiet, everyday ones at home.
How has Woodside’s corporate giving in our region been enhanced by the partnership with the community foundation?
The Community Foundation truly lives up to its mission of connecting people —or companies!—that care with causes that matter. Through its deep understanding of the region’s needs and priorities, the Foundation has been instrumental in guiding Woodside’s corporate giving. Their local insight and expertise make the Foundation an invaluable partner in helping us ensure that our corporate contributions create meaningful, lasting change in the communities where we live and operate. I was so inspired by the Foundation’s impact that I personally became an annual member—wanting not just to support their work, but to be a part of it.
What words come to mind when you think about the successes of high school students in the Woodside LEAD program?
When thinking about the successes of high school students in the Woodside LEAD program, words like inspired, capable, visionary, and empowered immediately come to mind. These students demonstrate initiative and ingenuity as they take on real-world challenges with purpose and passion. Their ability to collaborate, think critically, and lead with empathy speaks to their maturity and potential. Through the Woodside LEAD program, students are not only doing good—they are redefining what youth leadership looks like in Southwest Louisiana. The impact they create today signals a bright future for the communities they serve.