Board Member Spotlight

Willie Mount, Board member 2019-2024

You are one of the biggest cheerleaders for Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana!  What are some of your favorite things about our area?  

My favorite aspects of our area are numerous, but the unwavering spirit of our community stands out. The resilience, generosity, and collaborative nature of our people are truly inspiring. We have a remarkable blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community that fosters growth and opportunity. The family-oriented atmosphere, coupled with diverse recreational and educational opportunities, creates an exceptional quality of life for all. The Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter.  Please share some examples where you have been a part of the connecting and the positive impact this makes in SWLA.  

In addition to being a former mayor and state senator, you’ve been a community volunteer, nonprofit Board member, and generous donor for many causes.  What continues to inspire you about the work of the Foundation after 6 years of Board service and making a meaningful contribution each year as an Annual Member? 

My continued involvement with the Foundation, spanning six years of board service, stems from a belief in its effectiveness and potential for even greater contributions to our community. The Foundation provides a vital platform for collective action and meaningful change; it’s a driving force behind many of the projects I’m proud to support. Giving back is not merely a philanthropic act, but a fundamental aspect of leadership. It requires vision, collaboration and a deep commitment to empowering our community.Why is giving important, and how is it related to leadership? 

You partner with the Community Foundation on your charitable giving through a Donor Advised Fund.  What are some of the benefits you experience by giving through your fund at the Foundation?  How has it enhanced your ability to support causes that are important to you? 

My experience with the Donor Advised Fund has significantly enhanced my ability to support causes close to my heart. It provides structure, flexibility, and a partnership that amplifies the impact of my charitable giving, allowing for strategic investment in projects that resonate with my values.

Tell us what leaving a legacy means to you and one way you are doing that yourself and to honor your late husband, Ben. 

Leaving a legacy is about ensuring the continued well-being of Southwest Louisiana for generations to come. The establishment of the Willie and Ben Mount Endowment Fund reflects my hope that it will play a part in making this vision a reality. It represents a tribute to Ben, who shared my passion for this community and serves as a promise of continued support for its future.