Leadership Beaumont Alumni "Education and Career Readiness" Lunch and Learn
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
(Doors open at 11am)
The program will be conducted from 11:30 to 1pm.
Location
Del Papa Distributing
410 1-10 Frontage Rd. Beaumont, Texas 77707
Fees/Admission
Tickets are $35 (discount price is $30 for Leadership Beaumont Class of 2025, Leadership Beaumont Alumni, and Southeast Texas YPO Members). Registration fee includes lunch, and information from our professional development speakers about educational opportunities in our area.
Tables for Chamber Members are available - 8 seats for $225
Tables for Non-Chamber Members are also available - 8 seats for $250
Contact Information
Chris Partin
Send Email
Description
Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills for a successful future for our youth at our Education and Career Readiness panel discussion!"
Keynote Speaker:
Sid Valentine - President of Lamar Institute of Technology
Dr. Sidney Valentine became the fourth President of Lamar Institute of Technology in August 2022. Before this, he was the Associate Vice President of Industrial Engineering Technology at York Technical College from June 2011. In July 2012, he also served as Interim Associate Vice President of Corporate and Continuing Education.
Prior to York Technical College, Dr. Valentine worked for five years at the Community and Technical College System of WV, where he was the Director of Workforce and Economic Development and Director of Technical Program Development. At Bridgemont Community and Technical College, he was the Director of Workforce Development and an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology. He has held various industry positions, including Electrical Engineering Supervisor, Electrical Design Engineer, and Process Control Engineer.
Dr. Valentine has also served as President of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) and Chair of the Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership (CRWDP).
He holds a PhD and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from The University of South Carolina, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from The West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
Panelists:Eva LeBlanc - Coordinator of Business and Industry Beaumont ISD
Eva H. LeBlanc is the Coordinator of Business and Industry for Beaumont ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE). She has over 30 years of experience in public education; with 28 years in BISD. Mrs. LeBlanc is a proud graduate of Lamar University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dance, and Master of Education in School Counseling. During her tenure at Beaumont ISD, Mrs. LeBlanc is known for the implementation of new educational initiatives. Her current role involves engaging business and industry for the purpose of CTE Work-Based Learning opportunities, and growing business partnerships. In addition, she coordinates The R.E.A.L. Program (Real Experience and Learning). This is the CTE Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, which offers job shadowing, internships, and industry employment experiences for students. Her ultimate goal is to build relationships with local business and industry to address the needs of the Southeast Texas workforce. Prior to her work in CTE, Mrs. LeBlanc began her career in BISD as the Artistic Director of the Dance Magnet Program, which she implemented at Clifton J. Ozen Magnet High School. Then with the implementation of the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) initiative of College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR), she transitioned to the Coordinator for CCMR at Ozen Magnet High School, and then Beaumont United High School. Mrs. LeBlanc has been married to her husband, Dennis, for 30 years. They have two wonderful daughters, Sarah and Elisabeth, and an amazing grandson, Remington.
Nicole A. Kyles-Burton - Career Consultant, Liaison for College of Business and College of Fine Arts and Communication - Lamar University
Nicole Kyles-Burton is a dedicated Career Consultant at Lamar University’s Center for Career and Professional Development, specializing in career readiness and professional growth. She bridges the gap between education and employment by collaborating with employers to provide hands-on projects and internships that enhance students’ career portfolios. With expertise in resume development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional branding, she equips students with the tools to stand out in competitive industries.
Nicole holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology. She has engaged in VIP international business seminars and attended the Doha Forum in Qatar, contributing to global discussions on critical challenges.
A 2023 Leadership Beaumont graduate and Beaumont Champion, Nicole serves on the boards of the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, West Brook Alumni Association, and South Park Neighborhood Partnership. Her dedication to service earned her the 2025 Ben and Julie Rogers Community Service Award.
Beyond her work, she enjoys time with her children, granddaughter Scout, family, and close friends, as well as volunteering. Passionate about mentorship, Nicole is committed to shaping future professionals and inspiring others to invest in young adults.
Mallory Hurles - Workforce Solutions
Mallory Hurles. I’ve been with Workforce Solutions since 2022, serving as the Business Solutions Liaison. In this role, I connect job seekers with employers by highlighting job opportunities at job fairs and hiring events. I also enjoy attending networking events to stay connected with our community, learn about other companies, and share valuable information about our services. I’m passionate about supporting our community and helping people discover new career paths. Outside of work, you’ll often find me traveling, trying new food spots, and spending time outdoors—especially when the weather is nice! I also love stargazing and taking in the beauty of the night sky.
Sade Chick - Port of Beaumont
Sadé Chick is the Director of Corporate Affairs for the Port of Beaumont, overseeing public relations, government affairs, workforce development, and grant writing. Her efforts have secured over $100 million in state and federal grants for significant port infrastructure projects.
Over the past five years, Sadé has collaborated with the Southeast Texas Waterway Advisory Council to create a robust workforce pipeline for the maritime industry. This initiative includes educational resources from pre-K programs to four annual scholarships for maritime training at the Paul Hall Center, where individuals can attend free training and earn $5,000-$8,000 per month. The Port-chartered Sea Scout Ship 1916 offers a free scouting program for students ages 14-20.
Passionate about workforce development, grant writing, and community growth, Sadé founded thingstodoinsetx.com, a website highlighting events in Southeast Texas. She was named Southeast Texas Young Professional of the Year (2020), a Pioneering Woman (2021), and a Phenomenal Woman (2024) by the Professional Women’s Network.
Sadé enjoys spending time with her husband, Ethan, and their daughters on their micro farm, home to thousands of bees, 15 chickens, and two noisy ducks.
