The Shreveport-Bossier area is filled with talent in the arts and entertainment sector. The Shreveport Times decided to shed a light on a few people dedicated to their craft and enhancing the area.
Here are the 2025 Arts & Entertainment Leaders to Watch.
Wade Marshall
Shreveport-Bossier Film & Entertainment Commissioner
A native of Shreveport and graduate of Centenary College with a degree in Music Composition and Theory, Marshall started his career as a film composer in Los Angeles in 2001. However, the advent of Shreveport-Bossier’s film industry following Hurricane Katrina led him to return in 2007 and he joined Millennium Studios where he served as a studio manager and unofficial liaison for bringing film projects to the area.
As the Film & Entertainment Commissioner, Marshall is responsible for growing the film and entertainment industries, creating jobs, driving economic growth, attracting major and promoting the region.
“I try to be a beacon of hope for growth because I know we’re capable of it,” Marshall stated. “I believe that we all are a family here and I will always treat our community like that. We can only grow if we join hands and build our area together as one. Being a leader means you treat other people like leaders as well.”
Marshall stated that working with Visit Shreveport-Bossier on creating a Film and Entertainment Commission was one thing in 2024 that he was proud of, and he is looking forward to expand the area’s film and entertainment industries with new projects and new attractions for families and nightlife to make Shreveport-Bossier an ever-expanding tourist destination and place for high-paying careers.
“The time for our next chapter is now,” Marshall said. “Let’s build a community that we are proud of and call home every day. We have the power to help start that new chapter so let’s build it together.”
Rodrigo Mondragon
Owner/Chef of Ki’ Mexico
Originally from Mexico City, Rodrigo Mondragon’s love for cooking stemmed from watching his mother in the kitchen as a child. The shared interest in cooking led Mondragon, his brother, and his mother to open Ki Mexico Shreveport.
The trendy restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, adding something unique to the palates of Shreveport-Bossier customers.
Although Mondragon said it’s unexpected to be considered a leader in the Shreveport-Bossier community, it feels good to set an example to others.
Mondragon stated he is excited about traveling more with his family and celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ki’ Mexico Shreveport in 2025, while he is proud of expanding his business with two more restaurants.
He stated that if there’s one thing he wishes he could say to the community, it’s to trust your guts when envisioning an idea and to open your mind to the world, and to just be happy in general.
Kip Cummings
Founder/Board President of Surfari Pals
Originally from Bell Gardens, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, Cummings was influenced by a childhood neighbor who taught the neighborhood kids good character skills and lessons about “doing the right thing” and what it means to serve others.
“With every opportunity comes an equal and often greater responsibility,” Cummings said. “I want to not only do my best but also encourage others to do the same. I’ve tried to live by the motto, ‘What we do speaks so clearly; people don’t have to hear what we say’. I believe that by providing opportunities for others and having a small part of their success, then I’ll truly be successful in many ways.”
Cummings stated he’s proud of he and his wife, Jennifer, having had the opportunity in 2024 to continue teaching good character skills using curriculum from Surfari Paris, their nonprofit, to several hundred elementary-aged students at North Highland Elementary. He stated hearing and seeing positive results from those exceptional students who put their words into actions has been a blessing.
“It gives us hope for a positive future,” he said.
Cummings said he’s excited about opening his Surfari Salsa Shack in 2025. The business will offer freshly made chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole made-to-order. The proceeds will help fund his nonprofit and create employment opportunities in the community he serves.
Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.shreveporttimes.com ’
