Founded in October of 1999,

the Louisiana Network was the brainchild of Drenica Spears (New Orleans) and Scotty Culbert (Shreveport). After noting the increasing number of Louisiana natives who were relocating to the Washington Metropolitan Area, Spears decided that an outreach organization would be helpful in providing both a professional network and a social outlet to those in transition.
The organization's initial members were gathered through an old-fashioned 'word-of-mouth' campaign and collection of email addresses to establish a list serve. The initial response was greater than Spears and Culbert had imagined. It was then that the two realized the potential of the Network. Within a month, the effort yielded about 100 people.

In November of 1999,

The LA Network hosted their first potluck meeting at Ms. Drenica Spears home in Temple Hills, MD. The event was a tremendous success that served as a reunion for many and the beginning structure of the Network.
As with most socials that involve 'homefolk,' the potluck turned into an old school house party that left everyone exhausted and excited about the future of our "social and pleasure club." From that time, the membership has grown to over 400 people.
We hope that the Network, which began as a simple idea, continues to grow into an organization that has a lasting impact on the DC Metro Area, as well as the state of Louisiana!

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