MENtality Workshop

lsus mentality workshop

The 2026 MENtality Workshop is the inaugural conference hosted by LSU Shreveport with the help of dedicated community members to address real pressures that men face today. This conference brings together men from across the Ark-La-Tex to discuss Mental Health and Resiliency, focusing on connection, inspiration, and personal transformation.

This event hopes to bring together men from a wide range of industries and career stages—from ambitious students to established local leaders and entrepreneurs—creating a powerful platform for inspiration, networking and professional growth.

Event Details

Date: January 16th, 2026
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Location: University Center Ballroom, LSU Shreveport Campus, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115

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*Student attendees from any institution may apply for scholarships to offset registration costs. Email continuing.education@lsus.edu for the full details.

Agenda Overview

8:30 AM: Check-in and Networking Breakfast

9:15 AM: Opening Remarks 

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Breakout Sessions (Round 1) 

  • Allyship with Women Leaders – Panel Discussion
  • Curiosity & Vulnerability: Keys to Unlocking Creativity – Mr. Wendell Riley
  • Healing Together (Extended Session) – Facilitated by Anita DeRouen & Susan Womack

10:30 AM: Break and Transition. Light refreshments. Restroom break. Networking.

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM: Breakout Sessions (Round 2) 

  • ANSWERING THE CALL: Men of Valor, Where Are You? – Dr. Michael Anderson
  • Resiliency Reloaded: Building Mental Wealth One Decision at a Time – Mr. RaShad Bristo  

11:45 AM: LUNCH

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Keynote Speaker, Brandon Jacobson
Topic: Strong Enough to Talk: Building Mental Resilience Before the Crisis

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM: Keynote Speaker, Rashad Bristo
Topic: Bitter or Better: Transforming Life’s Pressure Into Purpose

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM: Breakout Sessions (Round 3) 

  • Allyship with Women Leaders – Panel Discussion
  • Curiosity & Vulnerability: Keys to Unlocking Creativity – Mr. Wendell Riley
  • Healing Together (Extended Session) – Facilitated by Anita DeRouen & Susan Womack

2:15 PM: Break and Transition

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Breakout Sessions (Round 4) 

  • ANSWERING THE CALL: Men of Valor, Where Are You? – Dr. Michael Anderson
  • Resiliency Reloaded: Building Mental Wealth One Decision at a Time – Mr. RaShad Bristo

3:30 PM: Closing & Reflection

MENtality Workshop
MENtality Workshop
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Keynote: Strong Enough to Talk: Building Mental Resilience Before the Crisis

Brandon Jacobson
Executive Director, Collaboration Link 

Brandon Jacobson is the Executive Director of Collaboration Link, a defense-focused non-profit division of the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF). Brandon brings over two decades of leadership experience from his distinguished 21-year career in the United States Air Force. As a Finance Officer, he held critical roles at every organizational level, culminating in his tenure at the Pentagon, where he oversaw the Air Force’s largest account—the Operations and Maintenance budget. Prior to the Pentagon, Brandon served at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where he gained diverse operational experience. He managed Financial Management operations, deployed overseas, and served in the Commander’s Action Group as a Legislative Liaison to the base's Four-Star General. During this difficult assignment, Brandon suffered some mental health issues, which included severe insomnia, and used professional counseling to recover from them. He developed a passion for normalizing mental health fitness especially among men. 

Keynote: Bitter or Better: Transforming Life’s Pressure Into Purpose

Rashad Bristo
Owner of Bitter or Better Motivations, LLC 

RaShad Bristo, a native and resident of Mansfield, LA, has dedicated his life to public service and inspiring others. Following his childhood dream, he graduated from Grambling State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and was hired and deputized by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office. 

RaShad made history as the first in the country to become a certified peace officer despite being born with one arm. His 18-year career in law enforcement includes serving as a deputy sheriff, D.A.R.E. officer, juvenile probation officer, correctional officer, and Department of Corrections Re-Entry Coordinator. In 2016, he received the Louisiana Governor’s Disability Achievement Award for his leadership and resilience. 

He is the author of Bitter or Better: Doing More With Less and Bullying: Putting the Pieces Together (book and companion workbook).