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Eric Smith
Director
Eric Smith, the founder of Estuary Ministries, has made the decision to transition into full-time ministry after years of discernment and prayer. With a heart deeply rooted in faith and a passion for serving others, Eric has demonstrated unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those around him.
His journey as an entrepreneur has equipped him with invaluable skills and experiences, which he now channels towards the mission of Estuary Ministries. Inspired by a calling to do more with the gifts he has been given, Eric’s decision reflects his commitment to following God’s path and spreading the message of love, hope, and empowerment through entrepreneurship and faith. Eric has a degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has been an entrepreneur for most of his life. He has been in business for nearly 25 years with a background in many industries.
Eric has always been drawn toward the creative part of business, time management and marketing. Through his time as a business owner, he has shared many successes, and a few failures that have proven to be great learning experiences.
Some of the ventures he has been a part of include, retail stores, product development, business start-ups, architectural services, real estate and property management.
Lauren Trahan is a Southern native with an Italian/British heritage who has spent her life living all over the United States before settling back home in Youngsville, Louisiana. Lauren is a visionary with a passion for progress. She studied Mass Communications and Journalism at The University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) and post-graduation in 1999, worked for local Acadiana newspapers and startup magazines as well as national publications. After balancing writing, editing, ad sales and the toddler years of her two girls she felt a call to enter into English education and sought her certification in ELA 4-12th grades.
Lauren served as the English Department Head at Westgate High School and was named Teacher of the Year at Erath High School and of Vermilion Parish during her tenure. She began working with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) as a Teacher Leader Advisor and content developer while presenting curriculum and strategies to peer teachers and future educators. Her enthusiasm for public speaking took her to the state capital where she joined the advocacy group Stand For Children as a Lead Fellow and advocated for teachers and students during legislative sessions.
After 15 years of teaching in Lafayette, Iberia, and Vermilion Parish classrooms, she earned her Masters in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University in the Spring of 2020 and served as Assistant Principal of Abbeville High School for two years.
When the opportunity to become the Executive Director of The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana Inc. happened, she placed her career in the public school system on pause to explore how efforts in the nonprofit sector could impact the Acadiana community, increasing her understanding of the lives of future leaders and strengthening her resolve to make a difference in communities using local workforce services and educational programs available for all ages. She is a believer of the second chance, hard work and grit, and that the only limitations in life are the limits you set on yourself.
Lauren Trahan
Programs Director
Advisory Board
Melvin Airheart
Advisor & Executive Coach
Founder of Share Hope International 501(c)(3), Melvin is passionate about giving people the opportunity to live out their destiny. He has abundant experience in business, pastoral care, leadership and personal coaching.
Increase 4 Impact
The mission of Estuary Ministries is to equip and empower individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations, integrating faith-based principles into their ventures. Through mentorship, resources, and community support, we aim to foster an environment where individuals can develop their skills, pursue their passions, and positively impact their communities. With a focus on integrity, collaboration, and service, we strive to cultivate a network of ethical and compassionate entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference in the world.
Local Community Missions
Foreign Missions
Estuary Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your support not only helps us fulfill our mission of empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and faith but also provides you with the opportunity to receive tax benefits for your charitable contributions. By partnering with us, you can make a difference in the lives of others while also maximizing the impact of your generosity on your tax returns. We are grateful for your support and for considering Estuary Ministries as a recipient of your charitable giving. If you are giving by check, please make it payable to “Estuary Ministries” and mail it to: PO Box 327 Carencro, LA 70520. Your contribution will go directly towards supporting our mission of empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and faith. We appreciate your generosity and support in making a positive impact in the lives of others.