Alumni Spotlight: Anita Begnaud '11

Anita Begnaud ‘11 has always known her purpose in life — to help people. She’s currently serving others on her largest scale yet as the vice president of marketing and communications at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. In her role, she promotes the state of Virginia and oversees branding, websites, event marketing and external communications for the organization.

Leading up to the position, Begnaud has had a vast career in economic development, serving in leadership roles within prominent organizations such as One Acadiana and Lafayette Downtown Development Authority. Each point along her journey has helped her grow into the person that she is today, and she credits her alma mater for giving her the tools needed to succeed.

Originally from Church Point, Begnaud always knew that she wanted to go to college in Louisiana. When she toured the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she was positive she had found her home.

“I went on a tour and just loved the campus. Lafayette was the big city when I was growing up, so it felt like enough of a departure from Church Point for me. I loved the school, the vibe and knew I could be happy here,” she said.

Initially, Begnaud began her collegiate career as a political science major. However, when she spoke about her future with her advisor, Carolyn Dural, her plans began to change.

“She asked me what I cared about, and I immediately answered that I really wanted to help people, and I loved public speaking,” Begnaud said. “From there, she suggested that I consider shifting to organizational communications and the rest is history.”

Begnaud ended up switching her major and dove headfirst into her studies. She was also very involved with Athletics and was a member of the video team for the football program.

“That opportunity was really special because it provided me with a scholarship, as well. It helped to cover the cost of school and took some of the financial pressure off me,” she said. Begnaud still had to work several jobs while in college, but she ultimately was able to finish her degree and start her career in economic development.

Each professional experience she’s had truly left a lasting impression on Begnaud. She said she’s been “connecting the dots” throughout her entire career. Her previous role as chief executive officer of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority laid the groundwork for her current position.

“That role was such a huge learning experience. It was all about community development and community building. We made some really amazing things happen for Downtown Lafayette,” she said.

Moving across the country to Virginia was a big leap for Begnaud and her family, but she’s ultimately proud they made this jump. “It’s been a challenging move, but I think it’s been really good for us. My job is fun, hard and I’m learning every day. I can see all the lessons I’ve learned, even at UL Lafayette, being put into practice here and it’s really cool,” she said.

As she looks toward her future, Begnaud has one main goal — to have a happy, thriving family and to spend time with the people that she loves. She also plans on continuing to grow professionally and become a leader in her field. As she keeps connecting more dots along her life journey, she’ll always remember her Louisiana roots at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“My college experience made me a better citizen and a better person, and I’m so grateful for that,” she said.

Photo Caption: Anita Begnaud '11 is recognized with the Women Who Mean Business award. Submitted