02-03-2025
Meet Dr. Sweettie Williams Lars a Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman 2025 Honoree
The ninth annual Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Awards hosted by Holy Angels are almost here and the six honorees have been carefully selected.
This event is sponsored by Red River Bank and The Shreveport Times, it honors women in the community who have made significant contributions by providing their expertise, time and resources.
The women selected have shown a commitment to philanthropy by helping children, the elderly, those in need, the arts, business development, education or other acts of caring through unpaid positions.
Get to know Dr. Sweettie Williams Lars below before the awards ceremony on March 6.
Dr. Sweettie Williams Lars is an active member of her community and said, "It's all about the People…People…People! No matter what I do; no matter where I go; I keep the people of God in the forefront. I believe that in order to fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples, the people of God must be the primary focus.'
Lars does volunteer work with Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Caddo Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force, LIPSIS Domestic Violence Prevention Community Based Organization, Starfish Church-based Tutorial Academy, Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Association, Board Member-Caddo Community Action Agency, Veterans Administration Volunteer Chaplain and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness.
Lars said, "every project or event that I embark upon must be people centered. That is the model that Jesus used. Therefore, when choosing organizations, I analyze their mission and service record to ensure that they align with my vision of serving people."
Lars said if you want to get involved in your community find a cause or area of interest that you are passionate about. She said, "determine if there is a need that will support your passion. Make sure that you are able to manage your time and level of commitment before you begin."
Lars has also received numerous accolades including Louisiana Region Board of Christian Education and Formation Director, Former President of the Caddo Association of Educators, Former Vice President of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity-Eastern Michigan University, Harvard Violence Prevention and Intervention Trained Specialist, Rosa and Raymond Parks Award for Community Service-Michigan and Brown-Phillps Helping Hands Scholarship.
"I was reared in an ancestral community whereby the 'village' modeled community service," said Lars. "It is done for the benefit and betterment of people."
The 2025 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman and Most Influential Young Woman Award luncheon March 6, 2025, at East Ridge Country Club.
To purchase tickets or tables visit
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Meet Dr. Sweettie Williams Lars a Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman 2025 Honoree
