Discover the Rising Stars: 2025 Shreveport Times Arts and Entertainment Leaders You Need to Know

The Shreveport-Bossier area is buzzing with talent in the arts and entertainment scene. The Shreveport Times highlights a few individuals who are making a difference here.

Let’s meet the 2025 Arts & Entertainment Leaders to Watch.

Wade Marshall

Film & Entertainment Commissioner

Wade Marshall grew up in Shreveport and studied Music Composition and Theory at Centenary College. His journey began in Los Angeles in 2001 as a film composer. But when the film industry blossomed in Shreveport after Hurricane Katrina, he returned home in 2007. There, he joined Millennium Studios as a studio manager and played a key role in attracting film projects to the region.

As the Film & Entertainment Commissioner, Wade works to boost local film and entertainment sectors. His goal? To create jobs and fuel economic growth.

Wade believes in the power of community. “We can only grow if we join hands,” he says. He feels it’s essential to treat everyone as a leader and work together for a brighter future.

This year, Wade is particularly proud of collaborating with Visit Shreveport-Bossier to establish the Film and Entertainment Commission. He aims to bring more projects and attractions that will transform Shreveport-Bossier into a prime tourist spot and a hub for high-paying jobs.

Rodrigo Mondragon

Owner/Chef of Ki’ Mexico

Rodrigo Mondragon hails from Mexico City. His passion for cooking developed as he watched his mother in the kitchen. This love led him to team up with his family and open Ki’ Mexico in Shreveport, a restaurant celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine.

Rodrigo feels honored to be recognized as a community leader. He looks forward to celebrating his restaurant’s 10th anniversary in 2025 and expanding his business with two additional locations. He encourages others to trust their instincts and to embrace happiness in their journeys.

Kip Cummings

Founder/Board President of Surfari Pals

Kip Cummings grew up in Bell Gardens, California, where he learned valuable life lessons from his childhood neighbor about character and service to others.

For Kip, every opportunity comes with responsibility. He believes in leading by example, stating, “What we do speaks so clearly; people don’t need to hear what we say.” His mission is to empower others through opportunities, ensuring meaningful success for everyone involved.

In 2024, Kip and his wife, Jennifer, continued to teach character-building skills at North Highland Elementary using lessons from their nonprofit, Surfari Pals. They’ve seen positive changes in students, which gives them hope for the future.

In 2025, Kip is excited about launching his new venture, Surfari Salsa Shack. This business will serve fresh chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole, with proceeds supporting his nonprofit and creating jobs in the community.