Jessica Hauerwas
Jessica is a nonprofit leader who loves bopping around Lafayette for the best burgers or bands in town. She is the Executive Director of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited where she runs the day-to-day nonprofit. She and her husband Chris have three littles at home (Jane, Clark, and Louise) where there is lots of giggling and always a cup of coffee brewing. Jessica is passionate about community-building and empowering working mothers. Jessica also volunteers for various organizations, is a member of the Lafayette Re-Entry Coalition, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, and a survivor of being a mother of three under 4.
Pack Up & Go: A Surprise Vacation Review
When I received my generous tax refund in March (thank you, IRS), I decided to put part of it toward a trip with my husband. We had not taken any time away together since...
Dear Lafayette Public Library, from a Concerned Mom
I love libraries. I think their role and purpose in our communities cannot be overstated. Access to information is a right and privilege that we never think twice about, and our local libraries are...
Education: Not my Top Priority
My daughter is only 2 and a half, but already I feel like I am having to plan her entire educational future.
Public school?
Private school?
Rigorous STEM program?
Arts-focused program?
It’s a lot. In fact, it’s too much.
Why...
Nothing is Wrong With Me, So I Go to Therapy
Okay, so this title may be misleading, but hear me out.
I have been in and out of counseling for most of my life. I thought it was to handle trauma, but it has become...
I Don’t Want My Pre-Baby Body Back
I can be really harsh when I talk about my body. A lot of negative emotions come flooding in when my Facebook memories show a girl who was in the best shape of her...
Five Lessons Learned from a Six Day Hospital Stay With My Newborn
Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Ochsner Lafayette General.
Five Lessons Learned from a Six Day Hospital Stay With My Newborn
The first month postpartum is spent with very small windows of sleep, adjusting to...
Sleep Away Camp for Your Kids: The Answer is Yes!
I wear the badge of “camp kid” loud and proud. I have not been a camp counselor for almost 10 years, but I sport my bumper sticker for my beloved camp year-round. Shoutout to...
Can We Stop Saying “Girl Boss?”
Women are amazing. I look to people like Mother Theresa, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala, and countless other women who have changed the world by their influence. I can’t necessarily relate to all of them,...
Stop with the Stuff :: Switching to Experience-based Gifts
The very first disclaimer I will make: I am thankful for the gifts my children have received. I know they are thoughtfully picked out with my children in mind. I am thankful for the...
My View of 2 under 2 in 2022
Did that title make you dizzy?
I was told all sorts of things when I found out I would have two kids under two. Some of them were true. Some of them couldn’t be further...