Mary-Katherine Hooper
Mary-Katherine Hooper, PMP, is a dedicated civic leader whose career and community service reflect her deep commitment to expanding opportunity, equity, and access for women, students, and families. A proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned her degree in Economics, she has spent her career and volunteer leadership building pathways to opportunity across her community.
Mary-Katherine's heart for service found a home in the Junior League of Lafayette, LA. Over her years in the League, she has served on the Endowment Research and Development committee, the Membership Development and Engagement Committee, and the SMILES Committee. Through the League, she also serves on the Board of Directors for Miles Perret Cancer Services, where she supports restorative programming for families navigating cancer and strengthens community partnerships that advance the organization's mission.
Beyond the League, Mary-Katherine serves as Treasurer of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women, where she oversees public financial stewardship and serves as chairman for the Annual Women of Excellence Awards, an event uplifting transformative women across Acadiana. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) Advisory Board, helping shape statewide policy, expand higher education access, and support workforce development initiatives for thousands of residents.
Professionally, Mary-Katherine is the Corporate Director of Compliance for Unitech Training Academy, where she leads multi-state regulatory operations and builds institutional systems that protect student access and strengthen organizational accountability. She is known for spearheading a landmark multi-campus funding initiative that resulted in the highest number of funded students in the institution's history, expanding financial access for low-income and first-generation learners.
Mary-Katherine's passion for service extends deeply into the community. She is a proud graduate of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana's Leadership Lafayette Class 38, where she strengthened her relationships with local nonprofits and contributed to service efforts touching families throughout Acadiana. Her volunteer work includes supporting Catholic Charities, providing hands-on assistance for families through Miles Perret Cancer Services, and contributing to community events, women's initiatives, and youth-centered programs.
In 2025, she was named a Top 20 Under 40 recipient. Her volunteerism spans numerous organizations and reflects her belief in meeting community needs with compassion, presence, and action. Rooted in service and driven by purpose, Mary-Katherine is committed to building stronger, more equitable systems and creating pathways that allow women and young people to thrive.