This past Friday, I had the privilege of being honored as part of Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 by the705. The gala was held in the UL Student Union Ballroom, sponsored by Advancial Credit Union. The evening was beautiful: elegant, lively, and full of people doing meaningful work in our community.

But more than a celebration, it was an invitation to pause, to reflect, and to remember why I do what I do.

It Has Always Been About Community

Being recognized as one of Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 is an honor that means so much more than an award. At its core, it’s about community: the community I show up for, and the community that shows up for me.

I became a lawyer to help people. Service has always been near and dear to my heart. I come from a big family that showed up for each other when it mattered most, and that foundation instilled in me a deep desire to do the same for the broader community.

Leadership wasn’t always something I identified with. Early in my career, I stayed in the shadows and kept completely in my lane. I did community work, but not with the visibility or intentionality I bring now.

That changed when I joined Leadership Lafayette’s Class XXXVIII, a hands-on journey through the layers of our community where leadership is most needed. It connected me with like-minded people who share a genuine passion for making Acadiana better. Class 38 is, without question, the best class ever. The lifelong bonds we formed were on full display Friday night, when most of our classmates showed up to celebrate me and the three fellow honorees from our class: Amber Bessard, Grace Farnell, and Mary Katherine Hooper.

I am grateful to continue leading through my board positions with the Confidence Campaign, a local nonprofit dedicated to girl empowerment, and Miracle of Innocence, a national program working to exonerate the wrongfully incarcerated. I also treasure my membership in the Acadiana Inn of Court, the705, Women of Wisdom of Acadiana, and the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce, organizations that sharpen, challenge, and inspire me. I recently joined the provisional class of the Junior League of Lafayette, and I look forward to deepening my commitment to service through that community as well.

Receiving the Top 20 honor isn’t just a reflection of my individual work. It’s a reflection of the organizations and people who serve tirelessly alongside me and who pour into me.  I’m part of a community of people doing extraordinary things, here in Acadiana and far beyond, and I don’t take that lightly.

Community, to me, is an extension of family. It’s the people whose lives are woven into yours through geography, work, faith, and shared purpose. Acadiana has always been home. Because my parents were born and raised here, I’ve always had a strong sense of responsibility to stay, to grow, and to contribute to making this place better.

And my community showed up for me Friday. My family, friends, and colleagues all came out to celebrate, fill my cup, and remind me that I am not alone in this work. I am so deeply grateful.

A Journey, Not Just a Title

This award has reminded me of how much I have grown as an attorney and as a woman.

I was a young, single mother early in my career. Out of necessity, my focus was entirely on my eldest child. I made sure she didn’t want for anything. With the help of my parents, I even homeschooled her for a few years. There was not much space for community visibility; survival came first.

But I’ve evolved. Although I am now a divorced mother of four girls, my perspective has shifted outward. I’ve grown into a more conscious community advocate: someone who asks not only what my children need, but what my community needs from me. My time is precious, and I want to use it to create the biggest impact I can.

This has never been about personal achievement. It’s always been about contribution.

Writing books about my most vulnerable experiences (surviving domestic abuse and navigating the legal profession as a deaf Black woman) was not easy, but it was intentional. I wrote those books to reach survivors who need to know that they’re not alone and that healing is possible after abuse and to challenge the legal profession to support survivors on our healing journey.

Service, storytelling, and advocacy are at the root of everything I do. I firmly believe we can change the world when we show up for those in need, share our stories, and advocate for ourself and others.

The Night Itself

It’s hard to put into words just how incredible the gala truly was.

I arrived while setup was still underway. Before the crowd filled the room, I paused and took it all in: the beautiful lights, the elegant decor, and the stillness. It was a humbling moment I will never forget.

The evening began with a private celebration for the honorees: a champagne toast to our accomplishments and our future endeavors. It was the perfect start. 

Once the gala was in full swing, the energy was electric. Honorees and guests dressed to the nines; soft jazz floating in the air; and photographers capturing every moment. The705 pulled out all the stops.

But the true highlight was being surrounded by the other honorees: twenty people doing extraordinary things in this community, all gathered in one room with a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves. We all knew this honor wasn’t just about us. We left inspired, and committed to staying connected and finding new ways to push toward a better Acadiana.

Gratitude

There are not enough ways to say thank you.

To the705, Advancial Credit Union, Grayson Stepanek, and everyone who made this happen: thank you.

To my clients who trust me to handle their most difficult moments: thank you.

To everyone who has picked up my book and taken the time to hear my story: thank you.

To my mentors, mentees, and peers who have poured into me along the way: thank you.

To my family and friends who show up, no questions asked: thank you.

Let’s keep making magic together.

What Comes Next

This honor has deepened my sense of responsibility, and it has fueled the call to service and leadership that already lives inside me.

Through Gallien Law and the Corrie Gallien Collective, I am building lasting connections, impact, and legacy. I am more committed than ever to what comes next for my clients, for survivors, for me, and for the next generation of leaders in this community.

To my fellow honorees: keep achieving greatness. I am honored to stand among you. Your stories inspire me beyond measure. This is only the beginning.