Editor's note: In partnership with The Acadiana Advocate, the705 is recognizing its annual Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honorees, presented by Advancial Federal Credit Union. Honorees will be recognized at a May 2 banquet. For tickets, visit bit.ly/20under40for2025.
Calvary Sampson is a teen and adult therapist and owner of Calvary De'Rosa Counseling and Consulting.
Tell me about your life growing up. Where are you from, and who were your biggest influences on your life?
I’m from New Orleans, and my journey has been shaped by both the beauty and challenges of my upbringing. Growing up, my biggest influence was my experience with Hurricane Katrina. Being displaced at such a young age and having to rebuild my life in Lafayette changed my perspective on resilience, community and mental health. It made me realize how deeply life transitions can impact a person, which ultimately led me to my career as a therapist. My family and faith also played a huge role in shaping me. They instilled in me the values of perseverance and compassion, and I strive every day to be the kind of support I needed when I was younger.
You and 19 others are being recognized for your professional accomplishments. What’s one thing you have learned as a professional that you wish you knew when you were younger?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that growth comes from discomfort. Early in my career, I often feared making mistakes or not having all the answers. Over time I realized that stepping outside my comfort zone — whether taking on new leadership roles, starting my own practice or advocating for mental health — has been where I’ve grown the most. I wish I had known sooner that it’s OK to not have everything figured out as long as you’re willing to learn and adapt. Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from trusting yourself and your ability to navigate challenges.
You started the Ready, Set, College! Support group and The College Transition Journal. What led you to start these projects? And why did you target college students?
I was a first-generation college student, and my transition to college was not easy. I faced uncertainty, anxiety and a lack of resources that could have helped me navigate that pivotal time. Personally and professionally, I understand how overwhelming this transition can be, and I wanted to create the kind of support system I wish I had. I developed The College Transition Journal to provide students with knowledge, resources and the tools to thrive academically and emotionally. This led to the creation of Ready, Set, College!, a support group designed to help incoming freshmen build confidence, develop essential skills and connect with a community that understands their journey. My goal is to ensure students feel equipped, supported and empowered as they step into this new chapter of their lives.
You’re established in the mental health field, and you noted that there still remains a stigma surrounding mental health. How can everyday people kind of chip away at that stigma over time for the next generation?
One of the most powerful ways to break the stigma around mental health is through everyday conversations. When we openly talk about our emotions, struggles and mental well-being, we create a culture in which seeking help is normalized. It starts with small shifts — checking in on a friend, validating someone’s feelings or even challenging outdated beliefs within our own families. Representation also matters. Seeing Black therapists, men in therapy or even public figures openly discussing mental health helps break down misconceptions. Education is key, too, by understanding that therapy isn’t just for crisis moments but a tool for growth and healing. If we continue to lead with compassion, vulnerability and open dialogue, we can make mental wellness a standard part of life for the next generation.
What keeps you here in Lafayette? How can Lafayette make itself more attractive to young professionals to want to move here?
It’s the culture. It’s a city that thrives on food, festivals and a strong sense of community. I love that for us. But when I think about what truly makes a place feel like home, it’s about connection. After moving back post-undergrad, my church family, professional organizations and Sorors helped me feel rooted again. That sense of belonging is what makes Lafayette special. To attract and retain young professionals, Lafayette needs to go beyond our amazing festivals and create more consistent opportunities for meaningful connection. We need intentional spaces like coworking hubs that encourage collaboration, silent book clubs for introverts looking to build community in their own way and recurring social or professional groups that foster long-term relationships. Shared interest communities — whether focused on wellness, entrepreneurship or the arts — help create a true support system.
