Nonprofit

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JEANETTE WEILAND

Senior Vice President

New Orleans Business Alliance

Weiland facilitates collaboration with local institutions and companies, attracting new businesses and investment to the city and assisting existing businesses and startups with retention and expansion efforts. “I love having the ability to make an equitable impact on wealth generation for the New Orleanians who make our city unique and flavorful,” she said.

Education: University of New Orleans (MA, MBA), Louisiana State University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins Hidden Gem: Home Malone Hobby/Passion: Gardening and the environment Heroes: “People willing to take risks” Nonprofit Cause: KID smART Advice: “Be curious. Very curious.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LYNNETTE WHITE-COLIN

Senior Vice President, Small Business Growth

New Orleans Business Alliance

At the helm of the small business growth section, White-Colin spearheads initiatives designed to help the local small business ecosystem flourish, such as “InvestNOLA” a business growth accelerator concept she developed. “I love the impact I make for business owners to scale their ventures, create wealth for themselves and jobs for other New Orleanians,” she said.

Education: University of New Orleans (BA) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: Rooftop bar at the Troubador Hotel Hobby/Passion: Cooking and travelling Heroes: “Stacy Abrams for the work she’s accomplished in voting rights, and Brian Stevenson for his work on behalf of wrongly incarcerated individuals.”

NONPROFIT

SUSAN BONNETT BOURGEOIS

President and CEO

Northshore Community Foundation

Bonnett Bourgeois has been at the helm of the NCF since its founding in 2007. During her tenure, and led by her vision, the foundation has grown from just a “good idea” to a formidable force for the greater good, having moved over $64 million in philanthropic fuel through the Northshore region. Bonnett Bourgeois also served in Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster’s administration.

Education: Louisiana State University (BA) Hidden Gem: Seiler Bar in Downtown Covington Best Fest: Wooden Boat Festival in Madisonville Hobby/Passion: “Being on, near or in view of the water” Go-to Restaurant: The Pelican Club Nonprofit Cause: “Us! As the region continues to grow, so does our Community Foundation.”

NONPROFIT

CHRISTINE THOMPSON BRIEDE

Executive Director

Jefferson Community Foundation

Launched after Katrina, the JCF turned things up a notch when it hired Briede as its first paid director in 2020. The former owner of a restaurant supply company now works to improve education, health, transit, neighborhoods and senior programs in the parish. Her current priorities include pre-K for all and redeveloping the former Hope Haven campus in Marrero.

Education: University of Alabama (BA) On the Horizon: “Establishing a high school leadership program in Jefferson Parish” Hobby/Passion: Music Advice: “Invest in relationships.” Go-to Restaurant: La Crêpe Nanou Hidden Gem: Fausto’s Nonprofit Cause: Hogs for the Cause

NONPROFIT

CHARMAINE CACCIOPPI

EVP and COO

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

In addition to her work in the nonprofit world, Caccioppi is a “force within the halls of the Capitol in Baton Rouge,” as one of her colleagues put it. Among other recent wins, she led collaborative efforts to repeal the state’s pink tax — a multiyear battle — and secured the dedication of 25% of sports betting revenues to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund.

On the Horizon: “We’re excited to award the first round of NOLA Youth Master Plan Grants from the NOLA Coalition.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: “Not quite ‘hidden,’ but my favorite new restaurant is Chemin à la Mer. It brings me back to my Cajun roots.” Nonprofit Cause: United Way!

NONPROFIT

FLOZELL DANIELS JR

CEO

Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

This New Orleans native is a public policy and community engagement strategist with expertise in “deep equity models that support community development, resilience building, legislative strategy and leadership development.” He’s guided investments worth tens of millions and is the current chairman of the N.O. Regional Transit Authority.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), University of New Orleans (BA) On the Horizon: “New and vibrant leadership at Foundation for Louisiana, under the helm of Charmel Gaulden” Go-to Restaurant: High Hat on Freret Street Advice: “In your life and work, actively seek joy and justice. Everything else works itself out.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

NONPROFIT

SHELINA DAVIS

CEO

Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI)

A public health social worker by training, Davis considers herself a community connector and health equity ambassador. At LPHI, she guides the organization’s mission to “ensure health and racial equity for all Louisianans.” Extremely active in civic affairs, she currently serves on Gov. John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.

Education: Tulane University (MPH, MSW), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) On the Horizon: “We just launched a strategic plan with a focus on racial justice, health equity, community partnerships and a thriving organization.” Hidden Talent: “I competed in a bodybuilding competition a few years ago!”

NONPROFIT

LAURIE DeCUIR

Senior Vice President and CFO

Baptist Community Ministries

Baptist Community Ministries celebrated 25 years of service to the Greater New Orleans region in 2020. DeCuir joined BCM in 1995 as an accountant and rose to her current leadership position in 2010. Over the past two decades, she’s overseen numerous audits, both internal and external, and has managed the organization’s accounting department.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Best Part of the Job: “Trying to help others achieve their potential” Advice: “Do what is right, even if it isn’t what is easy.” Go-to Restaurant: Oak Oven Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Nonprofit Cause: St. Jude’s

NONPROFIT

GERALD DUHON

Executive Director

Café Reconcile

Since 2016, Duhon has led operations of this nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of youth from at-risk communities through workforce training and personal development. Duhon also dedicates time and service to local organizations and has served on boards for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Young Leadership Council.

On the Horizon: “Enriching our post-program experience for our staff.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hobby/Passion: “Watching my son coach college baseball at Queens University” Go-to Restaurant: Saffron Advice: “The decision you make is the right decision because you made it.”

NONPROFIT

KLASSI DUNCAN

Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Urban League of Louisiana

Since 1938, ULLA has served the region by assisting underserved communities in securing economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. As vice president of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Duncan helps provide access to small business education, counseling services, and resources for women and minority entrepreneurs across the state of Louisiana.

Nonprofit Cause: Saul’s Light Foundation Advice: “You can impact communities when you set excellence as a goal in everything that you do. Remember, others are watching.” Go-to Restaurant: Li’l Dizzy’s On the Horizon: “The Urban League of Louisiana will celebrate 85 years of service in 2023.” Hobby/Passion: “I love to dance!”

NONPROFIT

DANA ENESS

Executive Director Urban Conservancy

Since 2006, Eness has been at the helm of this nonprofit dedicated to “strengthening the urban environment and local economy through equitable practices, policies and programs.” She started as a founding board member of StayLocal!, UC’s initiative to create a strong network of local independent businesses. She has 25 years of New Orleans nonprofit experience.

Education: Tulane University (MA), Cornell College (BA) Hidden Gem: Carrollton Station Advice: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Go-to Restaurant: Parkway Bakery Best Fest: Oak Street Po-Boy Festival Hobby/Passion: Tennis

NONPROFIT

RASHIDA FERDINAND

Founder and CEO

Sankofa Community Development Corporation

Ferdinand leads community-driven planning and infrastructure development projects to improve the built environment of the Lower Ninth Ward and other underresourced neighborhoods. “I love the people I work with in my community and the ability to transform and restore spaces to bring services that all people deserve to have,” she said.

Education: Syracuse University (MFA), Howard University (BFA) Go-to Restaurant: Houston’s Hidden Gem: Sprouts Organic Cafe Passion: “Teaching pottery to share my craft and inspire people to believe in their creative and artistic selves” Who Do You Admire? Viola Davis

NONPROFIT

LAMAR GARDERE

Executive Director

The Data Center

Gardere spent six years developing sustainable and stable IT strategies for the City of New Orleans and implemented the region’s first open data policy. Now, he leads ongoing efforts to democratize data in order to “influence sound and equitable decision making.” Gardere is vice president of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center’s board of directors and vice chair of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship NOLA.

Education: Georgia Institute of Technology (MS), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Highlight of Leadership: “The freedom to innovate and the opportunity to be a voice for the benefit of my city” Dream Career: “Researching quantum physics” Advice: “Simply do your best at whatever you’re doing, and the rest will follow.”

NONPROFIT

KELISHA GARRETT

VP for Operations and Governmental Relations

Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Garrett is on a mission to “improve business development, performance and efficiency” through the work at Gen-X Consulting Group, her boutique firm. She is also a licensed Realtor, sits on the board of directors for the UNO Research and Technology Foundation and is a former executive director of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce.

Education: University of Phoenix (MBA) Go-to Restaurant: Half Shell Bayou Road Advice: “Visualize things in completeness.” Best Fest: Fried Chicken Festival Hidden Gem: Whiskey & Sticks On the Horizon: “The design and construction of multiple business innovation centers across Louisiana”

NONPROFIT

CHARMEL GAULDEN

CEO and President

Foundation for Louisiana

Gaulden is a lawyer and philanthropic executive with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration, program design and strategic advocacy. Previously, she helped lead Baptist Community Ministries and the Greater New Orleans Funders Network’s criminal justice action table. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Louisiana.

Education: University of Georgia (JD), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: Park Island Brew Hobby/Passion: Reading Best Part of the Job: “I get to connect people and organizations that are passionate about making Louisiana a just place.”

NONPROFIT

RITA GUE

President

Meraux Foundation

Gue runs a foundation established by her aunt, Arlene Meraux, to “improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish by growing its economy, nurturing the arts, enriching educational opportunities, empowering young people, protecting and restoring the environment and building resiliency.” The foundation has donated land for a hospital, a sheriff’s station and other uses.

Best Fests: AgMagic on the River, Cook-off for the Coast, and the Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival On the Horizon: “Each year we are delivering measurable, meaningful results to protect and restore our coast.” Nonprofit Causes: WYES, CASA, Community Center of St. Bernard, Family Violence Program of St. Bernard and St. Bernard Parish Public Schools.

NONPROFIT

BECKER HALL

Co-Founder and CEO

Hogs for the Cause

After working in corporate finance, Hall co-founded Hogs for the Cause in 2008 with Rene Louapre. The event has grown to attract nearly 100 barbecue teams and over 30,000 patrons as it raises millions to support families fighting pediatric brain cancer. Hall is also a co-founder of H&L et Filles Winery, maker of Boucaner wine. He’s a principal at WBH Consulting.

Education: University of South Carolina (BA), University of New Orleans (MBA) Go-to Restaurant: Clancy’s Hidden Gem: Cosimo’s Bar Hobby/Passion: “Collecting records and chasing the perfect martini (gin, of course)” Hero: Warren Zevon Best Part of Job: “The people I get to call friends”

NONPROFIT

JESSIE HAYNES

Managing Director The Helis Foundation

In her current leadership role, Haynes marries her background in art history with her training as an attorney and her experience as a nonprofit staffer and board member. She’s responsible for the day-to-day operations of this private family foundation, which primarily provides funding to organizations to help sustain operations, provide free admission and acquire works of art.

Education: Loyola University (JD), Tulane University (BA) Did You Know? Louisiana residents can enjoy free admission to the New Orleans Museum of Art on Wednesdays and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursdays. Boards and Associations: Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Arts Council New Orleans BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

NONPROFIT

MARJORIE HEBERT

President and CEO

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

Hebert leads one of the Gulf South’s largest health and human service organizations. Serving some 60,000 people annually, Catholic Charities is an umbrella agency of 23 programs with almost 500 employees and more than 2,000 volunteers who provide health and human services to vulnerable and needy men, women and children of all races, faiths and cultures.

Education: University of Holy Cross (DRHC), Our Lady of the Lake University (MEd) Highlight of Leadership: “I like being in charge so that I can get things done!” Advice: “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not sustain or protect you.” Who’d Play You in a Movie? June Allyson or Doris Day Go-to Restaurant: Ye Olde College Inn

NONPROFIT

SUSAN HESS

Past President

National Council of Jewish Women

Since moving to New Orleans in the 1980s from New York City, Hess says she “hasn’t been able to stop” volunteering her time and talents to a dizzying array of local organizations, covering everything from the National Urban League to the Girl Scouts. At the NCJW, which claims the title of the nation’s oldest women’s service organization, she’s served in a variety of leadership capacities.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA, BA) Nonprofit Causes: City Park and the SPCA Advice: “If you don’t stretch, you will never know where the edges are.” Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s Hidden Gem: The Hot Tin Bar on the roof of the Pontchartrain Hotel Best Fest: Jazz Fest

NONPROFIT

INMAN HOUSTON

CEO

Baptist Community Ministries

In 2022, after serving as senior pastor of an Atlanta-area church for 14 years, Houston took the top job at a 27-year-old philanthropic organization dedicated to improving physical, mental and spiritual health in greater New Orleans. “I love the investment BCM makes in lives,” he said. “Watching people use their God-given talents in service to others is a tremendous blessing.”

Education: New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, MTh), Georgia Institute of Technology (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Jacques-Imo’s Best Fest: “Every Saints home game” Hidden Gem: The Clock and Watch Shop Hero: “I have great admiration for many historical figures, but the person I admire most is my wife.”

NONPROFIT

BILL HYLAND

Parish Historian

Los Isleños Museum Complex

Hyland is a St. Bernard Parish historian who has authored publications on the Isleños, Creole, African, Irish, Italian, Filipino Asian, German and American influences on southeast Louisiana. Since 1997, he has served as site manager/director of the Los Isleños Museum Complex on Bayou Road, and he’s a major source for news outlets and educators on New Orleans history and culture.

Best Fest: Los Isleños Fiesta (celebrating the cultural heritage of Spain’s Canary Islands) Hidden Gem: “Crescent City Steakhouse — the dining room looks as it did decades ago” On the Horizon: “Canarian Spanish curriculums for use in St. Bernard schools. The dialect largely influenced spoken Spanish in the Americas. It’s vital to St. Bernard’s cultural identity.”

NONPROFIT

NATALIE JAYROE

President and CEO

Second Harvest Food Bank

Jayroe joined Second Harvest in 2006 to lead the fight against hunger and build food security by providing food access, advocacy, education and disaster response. In 2022, the nonprofit marked its 40th anniversary by unveiling a $15 million overhaul of its headquarters. The improvements include a new roof, additional a/c, new bathrooms, a new kitchen and a multipurpose meeting room.

Education: Loyola University (MBA), University of Reading (BA) Highlight of Leadership: “Doing all I can for the people in south Louisiana, including my team” On the Horizon: “Establishing branch warehouses in Houma and Lake Charles” Advice: “It’s not always about you. Walk in the other person’s shoes before making decisions.”

NONPROFIT

LAUREN JOHNSON

Executive Director

St. Charles CARE Center

Since 2017, Johnson has worked to build the CARE Center’s capacity to serve as the community’s single point of entry for families in need of support. She has worked in the nonprofit and education sectors for over a decade with a focus on youth development, school-based services and juvenile justice. “I love being able to make an impact in the community where I grew up,” she said.

Education: University of Chicago (MA), Seton Hall University (BS) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: NOLA Craft Culture On the Horizon: “We’re focusing our next phase of expansion on moving ‘upstream’ — working to identify young people in need of support before they come into contact with the justice system.”

NONPROFIT

ADRINDA KELLY

Executive Director

BE NOLA (Black Education for New Orleans)

Kelly is committed to “transforming structural relationships of inequity affecting marginalized populations.” In her current role, she supports Black educators and Black-led schools in New Orleans through community engagement and fundraising, while her past achievements include bringing the first college guide for LGBTQ+ students to publication.

Education: New York University (MA), Harvard University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: “Dooky Chase’s never, ever disappoints.” Hidden Gem: “Right now I’m really loving Thaihey NOLA.” Advice: “People have to earn the right to hear your story.”

NONPROFIT

ANDY KOPPLIN

President and CEO

Greater New Orleans Foundation

Before taking the helm of a philanthropic foundation that directs millions of dollars in donations to community initiatives every year, Kopplin served as first deputy mayor and chief administrative officer for Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Kopplin also was founding executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, where he built bipartisan coalitions after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Education: Harvard Kennedy School (MPP) On the Horizon: “We celebrate 100 years in 2023 and are working to grow our philanthropic resources to over $500 million by then.” Hidden Talent: “I still remember a decent amount of Swahili from living in Tanzania 30 years ago.” Snoball Style: “Chocolate and coconut cream from Hansen’s — like a Mounds bar, but way better!”

NONPROFIT

TORIE KRANZE

CEO

National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana

This 29-year nonprofit veteran began her career at the NO/AIDS Task Force, where she quickly rose in the ranks. She started at the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana in 1996 and became CEO in 2004. She has served on the boards of Save Our Cemeteries, Community Health Charities of Louisiana & Mississippi, the New Orleans Photo Alliance and the Fore!Kids Foundation.

Education: Spring Hill College (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Galatoire’s Hidden Gem: “If I tell you, it won’t remain hidden ... okay, Blue Ruin Speakeasy.” Advice: “Nurture talent; it will come back to you and others tenfold.” Hero: “Amelia Earhart! An aviation pioneer, author and all-around fierce female.”

NONPROFIT

BIVIAN “SONNY” LEE III

Founder and CEO

Son of a Saint

Lee transformed his grief following the loss of his father, a former New Orleans Saints player, into an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of boys ages 1012 who are left fatherless by death and incarceration. Lee previously worked as the director of operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs and director of the New Orleans Jazz Institute.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA, BBA) Go-to Restaurant: Blue Giant Hidden Gem: Rosedale Advice: “When you walk in the room, nobody knows who you are. You can seize that.” On the Horizon: “We’re continuing to thrive in our newly re-envisioned building and pursue new levels of sustained growth.”

NONPROFIT

CALVIN MACKIE

Founder and President

STEM NOLA

In 2013, Mackie’s passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education drove him to found this organization, which designs and delivers activities, programs and events to K-12 students. Since its inception, STEM NOLA has engaged more than 70,000 mostly underserved and underrepresented students in hands-on educational projects.

Education: Georgia Tech (PhD, MS), Morehouse College (BS) Hidden Gem: The Page Hobby/Passion: Fishing On the Horizon: “Building a 40,000 -square-foot STEM Innovation Center in New Orleans East” Advice: “Keep pushin’!” Go-to Restaurant: GW Fins

NONPROFIT

JUDY REESE MORSE

President and CEO

Urban League of Louisiana

In 2018, Morse became the third woman to lead this 80-year-old social justice organization. She oversees programming, policy and advocacy initiatives that promote economic self-reliance, civil rights and racial equity. Morse previously served as a deputy mayor in the Landrieu administration and was chief of staff and communications director for the lieutenant governor’s office.

Education: American University (MPA), Loyola University New Orleans (BA) Advice: “Be bold! Be true to your vision!” Hobby/Passion: “I love watching documentaries.” On the Horizon: “In 2023, the Urban League of Louisiana will celebrate 85 years of service to the African American community.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

NONPROFIT

REBECCA MOWBRAY

President and CEO

Bureau of Governmental Research

Mowbray comes to BGR with a breadth of experience in the public policy field. A journalist for 18 years, she has focused on governmental reform, accountability and transparency. She assumed her new leadership role in January 2022, and plans to bring her commitment to the job. “I love finding solutions that can move our metro area forward,” she said.

Education: Northwestern University (MS), Tufts University (MA), Skidmore College (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Costera Best Fest: Jazz Fest Advice: “Challenge yourself to keep learning and growing.” Hobby/Passion: “I love cycling, swimming and kayaking!”

NONPROFIT

LINDSEY NAVARRO

Founder and Executive Director

El Centro

Navarro has spent her career helping Latino entrepreneurs across the South. In 2018, she founded El Centro, which provides financial literacy and business training to the Latino community in south Louisiana. Since its inception, the nonprofit organization has served nearly 2,000 Spanish-speaking people through workshops and individual consultations.

Education: Loyola University of New Orleans (MBA), St. Peter’s University (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Pho Noi Viet Advice: “Love what you do, make some money, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Hobby/Passion: Glittering umbrellas for Themis On the Horizon: “We are piloting industry-focused accelerator programs in Spanish.”

NONPROFIT

TERRI NORTH

President and CEO

Providence Community Housing

North guides the strategic direction of a nonprofit organization she co-founded. The real estate developer provides homes for more than 2,100 people within 11 rental communities. With properties dedicated to seniors, individuals and families — as well as artists and cultural ambassadors — the company has helped 600 families achieve homeownership.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) Highlight of Leadership: “My favorite part about being a leader is the constant challenge to learn and grow.” Dream Career: “I would be a pop singer!” Fave Book: “Falling Upward” by Richard Rohr On the Horizon: “Finding the best and most efficient way to build single-family homes”

NONPROFIT

MARGUERITE OESTREICHER

Executive Director

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity

After losing her home and being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, Oestreicher worked in public radio in North Carolina before returning back home in 2014 to take a position at Habitat for Humanity, which only seems fitting. “I love that my work is challenging and meaningful,” she said. “I have the privilege of leading a nonprofit that is making a very real difference in our community.”

Education: University of Mississippi (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Patois Hidden Gem: Cane & Table On the Horizon: “We’re thrilled to be starting construction of our largest project ever! Rising Oaks will be a walkable, planned community of 154 homes, located on the West Bank in Jefferson Parish.”

NONPROFIT

JOY OKORO

Senior VP, Field Executive

Teach for America

Okoro worked in hospitality and education before turning her attention to nonprofit leadership. She guides one of the five original Teach For America charter regions, where she works “shoulder to shoulder with students, educators, community members and local leaders.” Since TFA began, more than 3,000 corps members have served across the state.

Education: Temple University (BS) Best Fest: Louisiana Crawfish Festival Hidden Gem: “Olympia Food Store has the best shrimp poboy in town. It reminds me of Queens, the NYC borough where I grew up.” Who Do You Admire? “My mom. She is a hardworking woman but, more importantly, she is hilarious.”

NONPROFIT

PERRY SHOLES

Founder and Chairman

Corporate Internship Leadership Institute

Sholes classifies himself as a “talent optimization and human resources entrepreneur,” but most importantly, a “native of New Orleans.” His company fosters young business leaders and connects them with companies to gain the experience they need to lead the next generation. He said the work keeps him inspired. “Connecting with the younger generation is invigorating,” he said.

Education: University of South Florida (MBA), Tampa College (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Pee Wee’s Crabcakes Hidden Gem: Baldwin Books Heroes: “My mother and my daughter. Both are excellent parents!” Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Nonprofit Cause: The Roots of Music

NONPROFIT

SYRITA STEIB

Founder and Executive Director

Operation Restoration

Steib transformed her experiences within the prison system into an organization that helps incarcerated women and girls rebuild their lives upon release. She also advocated for “Ban the Box” legislation, which prohibits public postsecondary education institutions from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history. Steib serves on several nonprofit and civic boards.

Education: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (BS) On the Horizon: “We’re growing and impacting lives. We’re changing the narrative around women’s incarceration.” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Heroes: “I admire my team because they come to work every day and get it done with no glory.”

NONPROFIT

CAMILLE SUMNER

Executive Director

Young Leadership Council

With both French and American citizenship, Sumner has spent her career building bridges between communities and leading social and intercultural projects all over the world. And that’s exactly what she does in her current leadership role. “I meet amazing and passionate people all the time willing to make a positive change in the city and get to create projects and bridges,” she said.

Education: Lyon II Lumiere and Tulane University (MS) Go-to Restaurant: Cafe Recouncile Hobby/Passion: Second lining and trumpet playing On the Horizon: “We are launching this fall a free training program open to every BIPOC and female young professional who wants to access civic commissions, charter school or nonprofit boards.”

NONPROFIT

VORIS ROBERTS VIGEE

President and CEO

Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana

Vigee has three decades of nonprofit experience and has been integral in developing and managing innovative programs. Her background includes experience in business management, affordable housing and behavioral health services. She manages more than 20 programs, including intellectual and developmental disability services, veteran services, adoption and maternity services.

Education: University of Notre Dame (MBA, MPA), Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) On the Horizon: “Development of a residential facility that supports women who are experiencing challenges because of substance use” Best Fest: Jazz Fest Go-to Restaurant: Dooky Chase’s Best Fest: Strawberry Fest

NONPROFIT

TODD WACKERMAN

Director and Co-Founder

STEM Library Lab

A former physics and STEM teacher himself, Wackerman founded his equipment-share and resource center for pre-K-12 teachers in New Orleans, connecting local schools with resources from across the region to fill a need that he saw. It’s all part of his mission to “empower classrooms with the amazing resources already provided by our community,” he said.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), University of New Orleans (MAT), Boston College (BA) Go-to Restaurant: Stein’s Hidden Gem: “All the little lunch restaurants in Fat City” Hobby: “I’m taking an oak tree that came down during Zeta and turning it into a bookshelf and coffee table.”

NONPROFIT

LARRY WASHINGTON

President

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans

This Houston native never thought he’d leave his hometown, but his passion for inspiring young people drew him to the Big Easy. “I love that my job lets me influence and create real, lasting impact on how young people view themselves, their limitless potential and how they can be real change makers in their local and global communities,” he said.

Education: University of Houston (BA) Best Fest: “It’s a toss-up between Fried Chicken Festival and French Quarter Fest!” Hidden Gem: Hobknobber’s Advice: “Always trust your gut! Even if you’re wrong, the outcome is always easier to stomach. (See what I did there?)” Hero: James Baldwin

NONPROFIT

RHEA WILLIAMS- BISHOP

Director of Mississippi and New Orleans Programs

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Williams-Bishop is the regional director for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, an independent, private foundation created in 1930 by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg. It’s among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. “I love working with our dynamic team to work with the community, families and children we serve with their best interest in mind.”

Education: Jackson State University (PhD, MPPA) Best Fest: Essence Fest Hidden Gem: Morrow’s, Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar, the French Market Advice: “Do right by people. Do what you love. Do more. Do good. Do you.” Hobby/Passion: “I am a foodie, which is why I love New Orleans. I love people and unique places.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Accounting Advertising/Public Relations Insurance Law Professional Services

Troy Henry, managing partner at Henry Consulting, is an investor in Equity Media and one of the Bayou Phoenix partners working to redevelop the former Six Flags site. PG 118