How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
I've lived in Algiers for eleven years.
How did you get involved in your neighborhood?
I was asked to join the Algiers Point Association in 2015. Over the next few years I served as the Vice President and President before stepping down to attend graduate school in 2020. I also serve as an At-Large Board Member for Old Algiers Main Street. I began working professionally as the Executive Director for the Algiers Economic Development Foundation in April 2020. I love being able to work full-time on issues that are important to Algiers!
What do you love about your neighborhood?
Algiers is such a tight-knit community. We know each other; we know our neighbors, the local business owners, and the familiar faces we see on the levee or at the store. I love living in a place where communities support each other, whether that's filling sandbags before a storm or coming together for a hot plate fundraiser. Because we're across the river, Algiers folks have an extra way of taking care of each other, even in a city like New Orleans.
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
This year, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation launched the Algiers Clean Sweep program with Councilmember Kristin Gisleson-Palmer. Twice a year in the spring and fall we host an Algiers-wide clean up that brings together folks from all of Algiers to clean litter from the side of the road, drop off large debris, and recycle glass and used tires. In our first year we recycled almost 1,000 used tires that were dumped on our streets.
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
The Algiers Economic Development Foundation piloted our first-ever workforce development program in partnership with then State Representative Gary Carter, Jr. We welcomed juniors and seniors who live or attend high school in Algiers to sharpen their professional skills through resume writing, job interview training, and one on one virtual or in person job shadows with professionals in the community. It's been amazing to see Algiers come together to volunteer time to serve as resume reviewers, mock interviews and job shadows. We're really proud of our neighbors and the small business community for welcoming these students at a time when life has been extra challenging for everyone.
Just as important has been the work we're doing to support our small businesses as we readjust to life following the pandemic. Our goal is to meet with at least one new business owner in Algiers every week so that we can get to know people's challenges and help find solutions.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?
Listen. Your neighbors care about your community just as much as you do, but they might not show up in the same way you do. As a leader, make room for your people to plug in where they fit. For some folks, that's a neighborhood clean up day, for others it might be following zoning changes or advocating for safe, affordable housing. We all have different skills and we can all be public servants.