How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
I have lived in Gentilly most of my life
I grew up in Gentilly Woods
How did you get involved in your neighborhood?
I was President of St. Gabriel’s Youth Ministry as a teen. That really sparked my engagement in my community. It wasn’t until I got involved with Lincoln Beach that I began to understand how impactful we can be. I applied and was selected as a Gentilly resident for the Gentilly Resilience District Cohort with Arts New Orleans and we produced the Gentilly Art Parade to make residents aware of the plans and have them interact with possible art installations where water features will be developed to lessen stress on the water pumps.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I love that my neighbors look out for each other. I love the indigenous plant life I get to see every day. I love having access to different transportation routes. I love being close enough to the lake. There is rich history here
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
The Art Parade was successful. NOFLB Headquarters is in Gentilly
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
Currently, I am focused on the Community Vision for Lincoln Beach which heavily impacts New Orleans East and quite honestly, the entire city. In the weeks ahead we are hosting an info session that will explain how the development process works.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?
I encourage anyone interested in making a change or leading a project in your neighborhood to attend The Civic Leadership Academy. I really learned a lot about how the city administration operates, budgets, timelines and organizational structure. It was very helpful to engage with department heads and my classmates really supported each other. Focus on what is possible. Research and engage. You are never alone. Collaboration is key.