WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I grew up in Gentilly, and I live in Gentilly.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!
I am the Project Director of the Safety and Justice Challenge in the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination (OCJC). The Safety & Justice Challenge includes a set of strategies and initiatives that safely reduce the local jail population, including diversion programs pre-arrest, pre-trial (after arrest), mental health alternatives to reduce recidivism, and implementation of policies and procedures to address systemic inefficiencies.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.
I gained interest in the legal profession as a student worker at Loyola University Law School where I was surrounded by law professors who were heavily involved in community work after Hurricane Katrina. Observing the pro-bono aid that was provided influenced my decision to attend law school. I attended Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, WI where I was a student advisor coordinating with attorneys and law students to run the school's pro-bono legal clinic. I enjoyed working with the community to reduce burdens caused by the legal system. After graduation, I moved back to New Orleans where I was interested in working on police reform on a policy level. Fast forward, I am now working on policies that safely reduce the local jail population. I enjoy working on policies that have real world results.
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
I enjoy the people I work with, especially my boss Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. She creates a great work environment. She’s the type of boss that puts you in position to grow professionally. I also enjoy the real effect our work has on the community.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE?
It is challenging to bridge the gap from community advocate to government stakeholder. When attempting to meet the asks of the community, those in government positions may be bound by specific laws, budget constraints, or overall feasibility. Much forethought must go into the solutions/ideas proposed. These challenges are not something that I enjoy but the reward makes it worthwhile.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?
The festivals! I cannot wait to start attending festivals again.