What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?
Algiers. I grew up in Boothville — Venice, in lower Plaquemines Parish.
Describe your job to us!
I assist constituents and the executive office staff to the best of my abilities. It could be as simple as transferring a call, directing someone to the appropriate department or as complicated as reaching out to multiple agencies both inside and outside city government to help someone find housing, assistance with daily living needs, or mental health support.
Tell us about your career path.
I started out working as a first responder/EMT with EMS. I worked in EMS for 17 years until I was injured and no longer able to perform my job as an emergency medical technician. After 17 years as a frontline worker, I transitioned into working as the executive assistant and contracts manager at New Orleans EMS, where my previous Director (Dr. Emily Nichols), encouraged me to enrolled in office management and contract courses that the City of New Orleans offers at City Hall. In addition to the courses I completed, I watched countless YouTube videos to prepare myself for office work. One day, I just happened to be on the city website looking at the job postings and saw this job and I felt like it would be a good fit for me so, I applied and shockingly I was called for an interview then, even more shockingly I was called with the job offer, I accepted and NOW I'M HERE!!!!
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Being a part of an AMAZING TEAM This job is very rewarding to me because, I’m still doing what I enjoy doing most, I’m helping others.
What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?
Currently, I don’t have any challenges in my role.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
The diversity in the culture, I call it the gumbo culture and of course the food but, most of all the resilience of the people!!!