WHAT NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU LIVE IN? / WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I currently live in the Touro neighborhood. I grew up in Covington, Louisiana and lived there until I graduated high school.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB TO US!
My job as the Director of Community Engagement is to listen to the concerns of residents, identify issues, communicate the issues to city departments, and work towards providing solutions.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH.
The true beginning of my involvement in the political process was during the 2016 presidential election. I, along with local activists and community leaders, helped organize both the Women’s March and the People’s Climate March in New Orleans. During the 2017 City Council Election, I was chosen to work on a campaign as the field director. That experience gave me an opportunity to start listening and learning about a lot of the issues that New Orleanians face on a daily basis. What began as activism sparked a passion for public service and ignited a drive to continue working in community engagement. In May of 2018, I started my new job as the Community Engagement Liaison and then the Director of Community Engagement for former Councilmember Jay H. Banks. In June of 2021, I was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Mayor LaToya Cantrell for unwavering dedication and leadership to the city of New Orleans. Currently, I am the Director of Community Engagement for Councilmember Lesli Harris, where I am thankful to continue my dedicated work in constituent services for the residents of New Orleans.
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
The aspect of my job that I love the most is knowing that my work truly helps people. An issue that may seem small to one person, might make a major difference to somebody else. There are many challenges right now in New Orleans today but working together we can make a difference and bring the change that we need. Being a part of that is an incredibly rewarding experience for me.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST IN YOUR ROLE?
The greatest challenge that I find in my role is navigating and working through the unprecedented number of crises that New Orleans has faced and continues to face today. Some of these include the Hard Rock Collapse, a cyberattack, hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a multitude of major issues and unique challenges for City Council staff.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS?
My favorite thing about New Orleans is the unique beauty and diversity that can be found on every street and neighborhood. Even though it has been said countless times, there truly is no place like New Orleans. Whether it be the feel of catching Mardi Gras beads, the sight of oak trees, the smell of jasmine, the sound of a second line, and the taste of crawfish, New Orleans is a city that stimulates all senses and welcomes in all people.