How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
I am a longtime broadmoor resident who grew up in this community. I attended Andrew H Wilson elementary school and regularly frequented Rosa F Keller Library as a child. I enjoy continuing to observe and serve this neighborhood.
How did you get involved in your neighborhood?
Growing up in Broadmoor, I enjoyed many happy memories of being involved in neighborhood events. My daughter started attending Kindermusik classes at the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. As she grew and enjoyed the program offerings at the center. I was excited to be more involved in the community and the center in particular. I got to know the amazing staff members working there at that time. I was invited to be a part of the Broadmoor Block Captain program where I assisted with community outreach and got to interact with fellow residents who also are passionate about this community.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
People are friendly and eager to volunteer in Broadmoor especially at our Broadmoor Food Pantry and community gardens. There are many amazing local businesses and business owners in Broadmoor. I love the neighborhood of Broadmoor because of its distinction as an improvement district. I think it is so special because it emphasises a holistic approach to addressing resident issues.
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
I transitioned to a full-time role this year and assumed more leadership responsibilities on behalf of the BIA. I have taken on an expanded role in community engagement and advocacy, focusing on my strengths of engaging with community members and advocating for better quality of life in Broadmoor. I was instrumental in communicating the BIA's response to Hurricane Ida to Broadmoor residents, as well as supporting the on-the-ground response at the Arts & Wellness Center immediately following the storm. My advocacy on behalf of Broadmoor residents who were impacted by Hurricane Ida was also a major accomplishment and support to our community members in need. Additionally, I spearheaded the research and planning for the tool lending library, setting the organization up for a successful launch in January 2022. The tool lending library is an invaluable resource to residents that provides them with free home improvement tools to combat blight in the neighborhood. With the launch of the tool lending library, I collaborated with Billie Golan to host the first ever Repair Cafe in Louisiana at our Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center starting in July of 2022. Repair Cafe is an opportunity to repair broken items together and get professional advice and inspiration about general home improvement projects from local people we refer to as Repair coaches. I look forward to hosting many more in the coming months and years in Broadmoor. More recently, Our staff worked together to host our 3rd annual TrickorTrEATMOOR Halloween event which was a major success!
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
I am excited to be partnering with Tulane University and Xavier University to host Saturday Day of Services in our Broadmoor Food Forest and Broadmoor Food Pantry Garden this month. I am engaging in conversation with partner agencies to improve and maintain our community, reduce blight and illegal dumping and all other quality of life issues. As well as coordinating with coworkers on fun community engagement events in the neighborhood. I am getting the word out about our amazing Tool Lending Library and the Broadmoor Boutique which is a low to no cost clothing closet for individuals in need and anyone who just loves fashion and shopping local! I am also gearing to start planning our SpringEATMOOR event and possibly a fun winter holiday neighborhood event.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?
Do not be embarrassed by your mistakes. Take them with stride and keep moving forward. Everyone is human and no one is perfect. It will be okay in the end.