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Asya Howlette is the Director of the Office of Youth and Families.  After graduating from Hampton University, Asya began her decade long journey as a math teacher in rural Louisiana and soon after earned a masters in education from Johns Hopkins University. With her continued love for educating students and her depth of knowledge about child development and academic expectations she took on the position of being the upper middle school principal and director of mathematics and science for a k-8 school here in New Orleans. Having context for teaching in schools, working directly with curricula, and leading teacher development within Orleans Parish and across the United States, Asya has been influenced to pursue her next phase of leadership. This has not only included running for public office, but now working to support the city of New Orleans in building and strengthening systems so that they can have the greatest impact and truly meet the needs of our young people and families.

Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin, LCSW-BACS is the Deputy Director of Programs for the Office of Youth and Families. Prior to joining the City of New Orleans, Anamaria worked for 10 years at the Broadmoor Improvement Association as the Wellness Director and Clinical Supervisor. In that role, Anamaria developed and supervised the mental health internship program, wellness services, a food pantry and professional development workshops. Anamaria has called New Orleans home for 24 years, she is the mother of two teenage boys and is happily married to a son of New Orleans since 1998. Additionally, she is a trained translator and interpreter for Spanish speaking families.  She looks forward to using her skills to enrich the lives of all youth and families across the city.

Andrés Acuña was born in El Paso, Texas, and has lived in a few different places around the country. He wants everyone to know that he began and completed high school in New Orleans, attending Holy Cross School in Gentilly. Upon graduating Holy Cross in 2017, Andrés attended Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Although he grew up in a family that featured both parents working in government, Andrés never imagined himself following in their footsteps so quickly after school. Andrés began his government-centered career as a Communications & Public Relations Intern at a small communications firm in Alexandria, VA, and then moved back to New Orleans to work as an Americorps VISTA in the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy. While working at OCE, Andrés was in charge of Policy-related work that effected the cultural aspects of the city, as well as performing communications-oriented tasks. Andrés wants to break ground at OYF, and is extremely excited to get going! For any policy-related suggestions that relate to Youth & Families in New Orleans.

Brittney Speed Waiters is our Operations Coordinator in The Office of Youth and Families. Born and raised in New Orleans, Brittney has developed a deep understanding of  the city's unique culture and the importance of providing exceptional service to diverse individuals and organizations.  She brings over 12 years of experience in various aspects  of contracts, customer service, administrative and clerical roles. She is eager and excited to be apart of the great work the Mayor's Office is doing with the Youth in the city.

Melissa Panks is the Strategic Initiatives Manager of the Office of Youth and Families. She brings with her over 13 years in the field of education as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In the classroom, she honed her skills in communication and problem-solving while also developing a deep understanding of diverse learner needs.

Using her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of data analysis, leadership skills, and addressing the needs of diverse learners, she left the classroom after 9 years to become an interventionist and then an English Language Learner coach within public schools. In those roles, trained and coached teachers as well as designed and implemented programs for students with varying backgrounds and learning needs.

Her unique skillset and expertise also led her to lead professional development at school, district, and state levels as well as spearhead school and community events. She has been involved in the planning and execution of multiple school improvement plans and district-wide initiatives. The drive to create a lasting impact and strengthen our community here in New Orleans has led her to her current role within the Office of Youth and Families. She is excited to bring her experience working with diverse students and families and her knowledge of the school system to the programs of the Office of Youth and Families.

Giulia Silver is a social work intern in the Office of Youth and Families. After graduating from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, she began to pursue a dual Master's of Social Work and Juris Doctorate at Tulane. She is on the executive board of the Public Interest Law Foundation and is the Senior Business Editor of Tulane's Journal of International and Comparative Law. She hopes to learn valuable skills and knowledge about local government in order to work in advocacy and policymaking in the field of social work and criminal justice.

Wilneicha Videau, a political science graduate with a deep passion of fostering a sustainable living for youth within marginalized neighborhoods.  Growing up in a single-parent household with four siblings and now navigating motherhood, I have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by families. This background has instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of investing in the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our youth. 

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, I leverage my expertise in politics and law to bridge the gap between youth and families and promote civic engagement. I believe that by empowering young individuals and their families, we can cultivate a brighter future for all. My passion lies in advocating for policies and programs that uplift communities and enhance opportunities for the next generation.