meet our entrepreneurs.
Propeller alumni
2025 Impact Accelerator: Startup Track
Rooted Power Collective helps businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions achieve energy independence through comprehensive planning and economic analysis of renewable technologies like solar, batteries, microgrids, and wind. We engage local community members through educational workshops, facilitate their participation in renewable energy project planning, and develop workforce training programs. Our work focuses on reducing energy costs, building climate resilience, and creating lasting economic and community benefits through collaborative, locally-driven approaches.
Alexis Myers Bio
Alexis is a co-founder of Rooted Power Collective with a PhD in Chemistry and over 10 years of experience in renewable energy. She is passionate about finding renewable energy solutions to the negative effects of climate change. Growing up in a small town on the coast of South Carolina, she saw firsthand the impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes on aging grid infrastructure. She brings expertise spanning solar, battery, grid integration and energy policy, with a particular talent for translating complex energy concepts into practical solutions. Alexis is committed to ensuring that climate solutions reflect the diverse communities they serve. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations prepare for power disruptions while building stronger communities through education and workforce development.
TruCulture is a Black Afro-Indigenous community marketplace and farm based in New Orleans, LA and Hattiesburg, MS. Our mission is to dismantle capitalist racism and its impact on food, health, and economic systems in Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Indigenous communities. We address low access to fresh, chemical-free foods, loss of ancestral healing and agrarian practices, and systemic attacks on cooperative Black economies. By re-educating communities and providing culturally significant food, medicine, and crafts, TruCulture empowers people to reclaim holistic health, ancestral knowledge, and economic sovereignty.
Bailey Hutchinson Bio
Bailey Hutchison is a multifaceted horticulturist, herbalist, and artist born in the historic 7th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor's in Natural Resource and Ecology Management from Louisiana State University with a focus on conservation biology. She continued independent studies supported by One Family Farm in Trinidad and Tobago and has deep roots in the Caribbean islands and the deep south. In Trinidad, she spent the majority of her time in La Lune village studying growing practices and herbal remedies from village leader Noriga Granger, his daughter Giselle Granger, and other respected herbalists and cultivators. She is a fourth-generation grower and herbalist that specializes in Afro-Indigenous ethnobotany, the study of the traditions and customs concerning plants and their medical, religious, and spiritual uses. She works closely with local and international black and indigenous communities to find creative ways to help regain food sovereignty and normalize the practice of herbalism. As the founder of TruCulture Community Farm and Market, she continues to share Black agrarian life skills, traditional chemical-free foods, and the dying art of herbal healing with her community.Bailey Hutchison is a multifaceted horticulturist, herbalist, and artist born in the historic 7th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor's in Natural Resource and Ecology Management from Louisiana State University with a focus on conservation biology. She continued independent studies supported by One Family Farm in Trinidad and Tobago and has deep roots in the Caribbean islands and the deep south. In Trinidad, she spent the majority of her time in La Lune village studying growing practices and herbal remedies from village leader Noriga Granger, his daughter Giselle Granger, and other respected herbalists and cultivators. She is a fourth-generation grower and herbalist that specializes in Afro-Indigenous ethnobotany, the study of the traditions and customs concerning plants and their medical, religious, and spiritual uses. She works closely with local and international black and indigenous communities to find creative ways to help regain food sovereignty and normalize the practice of herbalism. As the founder of TruCulture Community Farm and Market, she continues to share Black agrarian life skills, traditional chemical-free foods, and the dying art of herbal healing with her community.
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black, an author, speaker, and transformational leader dedicated to helping individuals and organizations transform, elevate, and thrive. As a sought-after speaker and emcee, Dr. Danyel Nicole brings energy, authenticity, and inspiration to every stage. She designs and delivers powerful keynotes, leadership trainings and professional development workshops for schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams, blending strategy with soul to foster growth, confidence, and impact.
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black Bio
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black is the author of The Queen’s Order: The Ultimate Blueprint for Rebuilding After Heartbreak, a groundbreaking book that guides women through healing, transformation, and elevation. The book is complemented by The Queen’s Order Sanctuary, an interactive course that deepens the journey with practical tools, community, and embodied practices. In addition, Dr. Danyel Nicole is the creator of the Aware Black Woman Movement and host of the Aware Black Woman Podcast, platforms dedicated to dismantling harmful stereotypes, redefining identity, and empowering women to embrace awareness, softness, and authenticity. Through her work, Dr. Danyel Nicole LLC champions a vision of personal empowerment, cultural healing, and leadership that uplifts individuals and communities alike
Nola Botanical Teas allow you to maintain the medicinal benefits of tea without the unwanted toxins. After struggling with bloating and lack of energy, founder Portia Miniex researched the benefits of tea and discovered that ginger root tea is known to help aid bloating and increase energy. However, the way that it's sold in stores affects its medical properties. It was out of this very research that Nola Botanical Tea was created. Nola Botanical Tea offers quali-tea loose/bottled teas as well as unbleached tea filters and wooden spoons. Their teas include bottled/loose Hibiscus tea in addition to Elderberry, Chamomile, and Ginger Root tea. Each tea serves a unique purpose in helping you with different needs, and their unbleached tea filters/wooden spoons allow you to maintain the medicinal benefits of the tea without the unwanted toxins. If unsweetened tea is not your cup of tea, then NBT also offers organic blue agave sweetener!
Canal Place Barber and Nail Salon is a full-service grooming destination located in the heart of downtown New Orleans , offering a relaxing and upscale environment for both men and women. We specialize in modern barbering, precision haircuts, and premium nail care services designed to elevate your personal style and well-being.
Laura Landry Bio
With over 30 years of experience in the nail care industry, Laura Landry is a dedicated Healthy Nail Therapist known for her expert techniques and commitment to natural nail health. Specializing in healthy, damage-free manicures and pedicures, Laura focuses on restoring and maintaining the integrity of her clients’ nails through customized care and professional-grade products. Passionate about education, Laura takes the time to teach each client about proper nail care, hygiene, and habits that support long-term nail health. Her calm, caring approach and deep industry knowledge have earned her the trust and loyalty of clients seeking not just beautiful nails, but truly healthy ones. Laura believes that beauty starts with wellness—and that every client deserves nails that are as strong as they are stunning.
Little Hands Childcare proudly serves children from 8 weeks to 12 years old, offering age-appropriate learning experiences for every stage. We welcome all families and uphold a non-discrimination policy, creating an inclusive environment where every child is supported and respected.
Our lessons follow the Frog Street Curriculum which emphasizes small group instruction tailored to each child’s developmental needs. Spanish lessons, field trips, and hands-on activities are woven into the day, inspiring curiosity and creativity.
We also offer before and aftercare services for an additional fee, summer camp programs, and a variety of enriching experiences throughout the year. An annual, non-refundable enrollment fee secures placement in each age group. Full tuition and fee policies are provided during the enrollment process.
Renada Beauford Bio
With over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, Renada has worked in Head Start programs, private schools, and special needs settings. She is deeply passionate about creating nurturing, high-quality learning environments that lay the foundation for lifelong success. Renada holds certifications in CDA, Early Childhood Ancillary, CPR/First Aid, and Medication Administration.
Tirongila Harris Bio
Tirongila Harris is the CEO and founder of Nspireme365. She is a wife, mother, servant leader, builder, and visionary with a passion for people and community impact. Through her leadership, she has built platforms that not only serve excellent food but also act as avenues of hope, resources, and light to the community.
Coffee Island Inc. is a premium coffee company inspired by the rich flavors and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. We source ethically grown coffee beans and craft unique blends that deliver a true taste of island life. Our products are available exclusively online and through select partnerships, offering customers both traditional roasts and innovative island-inspired beverages, pastries and small bites. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and community, Coffee Island Inc. is committed to creating memorable coffee experiences while sharing the warmth of the Caribbean with coffee lovers everywhere.
Hermina Lezama Bio
Hermina Lezama is the Founder and CEO of Coffee Island Inc. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Brooklyn, Hermina blends her Caribbean roots with her professional expertise in marketing and business development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Muhlenberg College and a Master’s degree in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University. With over a decade of experience in marketing, higher education, and entrepreneurship, Hermina founded Coffee Island Inc. to bring ethically sourced, Caribbean-inspired coffee to a global audience. Her vision is to create a coffee brand that not only delivers premium quality but also celebrates culture, community, and connection.
At Blessings Academy Early Learning Center, we aim to provide high-quality childcare services that nurtures each child’s growth and development while fostering essential interpersonal skills. We prioritize building strong, supportive partnerships with families to ensure every child thrives both in our care and at home.
Janikah Miles Bio
Janikah Miles is the Founder of Blessings Academy Early Learning Center. With over 5 years experience in Early Childhood Education, 17 years of experience in higher education program administration, and a strong background in business and accounting, she brings both leadership and dedication to early childhood education. She holds an Ancillary Certification in Early Childhood Education and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Janikah’s vision for Blessings Academy is rooted in holistic child development and building meaningful family partnerships within the community.
Blackman Mental Health aims to create spaces of safety, reflection, renewal, healing, and resilience for individuals navigating trauma, mental health challenges, and life transitions. Grounded in clinical expertise and cultural awareness, we specialize in trauma-informed care. Through integrative practices including psychotherapy, meditation, sound healing, and storytelling, we honor the full complexity of the healing journey. The vision includes community gatherings, therapeutic offerings, and retreats that are not only transformative but accessible, using sustainable revenue to ensure cost is never a barrier to care. We exist to help people feel seen, heard, and whole.
Rooted Power Collective helps businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions achieve energy independence through comprehensive planning and economic analysis of renewable technologies like solar, batteries, microgrids, and wind. We engage local community members through educational workshops, facilitate their participation in renewable energy project planning, and develop workforce training programs. Our work focuses on reducing energy costs, building climate resilience, and creating lasting economic and community benefits through collaborative, locally-driven approaches.
Alexis Myers Bio
Alexis is a co-founder of Rooted Power Collective with a PhD in Chemistry and over 10 years of experience in renewable energy. She is passionate about finding renewable energy solutions to the negative effects of climate change. Growing up in a small town on the coast of South Carolina, she saw firsthand the impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes on aging grid infrastructure. She brings expertise spanning solar, battery, grid integration and energy policy, with a particular talent for translating complex energy concepts into practical solutions. Alexis is committed to ensuring that climate solutions reflect the diverse communities they serve. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations prepare for power disruptions while building stronger communities through education and workforce development.
TruCulture is a Black Afro-Indigenous community marketplace and farm based in New Orleans, LA and Hattiesburg, MS. Our mission is to dismantle capitalist racism and its impact on food, health, and economic systems in Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Indigenous communities. We address low access to fresh, chemical-free foods, loss of ancestral healing and agrarian practices, and systemic attacks on cooperative Black economies. By re-educating communities and providing culturally significant food, medicine, and crafts, TruCulture empowers people to reclaim holistic health, ancestral knowledge, and economic sovereignty.
Bailey Hutchinson Bio
Bailey Hutchison is a multifaceted horticulturist, herbalist, and artist born in the historic 7th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor's in Natural Resource and Ecology Management from Louisiana State University with a focus on conservation biology. She continued independent studies supported by One Family Farm in Trinidad and Tobago and has deep roots in the Caribbean islands and the deep south. In Trinidad, she spent the majority of her time in La Lune village studying growing practices and herbal remedies from village leader Noriga Granger, his daughter Giselle Granger, and other respected herbalists and cultivators. She is a fourth-generation grower and herbalist that specializes in Afro-Indigenous ethnobotany, the study of the traditions and customs concerning plants and their medical, religious, and spiritual uses. She works closely with local and international black and indigenous communities to find creative ways to help regain food sovereignty and normalize the practice of herbalism. As the founder of TruCulture Community Farm and Market, she continues to share Black agrarian life skills, traditional chemical-free foods, and the dying art of herbal healing with her community.Bailey Hutchison is a multifaceted horticulturist, herbalist, and artist born in the historic 7th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a Bachelor's in Natural Resource and Ecology Management from Louisiana State University with a focus on conservation biology. She continued independent studies supported by One Family Farm in Trinidad and Tobago and has deep roots in the Caribbean islands and the deep south. In Trinidad, she spent the majority of her time in La Lune village studying growing practices and herbal remedies from village leader Noriga Granger, his daughter Giselle Granger, and other respected herbalists and cultivators. She is a fourth-generation grower and herbalist that specializes in Afro-Indigenous ethnobotany, the study of the traditions and customs concerning plants and their medical, religious, and spiritual uses. She works closely with local and international black and indigenous communities to find creative ways to help regain food sovereignty and normalize the practice of herbalism. As the founder of TruCulture Community Farm and Market, she continues to share Black agrarian life skills, traditional chemical-free foods, and the dying art of herbal healing with her community.
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black, an author, speaker, and transformational leader dedicated to helping individuals and organizations transform, elevate, and thrive. As a sought-after speaker and emcee, Dr. Danyel Nicole brings energy, authenticity, and inspiration to every stage. She designs and delivers powerful keynotes, leadership trainings and professional development workshops for schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams, blending strategy with soul to foster growth, confidence, and impact.
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black Bio
Dr. Danyel Nicole Black is the author of The Queen’s Order: The Ultimate Blueprint for Rebuilding After Heartbreak, a groundbreaking book that guides women through healing, transformation, and elevation. The book is complemented by The Queen’s Order Sanctuary, an interactive course that deepens the journey with practical tools, community, and embodied practices. In addition, Dr. Danyel Nicole is the creator of the Aware Black Woman Movement and host of the Aware Black Woman Podcast, platforms dedicated to dismantling harmful stereotypes, redefining identity, and empowering women to embrace awareness, softness, and authenticity. Through her work, Dr. Danyel Nicole LLC champions a vision of personal empowerment, cultural healing, and leadership that uplifts individuals and communities alike
Nola Botanical Teas allow you to maintain the medicinal benefits of tea without the unwanted toxins. After struggling with bloating and lack of energy, founder Portia Miniex researched the benefits of tea and discovered that ginger root tea is known to help aid bloating and increase energy. However, the way that it's sold in stores affects its medical properties. It was out of this very research that Nola Botanical Tea was created. Nola Botanical Tea offers quali-tea loose/bottled teas as well as unbleached tea filters and wooden spoons. Their teas include bottled/loose Hibiscus tea in addition to Elderberry, Chamomile, and Ginger Root tea. Each tea serves a unique purpose in helping you with different needs, and their unbleached tea filters/wooden spoons allow you to maintain the medicinal benefits of the tea without the unwanted toxins. If unsweetened tea is not your cup of tea, then NBT also offers organic blue agave sweetener!
Canal Place Barber and Nail Salon is a full-service grooming destination located in the heart of downtown New Orleans , offering a relaxing and upscale environment for both men and women. We specialize in modern barbering, precision haircuts, and premium nail care services designed to elevate your personal style and well-being.
Laura Landry Bio
With over 30 years of experience in the nail care industry, Laura Landry is a dedicated Healthy Nail Therapist known for her expert techniques and commitment to natural nail health. Specializing in healthy, damage-free manicures and pedicures, Laura focuses on restoring and maintaining the integrity of her clients’ nails through customized care and professional-grade products. Passionate about education, Laura takes the time to teach each client about proper nail care, hygiene, and habits that support long-term nail health. Her calm, caring approach and deep industry knowledge have earned her the trust and loyalty of clients seeking not just beautiful nails, but truly healthy ones. Laura believes that beauty starts with wellness—and that every client deserves nails that are as strong as they are stunning.
Little Hands Childcare proudly serves children from 8 weeks to 12 years old, offering age-appropriate learning experiences for every stage. We welcome all families and uphold a non-discrimination policy, creating an inclusive environment where every child is supported and respected.
Our lessons follow the Frog Street Curriculum which emphasizes small group instruction tailored to each child’s developmental needs. Spanish lessons, field trips, and hands-on activities are woven into the day, inspiring curiosity and creativity.
We also offer before and aftercare services for an additional fee, summer camp programs, and a variety of enriching experiences throughout the year. An annual, non-refundable enrollment fee secures placement in each age group. Full tuition and fee policies are provided during the enrollment process.
Renada Beauford Bio
With over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, Renada has worked in Head Start programs, private schools, and special needs settings. She is deeply passionate about creating nurturing, high-quality learning environments that lay the foundation for lifelong success. Renada holds certifications in CDA, Early Childhood Ancillary, CPR/First Aid, and Medication Administration.
Tirongila Harris Bio
Tirongila Harris is the CEO and founder of Nspireme365. She is a wife, mother, servant leader, builder, and visionary with a passion for people and community impact. Through her leadership, she has built platforms that not only serve excellent food but also act as avenues of hope, resources, and light to the community.
Coffee Island Inc. is a premium coffee company inspired by the rich flavors and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. We source ethically grown coffee beans and craft unique blends that deliver a true taste of island life. Our products are available exclusively online and through select partnerships, offering customers both traditional roasts and innovative island-inspired beverages, pastries and small bites. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and community, Coffee Island Inc. is committed to creating memorable coffee experiences while sharing the warmth of the Caribbean with coffee lovers everywhere.
Hermina Lezama Bio
Hermina Lezama is the Founder and CEO of Coffee Island Inc. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Brooklyn, Hermina blends her Caribbean roots with her professional expertise in marketing and business development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Muhlenberg College and a Master’s degree in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University. With over a decade of experience in marketing, higher education, and entrepreneurship, Hermina founded Coffee Island Inc. to bring ethically sourced, Caribbean-inspired coffee to a global audience. Her vision is to create a coffee brand that not only delivers premium quality but also celebrates culture, community, and connection.
At Blessings Academy Early Learning Center, we aim to provide high-quality childcare services that nurtures each child’s growth and development while fostering essential interpersonal skills. We prioritize building strong, supportive partnerships with families to ensure every child thrives both in our care and at home.
Janikah Miles Bio
Janikah Miles is the Founder of Blessings Academy Early Learning Center. With over 5 years experience in Early Childhood Education, 17 years of experience in higher education program administration, and a strong background in business and accounting, she brings both leadership and dedication to early childhood education. She holds an Ancillary Certification in Early Childhood Education and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Janikah’s vision for Blessings Academy is rooted in holistic child development and building meaningful family partnerships within the community.
Blackman Mental Health aims to create spaces of safety, reflection, renewal, healing, and resilience for individuals navigating trauma, mental health challenges, and life transitions. Grounded in clinical expertise and cultural awareness, we specialize in trauma-informed care. Through integrative practices including psychotherapy, meditation, sound healing, and storytelling, we honor the full complexity of the healing journey. The vision includes community gatherings, therapeutic offerings, and retreats that are not only transformative but accessible, using sustainable revenue to ensure cost is never a barrier to care. We exist to help people feel seen, heard, and whole.
