Aspiring Leaders Academy provides outstanding care and developmental opportunities for children aged one to six years old. Through inclusive learning techniques tailored to diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, Aspiring Leaders Academy cultivates a strong sense of community. Serving as an extended family, the innovative program enhances children's skills continuously throughout the day. Children are actively involved in learning new abilities and strengthening existing ones.

Roneeka Bass Bio

Roneeka Bass is the founder and owner of Aspiring Leaders Academy. She holds an Associate’s of Care and Development of Young Children from Delgado Community College and a Bachelor’s of Elementary Studies from SUNO. Roneeka began her career as a Toddler Teacher at Renew Early Childhood Center after graduating from Delgado. Her passion for childcare started long before this role, as she assisted her mother, Michelle Swayne, who ran Creative Connection Learning Center for over two decades. Drawing from her extensive experience, Roneeka is now channeling her expertise into Aspiring Leaders Academy.

The Batterina is a gourmet dessert company that specializes in delicious cheesecakes. The owner, JoAnna Dorsey, strives to create products from locally sourced ingredients and has a passion to provide specialty desserts at attainable prices. The Batterina brings baked goods anywhere from festivals to weddings and birthday celebrations to corporate events.

JoAnna Dorsey Bio

JoAnna Dorsey is a professional pastry chef and recipe developer with a background in hospitality management. A Metro-New Orleans area native, she attended and graduated from the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She turned her passion of baking with her grandmother into a full time career. JoAnna is passionate about creating gourmet desserts, such as her Signature Cheesecakes. JoAnna has been featured on WWLTV, FOX8 & NOLA NOW.

Bellegarde is a worker-owned bakery focused on the
use of whole, organic grains and responsibly
sourced ingredients. Their nationally recognized
breads and pastries are created by hand, using long
fermentation and wild yeast. Their collective
participation in the responsibilities, risks, and
rewards of the workplace creates an empowering
and connected environment that prioritizes
economic equality for workers. As they grow, they
aim to enrich the professional and personal lives of
members and foster collaborative community
relationships.

Freddie Newberry Bio

Freddie has been working with Bellegarde for 3
years. After cutting their teeth at other bakeries,
they joined Bellegard to grow with a team focused
on sustainability and process. Soon after moving
to New Orleans, they were surprised by the
opportunity to collectively build Bellegarde into a
worker-owned cooperative and lean into their
individual goals and values as a founding member.
They continue to incorporate their personal
commitment to accountability and transparency,
as well as their love for bread and community,
into their role as a worker-owner and teacher at
Bellegarde.

Believe Everyone Lifelong Learners (BELL) is a
state of the art, state and national high
performance education program that educates
infants, toddlers, preschoolers, youth, young
adults, families and educators in New Orleans,
Louisiana.

The BELL love of learning establishes a foundation
to receive lifetime encouragement, peer
engagement, entrepreneurship, employment, and
volunteerism. Every student will be introduced to several languages, including sign language, along with STEAM, and Literature. All children who
attend BELL will experience growth and
development and become prepared beyond
kindergarten up to gifted testing and placement.
Family and parent participation is expected in
classroom, school-wide activities, meetings, and
training.

Ms. Mulkina Darlene Coates’ early childhood career began at Rayne Early Childhood Program where she taught children ages six weeks to five years old.  She has also worked at Educare New Orleans, and Clover (formerly Kingsley House), New Orleans’ largest Early and Head Start Delegation Program as Education Supervisor-Director for both campuses.

Ms. Coates has obtained her State of Louisiana Ancillary Certificate, National Administration Credential, CLASS Observer Certification, Associates Degree in Care and Development of Young Children from Delgado Community College, and Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Southern University at New Orleans. She has also completed training from Louisiana Department of Education, Agenda for Children, Teaching Strategies, and other early childhood agencies, and has sat on the Care and Development of Young Children Advisory Board.

Brighter Days, Inc exists to bring healing to the mind, body, and spirit in one place through holistic interventions and products, along with community engagement and empowerment. Services include: individual and family psychotherapy, massage therapy, retail therapy (Da' Lil Bitty Holistic Shop), health education, tea parties, paint tea parties, Tea-riffic Trainings (for mental health professionals), small space rentals, and other community-focused events. 

Yanada G. Essex Bio 

Yanada G. Essex (LCSW-BACS, ACSW) is a proud native of New Orleans, LA. Her love and passion for her hometown has been embodied in her almost 29 years of service to her fellow citizens. Fueled by seeing the needs of the community, she answered the call to make a difference in the lives of others. In 1994 she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business Management from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Yanada also earned a Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 1998. She has gained valuable clinical expertise, working in the fields of substance abuse, healthcare, case management, and behavioral health. After obtaining her license in social work in 2002, Yanada established, and continues to manage, Brighter Days, Inc. Once a small part-time practice, now Brighter Days, Inc. is a wellness center that provides various services and products to treat the whole person. Its goal is to heal the mind, body and spirit in One place. Yanada sees her work as more than her profession, it’s her ministry, her gift to God and the world.

The Cosmetology Institute is the bridge between quality educational experiences and affordability. We build better future beauty professionals who strengthen the economic stability of their communities. We strive to educate, evolve and promote entrepreneurship. 

Lauren Lewis Bio 

Lauren Lewis is the director of The Cosmetology Institute. She brings over 15 years of knowledge, experience and wisdom to the team. She is a visionary with an immense amount of passion for assisting others in maximizing their skills and/gifts to get to the next level.

Early STEM Learning Academy is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can grow and thrive. Their mission is to foster a love of learning, with an emphasis on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). They believe that early exposure to STEM

concepts is crucial for preparing children for the rapidly evolving world. Through hands-on experiences and engaging activities, they aim to ignite curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and creativity in their young learners. 

Dana Payton Bio 

Dana Payton is a passionate and experienced childhood educator with over 20 years in the childcare field. From a teacher in the classroom to curriculum assessment coordinator, education coach, and executive director, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds of children. She is a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Studies. Outside of work, Dana enjoys traveling around the world, spending time with family, and always finding new ways to bring creativity into early learning.

Fun While Learning (FWL) Childcare is where fun and learning go hand in hand. Fun While Learning is a program that embraces the idea that childhood is a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle. Children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society. Fun While Learning's goal is to provide the best possible care in a safe nurturing environment. Staff at FWL are certified CLASS reliable for Infant, toddler, and preschool along with an Early Childhood Ancillary Certification. 

Miracle Fulton Bio 

Miracle Fulton is the owner and director of Fun While Learning childcare facility, where fun and learning go hand in hand. Ms. Fulton has been an early childcare educator in New Orleans East for 17 years, caring for children ages 15 months through four years of age. Ms. Fulton desires for each child she serves to explore and investigate learning through sensory learning as much as possible. She runs an inclusive program that embraces all and considers all children's and their families' needs. Fun While Learning tries to create a setting for social, emotional, mental, cognitive, and physical development, in a stimulating, safe, child-centered environment.

Know Dat Grow Dat and Second Mount Calvary Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization, have partnered to create the Genesis Farmers Market. The mission of this market is to provide fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local urban farmers to the Central City community of New Orleans. We will turn a food desert into an oasis. 

Michael C Beauchamp Bio 

Michael C Beauchamp is a retired pharmacist who practiced for 44 years in the City of New Orleans. Post Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Beauchamp became involved with urban farming at the Hollygrove Market and Farm. Today Mr.Beauchamp is the owner of Know Dat Grow Dat, an indoor farm that produces Mike’s Microgreens #1superfood. Mr. Beauchamp is also a county committee member of the local urban agriculture office of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Nestled in Mid-City New Orleans, Headliners NOLA Salon is a natural hair sanctuary specializing in locs, with plans to expand into a full-service salon within the next year. Co-owned by a dynamic married couple of Black lesbians, it stands as a beacon of representation and strength for Black and queer-owned businesses. Our mission transcends hair, fostering economic growth and visibility for historically underrepresented communities. At Headliners NOLA, everyone is embraced, valued, and celebrated, creating a true home for all. 

Anisa Parks Bio 

Anisa Parks - Co-Founder and Chief Problem Solver of Headliners NOLA Salon 

From coding at five to co-founding Headliners NOLA Salon, Anisa Parks' visionary nature has driven her success. She transformed her then-girlfriend Erica Williams' loc styling talent into a thriving business, creating the salon's logo, designing the website, and developing efficient systems. Anisa's foresight and innovative spirit continue to propel Headliners NOLA forward, with plans to expand from a two-stylist salon suite to full-service salons. Her dedication and strategic planning ensure the salon remains at the industry's forefront, poised for growth and success. 

Erica Williams-Parks Biography 

Erica Williams-Parks - Co-Founder and Master Loctician of Headliners NOLA Salon 

Years ago, Erica Williams-Parks found her passion in locs, becoming NOLALOCSTAR, a renowned loctician specializing in loc color, extensions, reattachments, and care. Starting as a kitchen beautician, she transitioned to a professional salon, eventually realizing her dream with the support of her wife, Anisa. Erica grew her clientele and brand, establishing herself as a respected industry figure. Today, she is dedicated to teaching others to become locticians as well as entrepreneurs while providing world-class customer service at Headliners NOLA Salon.

Jakes Aesthetics is a boutique medi-spa that prioritizes enhancing natural beauty for all. With a focus on inclusivity, the typical client at jakes aesthetics is someone who is brown and/or identifies as LGBTQ+. The spa provides a variety of services such as laser treatments and facials, and they have recently introduced Elysian, a skincare line. 

Torrie Jakes biography

jakes aesthetics is owned by Torrie Jakes, an experienced medical aesthetician, who is passionate about the transformative impact of aesthetics on both the skin and the spirit. Her lifelong dedication is to help individuals rebuild confidence and restore their self-esteem through skincare treatments. Torrie is a Howard University and Vanderbilt University School of Law graduate who discovered her love for skin and skincare. She obtained her esthetics education from John Jay Beauty College and her Medical Aesthetics Certification from Biomani Scientific Skincare.

Mendez Landscaping Development Corporation provides stress free stormwater management and flooding solutions for troubled homeowners and business owners. Their goal is to help clients find new and innovative ways to drain excess water off their property. The company’s mission is to help create a beautiful environment that enables tranquility, enjoyment, and comfort for every client. The company was founded in 2013 and is still evolving into one of the most supportive landscaping companies in their community. Mendez Landscaping Development Corporation tells water where to go! 

Edgar Rolando Mendez Bio 

Edgar Rolando Mendez was born in Guatemala and moved to New Orleans in 1997 with his family. At that time, they moved to this country with only suitcases and hopes of living the “American Dream.” Since coming to New Orleans at 8 years old, Rolando has made NOLA his home. Even as a youth he has always dreamed of having his own business one day. In 2013, Rolando started Mendez Landscaping Development Corporation. A decade later he has grown the business with even bigger plans to positively impact his community in a powerful way.

Murier Ecosystem Services is a green infrastructure contractor striving to restore degraded habitats to support humans and the local ecosystem alike. Murier works within the philosophy of emergency management and hazard mitigation to create beautiful landscapes that serve a myriad of purposes, including: flood reduction, drought tolerance, pollinator habitat, urban heat island reduction, carbon sequestration, and air and water filtration. In short, Murier helps New Orleanians work with the environment instead of against it when faced with the common climate disasters of their region. 

Mason Page Bio 

Mason, born and raised in New Orleans, has spent the last four years working within the emergency management industry, from earning a Master’s degree at Tulane, to the Bayou and River Parishes following hurricane Ida, and to the Western Alaskan coast following typhoon Merbok. These experiences highlighted, from a new angle, the importance of protecting communities and their culture. This,

combined with a love of nature and a love of New Orleans and its people, produced Murier Ecosystem Services. Drawing on experience within a variety of industries, Mason strives to build healthier ecosystems that can protect and support New Orleans communities. 

Papa Ted's aims to revolutionize New Orleans' culinary landscape by offering a pioneering eco-friendly vegan experience. Their mission is to provide delicious, sustainable, and compassionate food choices that not only nourish the body but also respect the planet. Papa Ted’s is committed to promoting environmental stewardship through their practices, fostering community engagement, and inspiring a healthier lifestyle for their customers and the broader community. 

Dawn Richard Bio 

Dawn Richard is not only a multifaceted music artist but also a visionary entrepreneur who has made her mark in both the entertainment industry and the culinary world. Known for her dynamic presence in the music scene, Dawn has captivated audiences with her distinctive sound and innovative approach to pop and electronic music. 

Beyond her musical talents, Dawn Richard has also ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of Papa Ted's Truck, a thriving food truck business based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Named after her grandfather, Papa Ted's Truck has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its fusion of flavors and commitment to quality ingredients. Dawn's passion for both music and culinary arts shines through in every aspect of Papa Ted's Truck, from the menu selection to the vibrant atmosphere she creates. 

With a career that spans creative industries, Dawn Richard continues to push boundaries and inspire with her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision. Whether she's crafting chart-topping hits or serving up delicious dishes on the streets, Dawn exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything she does.

Raising Consciousness Consulting (RCC) provides quality and culturally conscious consulting, advocacy, (psycho)education, training, and resources for individuals, professionals, institutions, and organizations in the Greater New Orleans area and across the nation. RCC aims to empower and inspire stakeholders to courageously challenge systemic barriers and maximize unity and belonging within the community. 

Oriel Romano Celestin, M.S., LPC, NCC

Oriel Romano Celestin holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans. Oriel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (License #7927), and National Certified Counselor (NCC #1230883). Oriel has worked as both a teacher and counselor with clients and students in upstate New York, New York City, and New Orleans. In addition, Oriel is engaged in ongoing work with Loyola University New Orleans and TransSpire, LLC where she co-facilitates racial identity process groups for Loyola Graduate Counseling Students. As a 2018 National Board of Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program-Youth Master’s Mental Health Fellow, Oriel started her research in multicultural competency, particularly racial identity development and multicultural training for counseling students and educators, which has been presented at conferences throughout the United States. Oriel is committed to continuing to use her multidisciplinary background and creativity to partner with educational and mental health stakeholders and organizations to find solutions to the impact of systematic oppression, power, and privilege within the fields of mental health and education. 

Semonné Aguillard Pierre, NCC, LPC-S Bio

Semonné A. Pierre holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from The University of New Orleans and a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans. Semonné is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (License #6926), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC #829786). Semonné has experience in private practice (A&P Counseling and Consulting, LCC), academia (Admissions and Clinical Coordinator in the Department of Counseling at Loyola University), and Mental Health Rehabilitation providing community based services to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Semonné is a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association and has served in multiple roles. Semonné is passionate about empowering community stakeholders to invest in themselves to best support and connect with their communities. 

Danielle E. McAllister, M.A., LPC 

Danielle E. McAllister holds a B.S in Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University and M.A in Counseling from Xavier University of Louisiana. Danielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor (License #5551). For over a decade Danielle has worked in schools (K-12) and in the private practice setting at Hearts In Mind Counseling Services. Danielle takes pride in providing mentorship within the community by working with Non-Profit Organizations such as the PLEASE Foundation, Sideline Pass, Son of a Saint, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Danielle is eager to engage with school leaders, families, and community members to build intentional, inclusive, and supportive educational environments for its youth. 

Small and Mighty Land Cooperative (SAM) empowers residents through educational workshops and collective land stewardship. SAM focuses on developing affordable housing, incubating small business, establishing food sovereignty through urban farming, and mitigating climate change with green infrastructure initiatives.

Jordan Mychal Bio 

Jordan Mychal is someone who accomplishes what his heart is set on and has a desire to learn from experience. Jordan first gained his entrepreneurial perspective when he co-founded Soberdough, an artisan food business, in 2013. Since his arrival in New Orleans, Jordan has served as a legislative aide to City Council; a community engagement consultant for a study on the Urban Heat Island Effect which was a collaboration involving John Hopkins, RAND, and ISeeChange; was a project coordinator for Committee For a Better New Orleans and a graduate of their Leadership Forum; served as a board member for multiple organizations; founded The People's Wheels which involved changing policy law to allow for DBE opportunity in the pedicab industry; was a member of a grantmaking cohort with Foundation For Louisiana, a stormwater cohort member with The Water Collaborative, and a community cares cohort member with Imagine Water Works; and he was a member of the hiring committee for Sunrise Movement's campaign director position. He volunteers as a youth coach with Bunnyfriend and Sampson playground and actively works to ensure safe spaces are available to the youth of New Orleans. Jordan believes if it is just, and it is aligned with his soul purpose, then he can accomplish it. 

Jeanne Jackson 

Jeanne Jackson is the Executive Director of Johnny Jackson Jr. Foundation and a writer. She leverages her diverse skills and experiences to contribute positively to her community. She volunteers at local schools, Habitat for Humanity, and the YMCA. She has worked in the public sector for the New Orleans Clerk's Office as well in corporate settings. Jeanne Jackson is committed to civic engagement and the City of New Orleans. 

Brenda Nwoye 

Brenda has been a nurse for over 25 years providing healthcare to patients from all backgrounds. She is a certified CPR instructor, a traveling nurse, a mother, and a grandmother. Brenda serves as a member of Nola Exhale and Ladies First, both of which are women empowerment groups. She is a proud member of Le Bon Tons Babydoll and participated in the Racial Equity Toolkit program with the City of New Orleans. 

Rahsaana Ison 

Rahsaana Ison is an actress, jazz vocalist, playwright, director, and writer. Alongside her artistic endeavors, Rahsaana is also a dedicated educator, currently sharing her expertise in theater at Kenner Discovery Health and Sciences Academy. 

In addition to her roles as a mother and educator, Rahsaana is a proud small business owner, running her own acting school to nurture budding talent in her community. She serves as a board member for Antenna, actively engages in community initiatives, and is always striving to ignite positive change and empower those around her. Rahsaana Ison stands as a shining example of dedication, creativity, and advocacy. 

Wilson Academy Childcare Center is an Early Learning Center located in New Orleans East. Wilson Academy Childcare Center services children ages 6 weeks-12 years of age and offers flexible hours, before and after school care, holiday care, summer camp and tutoring programs. Hot and healthy meals are provided daily along with a safe and serene environment. They supply a superb curriculum along with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education. 

Monique Wilson Bio 

Monique Wilson is the Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Director of Wilson Academy Childcare Center, an Early Learning Center in New Orleans East. She is a wife and mother of three sons. Monique has a background in early childhood education, mental health, environmental health and safety, and event planning, to name a few. Although she wears many hats, her passion for children’s education, and well-being surpasses them all. She has completed the For Providers By Providers Cohort and Agenda For Children Cohort. She wants to make a difference in educating the children of Louisiana because it is greatly needed. Monique believes that each child has the ability to grow tremendously in all aspects, and to become whatever they believe they can. She also believes that in order for children to become who and/or what they want to become, they first need to be told they can.

Xavior Estates is a multilingual reconstruction to rental development firm, housing a portfolio of units exclusively rented to low income and indigent families. Xavier Estates specializes in the development of blighted structures into affordable housing through meticulous budget and project management, acquisition of grant funding and low-income housing tax credits. Xavier Estates minimizes traditional overhead expenditures, to be able to successfully navigate providing the most sought after affordable housing while maintaining a profitable portfolio. 

Tajma Johnson Bio 

Tajma’s passion for the affordable housing industry and solving the low income housing crisis in New Orleans and surrounding areas is what led to the establishment of Xavior Estates, LLC., whose mission is to provide sought after rental units in areas not traditionally available to low income and indigent households. 

As the owner of Xavior Estates, Tajma has been servicing the housing industry in New Orleans for the past four years, providing low income, reconstruction to rental, housing. 

By utilizing his understanding of the affordable housing industry, Notice of Funding Availability interpretation, governmental funding programs, low-income housing tax credits, and relationships with organizations such as Housing Authority of New Orleans, Louisiana Housing Corporation, and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, Tajma navigates providing exclusive affordable housing units while maintaining a profitable real estate portfolio.