meet the ventures.
Propeller Alumni
We’ve been running our accelerator programs since 2011, helping nonprofits and small businesses impact thousands of lives. Our entrepreneurs are working to tackle disparities in community economic development, education, food, health, and water.
2026 Impact Accelerator: Growth Track
Kids of Excellence is a multi-site organization of nationally accredited early learning centers in New Orleans dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education for children and families. Since 1999, the organization has focused on creating safe, nurturing, and enriching learning environments while supporting the whole family through community partnerships, family engagement, educator development, and advocacy for equitable early childhood systems. Today, Kids of Excellence serves children across multiple New Orleans communities through a commitment to educational excellence, access, and long-term community impact.
Kristi Givens Bio
Kids of Excellence founder and CEO Kristi Givens is an educator, social worker, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and early childhood systems in Louisiana. In 1999, she founded Kids of Excellence to expand access to affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities for families in downtown New Orleans, where quality childcare options were limited.
Today, Kids of Excellence operates three nationally accredited early learning centers serving children and families across New Orleans. A proud HBCU alumna, Kristi holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from University of New Orleans and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from Southern University at New Orleans.
Throughout her career, Kristi has remained deeply committed to educational equity, family support, community care, and advocacy for accessible early childhood systems. As a leader, mentor, and trusted community partner, she works to create environments where children, caregivers, and families are supported, empowered, and able to thrive.
This year, Kids of Excellence celebrates 27 years of service and impact — a reflection of Kristi’s enduring commitment to building stronger futures for children and communities.
Precious Acker Bio
Precious Acker is a New Orleans native, executive leader, creative strategist, and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, communications, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Kids of Excellence, where she leads organizational strategy, operations, partnerships, and program development across nationally accredited early learning centers serving children and families throughout New Orleans.
Throughout her career, Precious has helped lead initiatives focused on educational access, family engagement, workforce development, and strengthening support systems for children, educators, and communities. Her leadership blends strategic thinking, creativity, and collaboration to develop innovative solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Precious holds a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Political Science from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Arts in Cultural andEducational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She is passionate about advocacy, equity, leadership development, and building stronger pathways and opportunities for children and families.
Luke Sirinides started Gingerbooch in his kitchen during COVID lockdown and soon began selling at farmers markets. Luke is also a local actor, singer, and writer.
Residential and commercial contractor with a focus on affordable housing development and historical preservation.
Charles Aponza Bio
Charles Aponza is a New Orleans-based general contractor and former educator who bridges the worlds of residential construction and community empowerment. As the owner and operator of Brighter Horizons Construction (BHC), he specializes in high-quality home restorations and affordable housing developments, frequently collaborating with organizations like People's Housing+ to build resilient, "Fortified Gold" homes.
Erica Fortune Bio
Erica Fortune is a New Orleans-based General Contractor and the co-founder of her own construction firm. Specializing in both commercial and residential projects, Erica combines modern project management with deep-rooted craftsmanship. She launched her company alongside her uncle, a retired master carpenter, blending his decades of technical wisdom with her vision for a more inclusive and reliable construction industry.When she isn't on a job site or overseeing a renovation, Erica is a devoted wife and mother to two young daughters. Driven by family and a love for New Orleans’ unique architectural heritage, she is committed to building a lasting legacy—one project at a time.
Sangha House NOLA is a meditation, retreat and community center serving those experiencing barriers to care and most impacted by systemic harm and inequities.
Our work bridges contemplative practice and education to collective care and land based practices in New Orleans — offering accessible, trauma-informed meditation, healing circles, retreats, and programs that build social connection, reduce isolation and strengthen community resilience.
Through our Ujamaa Collaborative and Dharma Cafe, we create a supportive ecosystem of cooperative economics and regenerative practices, building pathways for sustainable living wages, collective stewardship, and community well-being.
Through Sangha in da Streets community engagement, our Freedom Library arts programming, and Silence of the Roots Garden healing practices, we build relationships rooted in mutual care and shared stewardship.
Joanie’s Cheese Straws is a New Orleans-based, women-owned business crafting small-batch, Southern-style cheese straws. Made with bold flavors and baked with care, they’re a crispy, savory treat perfect for snacking or gifting.
Joanie Mulkin Bio
Joanie Mulkin is a New Orleans–born and raised entrepreneur and founder of Joanie’s Cheese Straws. In her 60s, she turned her passion for baking into a growing business, crafting small-batch, Southern-style cheese straws rooted in tradition, creativity, and care.
CGR fulfills its mission through two main programs: Coastal Restoration & Education, and Direct Community Aid. Annually, CGR hosts 1500+ volunteers to cultivate thousands of native trees in the Native Plant Nursery. A majority of these are planted in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans, in addition to hundreds more that are distributed to local residents at little to no cost. Through CGR's Free Pantry, a weekly low barrier pantry that prioritizes fresh whole produce items, fresh foods, information, and additional resources are shared with over 16,000 neighbors each year.
Christina Lehew Bio
Christina Lehew was raised with stories of her grandparents' lives which spread throughout the streets of New Orleans down to the bayous of Plaquemines Parish. These impressions became a playground of myth and memory, and inspired her to remain in New Orleans after graduating from Loyola University. Through her work at Common Ground Relief, Christina creates new memories, learns of new histories, and facilitates collaborative partnerships while working to protect the place that is home.
Founded in 2008 by Tiffany Spears, Toddlers University is a high-quality early learning center in New Orleans dedicated to “educating and nourishing young future leaders of the world.” As a 4-star, state-licensed, and NECPA-accredited program, Toddlers University provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children from infancy to preschool age. The center focuses on academic excellence, social-emotional development, family engagement, and hands-on learning through experienced educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, and research-based curriculum practices. Toddlers University is committed to building strong foundations for lifelong learning while supporting children and families with love, accountability, and excellence.
Tiffany Spears Bio
Tiffany Spears is an award-winning childcare leader, speaker, and visionary entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Toddlers University and Toddlers University 2, nationally accredited, 4-star early learning programs in New Orleans dedicated to educating and nourishing young future leaders of the world. Tiffany is passionate about leadership development, accountability, family engagement, and building high-quality systems that create lasting impact for children, families, and educators. Known for her strong leadership voice and faith-driven approach, she also speaks and trains on topics including childcare excellence, accreditation, growth, and team development.
Dirty Nola is a landscaping company that specializes in permeable pavers and native plants. We build creative spaces for everyday use that center the environmental needs of the Gulf South from water management to habitat creation. Our landscaping process is unique and often changing as we learn. We love using reclaimed materials, involving our clients in all steps of the process (sometimes they even come out and work with us!), and getting inventive with the aesthetics of each project.
Weslie Coleman Bio
Weslie Coleman is really just another dirt guy from Florida who grew up wandering his neighborhood barefoot, exploring plants and bugs, and falling out of fruit trees. As an adult, what began as work on community gardens and farms evolved into an obsession with rocks and native plants. The Gulf South shaped him, and he strives to honor all of its organisms and complexities in his work today. He’s known for piling way too much stuff into his truck, always having one to four dogs with him, and truly letting loose on the dance floor.
Established in 2018, GREEN LAND NOLA LLC is a New Orleans-based small business providing reliable, high-quality landscaping, lawn care, and ground maintenance services for residential and commercial clients. The company specializes in maintaining safe, clean, and visually appealing outdoor environments through consistent service delivery and attention to detail.
Richard August, Sr. Bio
Richard August, Sr. "Rich"describes GreenLand NOLA as the heart of his passion for community and nature. One of his proudest moments was seeing the organization’s work featured on the Queer Eye, where its gardens became part of a larger transformation story. For Rich, every project — big or small — is about creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging. His goal is to bring that same magic to every corner of New Orleans by blending creativity, sustainability, and a whole lot of heart.
Winfield and Company is a Louisiana-based general contracting and development firm specializing in public works, commercial and residential projects. In operation since 2013 where the mission is to deliver high quality construction and development projects with integrity, on-time and on-budget.
Darlene Winfield Bio
Darlene Winfield is a certified HR professional with over 20 years of progressive human resources leadership experience across various public sector entities. She has a proven track record of aligning people strategies with business goals, driving HR initiatives, and serving as a trusted partner to executives and managers across multiple areas of specialty.
NOLA PINS & BEAUCOUP MERCH is a custom manufacturing and merchandising company that specializes in high-quality lapel pins, challenge coins, and branded products. We help businesses, organizations, and creatives bring their ideas to life through custom-designed metalwork and merchandise—combining detailed craftsmanship, premium materials, and a streamlined production process from concept to delivery
Kevin Griffin-Clark Bio
Kevin Griffin-Clark is a New Orleans-based media specialist and entrepreneur, and the founder of Beaucoup Media, LLC. Through brands like NOLA PINS & Merch and A Lot of Media, he helps businesses, organizations, and creatives bring their ideas to life through custom merchandise, media production, and strategic storytelling. His work focuses on building systems that amplify community voices, strengthen brands, and turn vision into tangible results.
LEVEL Water is a New Orleans based bottled water company providing a sustainable reliable brand of water that relates to this generation and it’s ever growing health conscious lifestyles. The Company also uses its power in the best possible ways to help promote social, physical and mental change in the community. With every bottle purchased a donation is made to MSAADA Inc. to help fund local community programs.
John Waters Bio
John Waters is the founder of Level Water. He is a U.S. Army veteran with leadership experience, a 40 Under 40 awardee, a pitch deck winner, and a social entrepreneur.
Gilda’s Preschool Academy is a community-rooted early childhood education center in New Orleans serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally rich environment. Founded by Gilda Duplessis in the 1980s, the Academy has served generations of families through high-quality care, family engagement, developmental support, and a deep commitment to the whole child.
GPA provides full-day early care and education while partnering with families and public funding systems to expand access for working families. The center supports children through play-based learning, developmental observation, family communication, and inclusive practices that recognize each child’s unique needs. As the organization transitions into its next generation of leadership, GPA is strengthening its systems, staffing, financial infrastructure, and long-term growth strategy while preserving the trusted community legacy that has defined the center for more than four decades.
Shaina is the daughter of Gilda’s Preschool Academy founder Gilda Duplessis and has grown up alongside every aspect and iteration of the center. From childhood through adulthood, Shaina has experienced the Academy not only as a family legacy, but as a living community institution rooted in care, education, and service to New Orleans families.
Shaina Bio
A native eighth-generation New Orleans Creole, Shaina brings deep cultural grounding, lived history, and visionary leadership to GPA’s next chapter. Her lived experience as a person with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and as a disabled person shapes her commitment to access, dignity, inclusion, and support for children, families, and staff navigating unique challenges. She brings a powerful combination of legacy knowledge, storytelling, advocacy, creativity, and relational wisdom to the leadership transition. As GPA prepares for growth, Shaina is focused on preserving the heart of the center while helping imagine a more inclusive, sustainable, and expansive future.
Green Light New Orleans provides household-level solutions to climate challenges. Our story began in 2007 with a city-wide energy-efficient lightbulb distribution program. Now, after providing residents with more than 600,000 lightbulbs, our focus is on our rain barrel program. Our rain barrels are upcycled, food-grade barrels, each uniquely painted by volunteer artists, including students in STEM service learning. Green Light rain barrels alleviate local flooding, reduce burden on the stormwater system, mitigate subsidence, and provide residents with a source of rainwater for use in watering gardens and other nonpotable water uses. Presently there are more than 3400 barrels installed throughout New Orleans. Our goal is to install 20,000 barrels to achieve an estimated 10% reduction in subsidence. With a waitlist of more than 500 applicants, we are well on our way. Each barrel can be obtained by anyone with working gutters and downspouts within the levee system for a minimum $10 cost share.
Christina Ryan Bio
GLNO’s Executive Director, Dr. Christian Ryan, is certified as a Master Environmental Educator by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She created and led a nationally recognized sustainability program at Western Kentucky University. There, she earned her doctorate with a focus on citizen leadership and community-based participatory action research. Dr. Ryan has developed and taught courses on environmental justice, public problem solving, and the history and evolution of public spaces and the commons, as well as environmental education curriculum for learners of all ages. Prior to this work, she served as an Interpretive Park Guide for the National Park Service while earning a Master of Science in biology/ecology. Presently, in addition to her role at GLNO, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Lafitte Greenway Partnership.
Annie Nowak Bio
Annie Nowak was born and raised in San Diego, CA, but has called New Orleans home since 2011. Passionate about storytelling, she holds a B.S. in Digital Filmmaking from Loyola University New Orleans (2015) and is thrilled that her role as Program Manager allows her to share the incredible story of Green Light daily. Since joining the Green Light team in September 2024, she has relished the opportunity to put time and energy towards her lifelong values of sustainability, creativity, and community building. Outside of work, Annie creates jewelry under the name “Yasworm Jewels,” using predominantly upcycled materials in the production and display of her work, and enjoys exploring New Orleans' vibrant art market scene and connecting with local artists.
Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA
is a community-centered early childhood education program serving children and families in New Orleans. Our organization provides high-quality early learning experiences for children from infancy through preschool age, with a strong focus on social-emotional development, school readiness, inclusion, and family engagement. Through hands-on learning, play-based curriculum, and individualized support, we help children build the academic, behavioral, and developmental foundations needed for lifelong success. In addition to early education services, Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA supports families through community partnerships, workforce development initiatives, inclusive practices for children with developmental delays and behavioral challenges, and advocacy efforts that strengthen access to affordable, quality childcare in underserved communities.
April Reese Black Bio
April Reese Black is the Administrative Director of Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA , bringing more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education and 16 years of experience in special education. As one of the foundational leaders behind the program’s growth and success, she has played an essential role in helping build and sustain the nurturing, inclusive environment Trinity is known for today. Since officially stepping into her leadership role in 2021, April has been instrumental in overseeing daily operations, supporting staff development, strengthening family relationships, and ensuring the center continues to provide high-quality care and education for children of all abilities. Known for her dedication, compassion, and strong leadership behind the scenes, she helps keep the center running smoothly while advocating for both children and educators every day.
Alicia Warren Franklin Bio
Alicia Warren Franklin is the CEO and Executive Director of Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA
and a founding leader of the organization since its establishment in 2018. With more than 20 years of experience in education, including work in early childhood education and special education, Alicia is deeply committed to creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments that support children and families across New Orleans. Her leadership focuses on expanding access to affordable early childhood education, supporting educators through workforce development and mentorship, and advocating for children with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and special needs. Through her vision and community-centered approach, Alicia has helped Trinity Learning Academy grow into a trusted program dedicated to educational equity, family support, and long-term community impact.
Kids of Excellence is a multi-site organization of nationally accredited early learning centers in New Orleans dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education for children and families. Since 1999, the organization has focused on creating safe, nurturing, and enriching learning environments while supporting the whole family through community partnerships, family engagement, educator development, and advocacy for equitable early childhood systems. Today, Kids of Excellence serves children across multiple New Orleans communities through a commitment to educational excellence, access, and long-term community impact.
Kristi Givens Bio
Kids of Excellence founder and CEO Kristi Givens is an educator, social worker, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and early childhood systems in Louisiana. In 1999, she founded Kids of Excellence to expand access to affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities for families in downtown New Orleans, where quality childcare options were limited.
Today, Kids of Excellence operates three nationally accredited early learning centers serving children and families across New Orleans. A proud HBCU alumna, Kristi holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from University of New Orleans and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from Southern University at New Orleans.
Throughout her career, Kristi has remained deeply committed to educational equity, family support, community care, and advocacy for accessible early childhood systems. As a leader, mentor, and trusted community partner, she works to create environments where children, caregivers, and families are supported, empowered, and able to thrive.
This year, Kids of Excellence celebrates 27 years of service and impact — a reflection of Kristi’s enduring commitment to building stronger futures for children and communities.
Precious Acker Bio
Precious Acker is a New Orleans native, executive leader, creative strategist, and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, communications, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Kids of Excellence, where she leads organizational strategy, operations, partnerships, and program development across nationally accredited early learning centers serving children and families throughout New Orleans.
Throughout her career, Precious has helped lead initiatives focused on educational access, family engagement, workforce development, and strengthening support systems for children, educators, and communities. Her leadership blends strategic thinking, creativity, and collaboration to develop innovative solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Precious holds a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Political Science from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Arts in Cultural andEducational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She is passionate about advocacy, equity, leadership development, and building stronger pathways and opportunities for children and families.
Luke Sirinides started Gingerbooch in his kitchen during COVID lockdown and soon began selling at farmers markets. Luke is also a local actor, singer, and writer.
Residential and commercial contractor with a focus on affordable housing development and historical preservation.
Charles Aponza Bio
Charles Aponza is a New Orleans-based general contractor and former educator who bridges the worlds of residential construction and community empowerment. As the owner and operator of Brighter Horizons Construction (BHC), he specializes in high-quality home restorations and affordable housing developments, frequently collaborating with organizations like People's Housing+ to build resilient, "Fortified Gold" homes.
Erica Fortune Bio
Erica Fortune is a New Orleans-based General Contractor and the co-founder of her own construction firm. Specializing in both commercial and residential projects, Erica combines modern project management with deep-rooted craftsmanship. She launched her company alongside her uncle, a retired master carpenter, blending his decades of technical wisdom with her vision for a more inclusive and reliable construction industry.When she isn't on a job site or overseeing a renovation, Erica is a devoted wife and mother to two young daughters. Driven by family and a love for New Orleans’ unique architectural heritage, she is committed to building a lasting legacy—one project at a time.
Sangha House NOLA is a meditation, retreat and community center serving those experiencing barriers to care and most impacted by systemic harm and inequities.
Our work bridges contemplative practice and education to collective care and land based practices in New Orleans — offering accessible, trauma-informed meditation, healing circles, retreats, and programs that build social connection, reduce isolation and strengthen community resilience.
Through our Ujamaa Collaborative and Dharma Cafe, we create a supportive ecosystem of cooperative economics and regenerative practices, building pathways for sustainable living wages, collective stewardship, and community well-being.
Through Sangha in da Streets community engagement, our Freedom Library arts programming, and Silence of the Roots Garden healing practices, we build relationships rooted in mutual care and shared stewardship.
Joanie’s Cheese Straws is a New Orleans-based, women-owned business crafting small-batch, Southern-style cheese straws. Made with bold flavors and baked with care, they’re a crispy, savory treat perfect for snacking or gifting.
Joanie Mulkin Bio
Joanie Mulkin is a New Orleans–born and raised entrepreneur and founder of Joanie’s Cheese Straws. In her 60s, she turned her passion for baking into a growing business, crafting small-batch, Southern-style cheese straws rooted in tradition, creativity, and care.
CGR fulfills its mission through two main programs: Coastal Restoration & Education, and Direct Community Aid. Annually, CGR hosts 1500+ volunteers to cultivate thousands of native trees in the Native Plant Nursery. A majority of these are planted in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans, in addition to hundreds more that are distributed to local residents at little to no cost. Through CGR's Free Pantry, a weekly low barrier pantry that prioritizes fresh whole produce items, fresh foods, information, and additional resources are shared with over 16,000 neighbors each year.
Christina Lehew Bio
Christina Lehew was raised with stories of her grandparents' lives which spread throughout the streets of New Orleans down to the bayous of Plaquemines Parish. These impressions became a playground of myth and memory, and inspired her to remain in New Orleans after graduating from Loyola University. Through her work at Common Ground Relief, Christina creates new memories, learns of new histories, and facilitates collaborative partnerships while working to protect the place that is home.
Founded in 2008 by Tiffany Spears, Toddlers University is a high-quality early learning center in New Orleans dedicated to “educating and nourishing young future leaders of the world.” As a 4-star, state-licensed, and NECPA-accredited program, Toddlers University provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children from infancy to preschool age. The center focuses on academic excellence, social-emotional development, family engagement, and hands-on learning through experienced educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, and research-based curriculum practices. Toddlers University is committed to building strong foundations for lifelong learning while supporting children and families with love, accountability, and excellence.
Tiffany Spears Bio
Tiffany Spears is an award-winning childcare leader, speaker, and visionary entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Toddlers University and Toddlers University 2, nationally accredited, 4-star early learning programs in New Orleans dedicated to educating and nourishing young future leaders of the world. Tiffany is passionate about leadership development, accountability, family engagement, and building high-quality systems that create lasting impact for children, families, and educators. Known for her strong leadership voice and faith-driven approach, she also speaks and trains on topics including childcare excellence, accreditation, growth, and team development.
Dirty Nola is a landscaping company that specializes in permeable pavers and native plants. We build creative spaces for everyday use that center the environmental needs of the Gulf South from water management to habitat creation. Our landscaping process is unique and often changing as we learn. We love using reclaimed materials, involving our clients in all steps of the process (sometimes they even come out and work with us!), and getting inventive with the aesthetics of each project.
Weslie Coleman Bio
Weslie Coleman is really just another dirt guy from Florida who grew up wandering his neighborhood barefoot, exploring plants and bugs, and falling out of fruit trees. As an adult, what began as work on community gardens and farms evolved into an obsession with rocks and native plants. The Gulf South shaped him, and he strives to honor all of its organisms and complexities in his work today. He’s known for piling way too much stuff into his truck, always having one to four dogs with him, and truly letting loose on the dance floor.
Established in 2018, GREEN LAND NOLA LLC is a New Orleans-based small business providing reliable, high-quality landscaping, lawn care, and ground maintenance services for residential and commercial clients. The company specializes in maintaining safe, clean, and visually appealing outdoor environments through consistent service delivery and attention to detail.
Richard August, Sr. Bio
Richard August, Sr. "Rich"describes GreenLand NOLA as the heart of his passion for community and nature. One of his proudest moments was seeing the organization’s work featured on the Queer Eye, where its gardens became part of a larger transformation story. For Rich, every project — big or small — is about creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging. His goal is to bring that same magic to every corner of New Orleans by blending creativity, sustainability, and a whole lot of heart.
Winfield and Company is a Louisiana-based general contracting and development firm specializing in public works, commercial and residential projects. In operation since 2013 where the mission is to deliver high quality construction and development projects with integrity, on-time and on-budget.
Darlene Winfield Bio
Darlene Winfield is a certified HR professional with over 20 years of progressive human resources leadership experience across various public sector entities. She has a proven track record of aligning people strategies with business goals, driving HR initiatives, and serving as a trusted partner to executives and managers across multiple areas of specialty.
NOLA PINS & BEAUCOUP MERCH is a custom manufacturing and merchandising company that specializes in high-quality lapel pins, challenge coins, and branded products. We help businesses, organizations, and creatives bring their ideas to life through custom-designed metalwork and merchandise—combining detailed craftsmanship, premium materials, and a streamlined production process from concept to delivery
Kevin Griffin-Clark Bio
Kevin Griffin-Clark is a New Orleans-based media specialist and entrepreneur, and the founder of Beaucoup Media, LLC. Through brands like NOLA PINS & Merch and A Lot of Media, he helps businesses, organizations, and creatives bring their ideas to life through custom merchandise, media production, and strategic storytelling. His work focuses on building systems that amplify community voices, strengthen brands, and turn vision into tangible results.
LEVEL Water is a New Orleans based bottled water company providing a sustainable reliable brand of water that relates to this generation and it’s ever growing health conscious lifestyles. The Company also uses its power in the best possible ways to help promote social, physical and mental change in the community. With every bottle purchased a donation is made to MSAADA Inc. to help fund local community programs.
John Waters Bio
John Waters is the founder of Level Water. He is a U.S. Army veteran with leadership experience, a 40 Under 40 awardee, a pitch deck winner, and a social entrepreneur.
Gilda’s Preschool Academy is a community-rooted early childhood education center in New Orleans serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally rich environment. Founded by Gilda Duplessis in the 1980s, the Academy has served generations of families through high-quality care, family engagement, developmental support, and a deep commitment to the whole child.
GPA provides full-day early care and education while partnering with families and public funding systems to expand access for working families. The center supports children through play-based learning, developmental observation, family communication, and inclusive practices that recognize each child’s unique needs. As the organization transitions into its next generation of leadership, GPA is strengthening its systems, staffing, financial infrastructure, and long-term growth strategy while preserving the trusted community legacy that has defined the center for more than four decades.
Shaina is the daughter of Gilda’s Preschool Academy founder Gilda Duplessis and has grown up alongside every aspect and iteration of the center. From childhood through adulthood, Shaina has experienced the Academy not only as a family legacy, but as a living community institution rooted in care, education, and service to New Orleans families.
Shaina Bio
A native eighth-generation New Orleans Creole, Shaina brings deep cultural grounding, lived history, and visionary leadership to GPA’s next chapter. Her lived experience as a person with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and as a disabled person shapes her commitment to access, dignity, inclusion, and support for children, families, and staff navigating unique challenges. She brings a powerful combination of legacy knowledge, storytelling, advocacy, creativity, and relational wisdom to the leadership transition. As GPA prepares for growth, Shaina is focused on preserving the heart of the center while helping imagine a more inclusive, sustainable, and expansive future.
Green Light New Orleans provides household-level solutions to climate challenges. Our story began in 2007 with a city-wide energy-efficient lightbulb distribution program. Now, after providing residents with more than 600,000 lightbulbs, our focus is on our rain barrel program. Our rain barrels are upcycled, food-grade barrels, each uniquely painted by volunteer artists, including students in STEM service learning. Green Light rain barrels alleviate local flooding, reduce burden on the stormwater system, mitigate subsidence, and provide residents with a source of rainwater for use in watering gardens and other nonpotable water uses. Presently there are more than 3400 barrels installed throughout New Orleans. Our goal is to install 20,000 barrels to achieve an estimated 10% reduction in subsidence. With a waitlist of more than 500 applicants, we are well on our way. Each barrel can be obtained by anyone with working gutters and downspouts within the levee system for a minimum $10 cost share.
Christina Ryan Bio
GLNO’s Executive Director, Dr. Christian Ryan, is certified as a Master Environmental Educator by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She created and led a nationally recognized sustainability program at Western Kentucky University. There, she earned her doctorate with a focus on citizen leadership and community-based participatory action research. Dr. Ryan has developed and taught courses on environmental justice, public problem solving, and the history and evolution of public spaces and the commons, as well as environmental education curriculum for learners of all ages. Prior to this work, she served as an Interpretive Park Guide for the National Park Service while earning a Master of Science in biology/ecology. Presently, in addition to her role at GLNO, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Lafitte Greenway Partnership.
Annie Nowak Bio
Annie Nowak was born and raised in San Diego, CA, but has called New Orleans home since 2011. Passionate about storytelling, she holds a B.S. in Digital Filmmaking from Loyola University New Orleans (2015) and is thrilled that her role as Program Manager allows her to share the incredible story of Green Light daily. Since joining the Green Light team in September 2024, she has relished the opportunity to put time and energy towards her lifelong values of sustainability, creativity, and community building. Outside of work, Annie creates jewelry under the name “Yasworm Jewels,” using predominantly upcycled materials in the production and display of her work, and enjoys exploring New Orleans' vibrant art market scene and connecting with local artists.
Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA
is a community-centered early childhood education program serving children and families in New Orleans. Our organization provides high-quality early learning experiences for children from infancy through preschool age, with a strong focus on social-emotional development, school readiness, inclusion, and family engagement. Through hands-on learning, play-based curriculum, and individualized support, we help children build the academic, behavioral, and developmental foundations needed for lifelong success. In addition to early education services, Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA supports families through community partnerships, workforce development initiatives, inclusive practices for children with developmental delays and behavioral challenges, and advocacy efforts that strengthen access to affordable, quality childcare in underserved communities.
April Reese Black Bio
April Reese Black is the Administrative Director of Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA , bringing more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education and 16 years of experience in special education. As one of the foundational leaders behind the program’s growth and success, she has played an essential role in helping build and sustain the nurturing, inclusive environment Trinity is known for today. Since officially stepping into her leadership role in 2021, April has been instrumental in overseeing daily operations, supporting staff development, strengthening family relationships, and ensuring the center continues to provide high-quality care and education for children of all abilities. Known for her dedication, compassion, and strong leadership behind the scenes, she helps keep the center running smoothly while advocating for both children and educators every day.
Alicia Warren Franklin Bio
Alicia Warren Franklin is the CEO and Executive Director of Trinity Learning Academy of NOLA
and a founding leader of the organization since its establishment in 2018. With more than 20 years of experience in education, including work in early childhood education and special education, Alicia is deeply committed to creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments that support children and families across New Orleans. Her leadership focuses on expanding access to affordable early childhood education, supporting educators through workforce development and mentorship, and advocating for children with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and special needs. Through her vision and community-centered approach, Alicia has helped Trinity Learning Academy grow into a trusted program dedicated to educational equity, family support, and long-term community impact.
