[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”0″ _address=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”5px||0px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/meet-the-panelists-page-header2.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ fb_built=”1″ _i=”1″ _address=”1″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”48″ fullwidth_menu=”off” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ menu_text_color=”#ffffff” menu_font_size=”15px” background_color=”#000000″ text_orientation=”center” _i=”0″ _address=”1.0″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”22px||0px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”2″ _address=”2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”11px||17px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”2.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.0.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” _i=”0″ _address=”2.0.0.0″]<\/p>\n
FEATURED SPEAKERS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”||14px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”2.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/john-bel-edwards.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.1.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”3px|20px|3px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”2.1.1.0″]<\/p>\n Governor John Bel Edwards<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n John Bel Edwards has served as the 56th Governor of Louisiana since 2016.He was previously the Minority Leader of the Louisiana House of Representatives for two terms, before being elected governor. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1988, he served eight years as an Airborne Ranger on active duty with the United States Army. He went on to graduate Order of the Coif from Louisiana State University Law Center and set up a civil law practice before running for public office.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”2.1.1.1″]<\/p>\n The son of a sheriff and charity hospital nurse, John Bel Edwards understood the importance of serving others from an early age. From his service as an active duty Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army to his time in the Louisiana House of Representatives, Gov. Edwards has always put people first.<\/p>\n John Bel was born seventh out of eight children to Sheriff Frank Jr. and Dora Jean Edwards. He grew up hunting and fishing in Amite, a rural town in Tangipahoa Parish. He and First Lady Donna Edwards began dating while students at Amite High School. After graduating top of his class, Gov. Edwards attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.<\/p>\n As a cadet, he completed Airborne School and served as vice-chairman of the panel that enforces the West Point Honor Code. The governor graduated from West Point in 1988, commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He subsequently completed Ranger School and served as an active duty Airborne Ranger for eight years.\u00a0<\/p>\n After commanding a parachute infantry regiment in the 82nd airborne, Gov. Edwards retired from the Army with the rank of captain. He moved back home and earned a law degree from Louisiana State University before opening a civil law practice in his hometown of Amite.<\/p>\n In 2008, the people of House District 72 elected him to the Louisiana House of Representatives, where he represented the people of Amite, Greensburg, Kentwood and Hammond for eight years before being elected governor in November 2015.<\/p>\n On January 11, 2016, John Bel Edwards was sworn in as the 56th Governor of Louisiana.<\/p>\n In his first official act, Gov. Edwards signed an executive order to expand Medicaid coverage to 430,000 of the state\u2019s working poor. The decision to expand Medicaid cut Louisiana\u2019s uninsured rate from 24 percent to just 10 percent, saving lives and improving the quality of life for citizens across the state. Gov. Edwards considers this the easiest big decision he\u2019s had to make as Governor.<\/p>\n Upon taking the oath of office, Gov. Edwards inherited the largest budget deficit in Louisiana\u2019s history, following years of budget mismanagement, which included cuts to higher education and vital state resources and services. In 2016, the state faced a $1 billion shortfall to close out the last quarter of the fiscal year. And in 2017, the state faced a $2 billion deficit in the governor\u2019s first full fiscal year.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gov. Edwards and a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers worked hard to stabilize the state\u2019s budget through a balanced approach. Today, higher education funding has been restored, the state\u2019s gross domestic product is the highest it\u2019s ever been and Louisiana\u2019s budget is balanced and stable.<\/p>\n One of the governor\u2019s top priorities coming into office was comprehensive criminal justice reform. For decades, mass incarceration plagued Louisiana, and the state led the nation in incarceration rates. Gov. Edwards signed sweeping bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation in 2017 that targets recidivism and invests in treatment programs. In 2018, the state saw a 20 percent decrease in the number of people imprisoned for non-violent crimes. Under his leadership, Louisiana shed the title of the most incarcerated state in the country.<\/p>\n Gov. Edwards continues to do what the people sent him to Baton Rouge to do: Put Louisiana First. Hundreds of thousands are insured, Louisiana\u2019s budget is stable and Louisiana is open for business.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.1.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/CEDRIC-RICHMOND.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.2.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-2px|||||” custom_padding=”19px|20px|19px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”2.2.1.0″]<\/p>\n Congressman Cedric Richmond<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Congressman Cedric Richmond represents Louisiana\u2019s 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Cedric currently serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on the Judiciary. Outside of Committee service, he is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and currently serves as the House Democratic Assistant to the Majority Whip.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”2.2.1.1″]<\/p>\n Congressman Cedric Richmond represents Louisiana\u2019s 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Cedric currently serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on the Judiciary. Outside of Committee service, he is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and currently serves as the House Democratic Assistant to the Majority Whip.<\/p>\n As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Cedric works to ensure New Orleans and surrounding communities are adequately prepared for any emergency through oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). He also works to ensure the security of the nation\u2019s critical infrastructure, borders, and ports. He is also the Chairman of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.<\/p>\n As a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, the second oldest standing committee in Congress, Cedric works with committee members to exercise oversight responsibility for the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.<\/p>\n Born and raised in New Orleans, Cedric is a strong believer in the value of mentorship in his hometown. He is a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and his Juris Doctorate from the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans. Cedric is also a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.2.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ module_id=”morialbio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” _i=”3″ _address=”2.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Morial-PolCon.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.3.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px||12px|||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”2.3.1.0″]<\/p>\n Marc H. Morial<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”2.3.1.1″]<\/p>\n Entrepreneur. Lawyer. Professor. Legislator. Mayor. President, U.S. Conference of Mayors. President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization.<\/p>\n In a distinguished professional career that has spanned 25 years, Marc Morial has performed all of these roles with excellence and is one of the most accomplished servant-leaders in the nation. As President and CEO of the National Urban League since 2003, he has been the primary catalyst for an era of change — a transformation for the 105-year old civil rights organization. His energetic and skilled leadership has expanded the League\u2019s work around an Empowerment agenda, which is redefining civil rights in the 21st century with a renewed emphasis on closing the economic gaps between whites and Blacks, as well as other communities of color, and rich and poor Americans.<\/p>\n During his tenure, the League had record fundraising success with a 280MM, five-year fundraising effort. He has secured the BBB nonprofit certification, which has established the NUL as a leading national nonprofit, and the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, which has placed the NUL in the top 10 percent of all U.S. charities for adhering to good governance and other best practices, as well as executing its mission in a fiscally responsible way.<\/p>\n Under his stewardship, the League launched a historic $100 million, five-year \u201cJobs Rebuild America: Educate, Employ, Empower\u201d initiative in 2013 \u2013 a solutions-based, comprehensive approach to the nation\u2019s employment and education crisis that brings together federal government, business, and nonprofit resources to create economic opportunity in 50 cities across the country through the Urban League affiliate network.<\/p>\n His creativity has led to initiatives such as the Urban Youth Empowerment Program to assist young adults in securing sustainable jobs and Entrepreneurship Centers in 10 cities to help the growth of small businesses. Also, Morial helped create the Urban Empowerment Fund, which will lend to urban impact businesses, and helped create the League\u2019s New Markets Tax Credits initiative, which has resulted in $1 billion in community investment via urban impact businesses, including minority business, through both debt and equity investments.<\/p>\n As mayor of New Orleans, Morial was a popular chief executive with a broad multi-racial coalition who led New Orleans\u2019 1990\u2019s renaissance and left office with a 70% approval rating.<\/p>\n As a lawyer, Morial won the Louisiana State Bar Association\u2019s Pro Bono Publico Award for his legal service to the poor and disadvantaged. He was also one of the youngest lawyers, at age 26, to argue and win a major case before the Louisiana Supreme Court.<\/p>\n As a professor, Morial served on the adjunct faculty of Xavier University in Louisiana, where he taught Constitutional Law and Business Law.<\/p>\n As a Louisiana state senator, Morial was named Legislative Rookie of the Year, Education Senator of the Year, and Environmental Senator of the Year, while authoring laws on a wide range of important subjects.<\/p>\n A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics and African American Studies, he also holds a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., as well as numerous honorary degrees including Xavier University and Howard University.<\/p>\n Under appointment by President Obama, Morial has served as Chair of the Census Advisory Committee, a member of the President\u2019s Advisory Council on Financial Capability, and on the Department of Education\u2019s Equity and Excellence Commission. He was also appointed to the Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission by President Bill Clinton.<\/p>\n Morial has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine, one of the Top 50 Nonprofit Executives by the Nonprofit Times, and one of the Top 100 Black Lawyers in America.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.3.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ module_id=”panelthree” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” _i=”4″ _address=”2.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.4.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Rye-PolCon.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”2.4.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.4.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”11px|20px|11px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”2.4.1.0″]<\/p>\n Angela Rye [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”2.4.1.1″]<\/p>\n Angela Rye is Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies<\/span>, a political advocacy firm in the nation’s capital. She is a CNN Political Commentator and NPR Political Analyst. She has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outlets from Marie Claire to Ebony and the Washington Post,.<\/p>\n Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in the political process. Rye is a prominent strategist who has offered on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, NBC, HBO, ABC, MSNBC and TV One. The depth of her dialogue ranges from political campaigns to more complex legislation and administration policies that have long-term implications nationally and internationally.<\/p>\n She currently serves on the boards of the Congressional Black\u00a0<\/span>Caucus Institute<\/span>, Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (CBCPAC), the Seattle University School of Law Alumni, Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, Inclusv, and Wilberforce University. She recently received an Honorary Doctorate from Wiley College. She is a member of The Links,\u00a0<\/span>Incorporated, <\/span>National Bar Association, <\/span>American Bar Association, and the\u00a0<\/span>Washington Government Relations Group.<\/p>\n Rye served as the Executive Director and General Counsel to the Congressional\u00a0<\/span>Black Caucus <\/span>for the 112th Congress. In her role as Executive Director, Rye was tasked with developing the overall legislative and political strategy for the Caucus.<\/p>\n Prior to working for the CBC, she served as Senior Advisor and Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security under the leadership of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Rye learned the importance of advocacy through her family\u2019s political and community activism. She\u00a0is a proud graduate of the <\/span>University of Washington and <\/span>Seattle University School of Law.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.4.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”5″ _address=”2.5″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.5.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Sellers-PolCon.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”2.5.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”2.5.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”9px|20px|9px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”2.5.1.0″]<\/p>\n Bakari Sellers [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”2.5.1.1″]<\/p>\n Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he defeated a 26-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and became the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Earning his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, where he served as student body president, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina, Sellers was inspired father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, and has followed in his footsteps in his tireless commitment to service taking championing progressive policies to address issues ranging from education and poverty to preventing domestic violence and childhood obesity.<\/p>\n His impressive list of accomplishments also includes having served on President Barack Obama’s South Carolina steering committee during the 2008 election. Sellers is widely considered to be a rising star within the Democratic Party and leading voice for his generation. That along with his uncommon ability to reach across the aisle and get things done and creative solutions to today’s biggest problems has led to numerous accolades including being named to\u00a0<\/span>TIME\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Magazine\u2019s 40 Under 40 in 2010 as well as 2014 and 2015 \u201cThe Root 100\u201d list of the nation\u2019s most influential African-Americans and has provided commentary and analysis to CNN and MSNBC including multiple appearances on\u00a0<\/span>Hardball with Chris Matthews<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>Morning Joe<\/em>.\u00a0 He now currently serves on AIPAC\u2019s National Council.<\/p>\n He has served as a featured inspirational speaker at events for the National Education Association, College Democrats of America National Convention, the 2008 Democratic National Convention and, in 2007, delivered the opening keynote address to the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n Sellers practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC and is a Political Commentator at CNN. He is married to Dr. Ellen Rucker-Sellers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”2.5.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” _i=”6″ _address=”2.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.6.0″][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_style=”outset” divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”2.6.0.0″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”panelone” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”8px||18px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”3″ _address=”3″][et_pb_row admin_label=”PANEL ONE” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”11px||17px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”3.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.0.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_padding=”||8px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”3.0.0.0″]<\/p>\n FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – PANEL ONE: [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_text_color=”#4a4a4a” text_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||13px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”3.0.0.1″]<\/p>\n Creating an Environment for African Americans to Thrive in Louisiana<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_font_size=”18px” _i=”2″ _address=”3.0.0.2″]<\/p>\n Hear perspectives about the challenges and opportunities around key areas impacting the quality of life for African Americans in Louisiana.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”3.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.1.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Flozell-Daniels.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.1.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.1.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.1.1.0″]<\/p>\n Flozell Daniels, Jr.<\/span> Flozell Daniels, Jr., CEO & President of Foundation for Louisiana, is a public policy and community engagement strategist with expertise in community development, resilience building, legislative strategy, and leadership development.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.1.1.1″]<\/p>\n Flozell Daniels Jr., President and CEO of Foundation for Louisiana (formerly the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation), is a public policy and community engagement strategist with expertise in community development, resilience building, legislative strategy and leadership development. With a focus on building successful coalitions that increase success in expanding economic opportunity for all, Flozell is accomplished in expanding capacity and outcomes in areas that include community development finance, criminal justice reform, coastal\/environmental policy, transit equity and asset development. Flozell has led more than $50 million of award-winning community investment strategies while at the Foundation.<\/p>\n Prior to his appointment at the Foundation, Flozell served as Tulane University’s Assistant Vice-President & Executive Director of State and Local Affairs for nine years. Before that, he cut his public policy and community engagement teeth as an Urban Policy Specialist & Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Mayor, Division of Federal and State Programs for the City of New Orleans. In his civic capacity, Flozell currently serves as Ex-officio & Policy Committee Chair of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans Board of Directors, where he was honored with the first-ever Distinguished Service Award for board leadership after serving five years as the post-Katrina Chair leading critical recovery efforts. Flozell is also a founding member and Board Chairman of the Orleans Public Education Network; a Mayoral-appointed commissioner for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority; the Supreme Court Chief Justice appointee to the Louisiana Public Defender Board; a founding member of the Greater New Orleans Funders Network; steering committee member of the first of its kind New Orleans White House Local Resource Network; an advisory member of the ResilienceNOLA\/100 Resilient Cities Initiative; and, has served as a commissioner of the Mayor’s Working Group on Criminal Justice Reform in New Orleans that led to historic reductions in jail size.<\/p>\n Flozell is a 2013 graduate of University of Oxford Said Business School’s Impact Investing Programme, 2011 Fellow of the Opportunity Agenda Communications Institute, a life Fellow of the Louisiana Effective Leadership Program, an alumnus of Leadership Louisiana and a graduate of the Metropolitan Leadership Forum. Flozell has an MBA from the A.B. Freeman School of Tulane University, a BA in Biological Sciences from the University of New Orleans, and spent six years doing materials research for the USDA. A New Orleans native who was raised in the Freret neighborhood, Flozell has a daughter, and spends free time enjoying second lines, festivals and other celebrations of Louisiana’s amazing culture.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.1.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”2″ _address=”3.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Lisa-Delpit.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.2.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.2.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.2.1.0″]<\/p>\n Dr. Lisa Delpit [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.2.1.1″]<\/p>\n Recently retired Felton G. Clark Distinguished Professor of Education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Lisa D. Delpit is the former Executive Director\/Eminent Scholar for the Center for Urban Education & Innovation at Florida International University, Miami, Florida. She is also the former holder of the Benjamin E. Mays Chair of Urban Educational Excellence at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she is a nationally and internationally-known speaker and writer whose work has focused on the education of children of color and the perspectives, aspirations, and pedagogy of teachers of color. Delpit’s work on school-community relations and cross-cultural communication was cited as a contributor to her receiving a MacArthur \u201cGenius\u201d<\/em> Award<\/em> in 1990. Dr. Delpit describes her strongest focus as “…finding ways and means to best educate marginalized students, particularly African-American, and other students of color.” She has used her training in ethnographic research to spark dialogues between educators on issues that have impact on students typically least well-served by our educational system. Dr. Delpit is particularly interested in teaching and learning in multicultural societies, having spent time studying these issues in Alaska, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and in various urban and rural sites in the continental United States. She received a B.S. degree from Antioch College and an M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Harvard University. Her background is in elementary education with an emphasis on language and literacy development.<\/p>\n \u00a0Dr. Delpit\u2019s recent work has spanned a range of projects and issues, including assisting urban school districts engaged in school and curriculum improvement efforts; developing innovative alternative teacher education programs in urban education and teacher leadership; founding the post-Katrina National Coalition for Quality Education in New Orleans; recruiting renowned mathematician and Civil Rights leader, Dr. Robert Moses to South Florida to establish the national Algebra Project; assisting in the creation of high-standards, innovative schools for low-income, urban children; and developing urban leadership programs for principals and school district central office staff. She has taught pre-service and in-service teachers and principals in many communities across the United States.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0Her numerous awards include the Harvard University Graduate School of Education 1993 Alumni Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education; the 1994 American Educational Research Association Cattell Award for Outstanding Early Career Achievement; 1998 Sunny Days Award from Sesame Street Productions for her contributions to the lives of children; and the 2001 Kappa Delta Phi Laureate Award for her contribution to the education of teachers.<\/p>\n \u00a0Dr. Delpit was also selected as a recipient of the Antioch College Horace Mann Humanity Award, which recognizes a contribution by alumni of Antioch College who have “won some victory for humanity.” Winning candidates are those persons, or groups of persons, whose personal or professional activities have had a profound effect on the present or future human condition. She was also selected to deliver the prestigious DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Distinguished Lecturer Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The award recognizes the contributions of an educational researcher whose work leads to improved learning for low income, elementary or secondary students.<\/p>\n Her recent book, published in 2012, \u201cMultiplication is For White People\u201d: Raising Standards for Other People\u2019s Children <\/em> explores strategies to increase expectations and academic achievement for marginalized children. Library Journal <\/em>named Multiplication<\/em>\u2026 one of the 20 best-selling education books of 2013, and the American School Board Journal<\/em> selected it as one of eight \u201cnotable books\u201d for 2012. A previous book, Other People<\/em>\u2019<\/em>s Children<\/em>, has sold well over a quarter of a million copies and received the American Educational Studies Association\u2019s \u201cBook Critic Award,\u201d Choice Magazine<\/u>\u2019<\/u>s<\/u> Eighth Annual Outstanding Academic Book Award, and has been named \u201cA Great Book\u201d by Teacher Magazine. <\/u> Her other books include: The Real Ebonics Debate: Power, Language, and the Education of African-American Children<\/em>; and The Skin That We Speak: Thoughts on Language<\/em> and Culture in the Classroom. <\/em>An edited volume, Teaching When the World is on Fire, <\/em>is due out in 2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.2.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”3″ _address=”3.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.3.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/America-Lenox.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.3.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.3.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.3.1.0″]<\/p>\n America Lenox [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.3.1.1″]<\/p>\n America Lenox is a community leader focused on impacting civic engagement, community outreach, and advocating for resources on behalf of youth & families. Ms. Lenox recently began serving as the Program Manager with Youth Rebuilding New Orleans and also serves as a Parent Navigator with Ubuntu Village and Community Engagement Specialist with Heroes of New Orleans. <\/span><\/p>\n Most importantly,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Ms. Lenox is a devoted mother who enjoys advocating for youth and families who are not given opportunities and need support adjusting to the obligations of work, school, and family life. <\/span><\/p>\n Her first-hand experiences drive her to be dedicated and committed to bridging the gaps and ensuring youth and families have sustainable resources to meet their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.3.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”4″ _address=”3.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.4.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/John-Matthews.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.4.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.4.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.4.1.0″]<\/p>\n John W. Matthews, Jr. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.4.1.1″]<\/p>\n John W. Matthews, Jr. is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Loyola University, New Orleans.<\/p>\n After graduating from Southern, John was employed by Texaco, Inc. in a number of challenging positions including Assistant to the President of Texaco\u2019s Natural Gas Marketing Group. After completing twenty successful years, John elected to retire his services to Texaco.<\/p>\n John subsequently accepted an appointment and commission by the Governor of Louisiana to the Governor\u2019s Office of Urban Affairs and Development in August 1993. In February 1997, John transitioned to Louisiana Economic Development (LED) as Manager of the Small Business Bonding Assistance Program in an effort to assist small contractors with greater access to construction related projects.<\/p>\n Since 2003 to full retirement from LED in May of 2019, John served as Senior Director of Small Business Services which offers a comprehensive array of programs and resources that build capacity, cultivate\u00a0opportunities, and accelerate growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Small Business Services supports LED\u2019s mission to grow a diverse economy.<\/p>\n \u00a0John currently collaborates with stakeholders in Louisiana and surrounding states in an effort to foster a proactive economic development climate required for the small business space to sustain and grow in these communities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.4.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”5″ _address=”3.5″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.5.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Tyronne-Walker.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.5.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.5.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.5.1.0″]<\/p>\n Tyronne B. Walker [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.5.1.1″]<\/p>\n Tyronne B. Walker is the Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at the Greater New Orleans Foundation.\u00a0In this role Tyronne oversees all external affairs, government relations, and communications of the Foundation. In addition to leading initiatives like GiveNOLA Day which raised a record $5.9 million for nonprofits across Southeast Louisiana in 2019, Tyronne also oversees the foundation\u2019s policy and advocacy work.<\/span><\/p>\n Prior to joining the Foundation, Walker served in the administration of former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. His roles included Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Communications Director; Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Local Affairs where he oversaw Local Government Affairs and Community Engagement; Special Assistant to the Mayor and Faith-Based Advisor; Director of CeaseFire New Orleans; and Project Manager on the Mayor\u2019s\u00a0Innovation Delivery Team where he helped write and lead the implementation of the city\u2019s NOLA for Life Murder Reduction Strategy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Outside of working in public service, Walker has demonstrated success in the\u00a0private sector as Chief Operating Officer of the Law Office of Wayne E.\u00a0Woods and Alpha Title Company and owner of Walker Strategic Solutions,\u00a0LLC, a full service consulting firm he started in 2015 that specializes in\u00a0strategy development, project management and political campaigns.\u00a0<\/p>\n Walker is a native of the New Orleans\u2019 9th Ward and is a proud graduate of Brother Martin High School. Walker went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Saint Michael\u2019s College in Colchester, Vermont. Walker is also active in civic leadership having served on a number of boards in founding roles including Miller-McCoy Academy for Mathematics and Business, Son of a Saint Foundation, and the Split Second Foundation. Walker also currently serves on the Board of New Schools for New Orleans. Walker is the Immediate Past President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Lambda Chapter and is a member of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.5.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”6″ _address=”3.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.6.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Tracey-Ross.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”3.6.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”3.6.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”3.6.1.0″]<\/p>\n Tracey Ross – Moderator [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”3.6.1.1″]<\/p>\n Tracey Ross leads the All-In Cites initiative at PolicyLink. In this role, she works with cities across the country to adopt policies and practices to promote racial economic inclusion equitable growth.<\/p>\n She also serves as a delegate to the U.S. Japan Leadership Program, which fosters connections between leaders in both countries.<\/p>\n Prior to joining PolicyLink, Tracey worked at the Center for American Progress focused on urban poverty and environmental justice, and at Living Cities on building a green economy. In 2012, she was selected as a \u201cNext Vanguard\u201d\u00a0Next City<\/em>\u00a0magazine\u2019s recognition of 40 urban leaders under 40. Tracey has been a guest on\u00a0The Melissa Harris Perry Show<\/em>\u00a0on\u00a0MSNBC\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Inside Story<\/em>\u00a0on\u00a0Al Jazeera English<\/em>, and was a regular commentator for\u00a0SiriusXM\u2019s The Agenda<\/em>. Her writing has appeared in\u00a0The New York Times, The Washington Post<\/em>,\u00a0ThinkProgress<\/em>,\u00a0and Essence<\/em>.<\/p>\n Tracey began her career in the offices of former U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO). She completed her master\u2019s in public affairs with a focus on urban policy and planning at Princeton University, and received a bachelor’s degree in political science and anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”3.6.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” _i=”7″ _address=”3.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.7.0″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”3.7.0.0″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” module_id=”paneltwo” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”8px||1px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”4″ _address=”4″][et_pb_row admin_label=”PANEL TWO” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”11px||17px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”4.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.0.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_padding=”||8px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”4.0.0.0″]<\/p>\n FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – PANEL TWO: [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_text_color=”#4a4a4a” text_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||13px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”4.0.0.1″]<\/p>\n Mental Health: The Stigma that Stops Us<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_font_size=”18px” _i=”2″ _address=”4.0.0.2″]<\/p>\n Access to quality services, substance abuse, stigma and medication in youth and adolescence are critical behavioral health issues across the state. Learn about strategies that increase knowledge about ways to advocate for a stronger mental health system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”4.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.1.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Denese-Shervington.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.1.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.1.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.1.1.0″]<\/p>\n Dr. Denese Shervington – Moderator<\/span> Dr. Denese Shervington has an intersectional career in public health and academic psychiatry. She is the President of The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES), a community-based translational public health institute in New Orleans. She is also the Chair of Psychiatry at Charles R. Drew University.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.1.1.1″]<\/p>\n Dr. Denese Shervington has an intersectional career in public health and academic psychiatry. She is the President of The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES), a community-based translational public health institute in New Orleans. She is also the Chair of Psychiatry at Charles R. Drew University. Dr. Shervington has held Clinical Professorships in the Departments of Psychiatry at Columbia University and Tulane University. A graduate of New York University School of Medicine, she also received a Masters of Public Health in Population Studies and Family Planning from Tulane University School of Public Health. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.<\/p>\n A Fellow of the American Psychiatry Association, in 2018 she received the Award for Excellence in Service and Advocacy; prior to which she received the Jeanne Spurlock Minority award. Dr. Shervington is also a member of the American College of Psychiatrists. In July 2019, Dr. Shervington testified before the Congress of the United States House of Representatives\u2019 Committee on Oversight and Reform on Childhood Trauma. She also co-chairs the New Orleans City Council (R-18-344) Children Youth Planning Board Taskforce on Childhood Trauma. She has authored several papers in peer-reviewed journals addressing health disparities, the social determinants of health and resilience in underserved communities. She is the proud parent of two amazing children, Kaleb and Iman, and grandchildren Ayelet and Haddassah.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.1.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”2″ _address=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/monteic-sizer.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.2.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.2.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.2.1.0″]<\/p>\n Dr. Monteic Sizer <\/b><\/p>\n Dr. Monteic A. Sizer serves as Executive Director of Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA). He joined the organization in May 2013 as its first Executive Director. In his role, he advocates on behalf of citizens located in the twelve Northeast Delta HSA parishes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.2.1.1″]<\/p>\n Dr. Monteic A. Sizer serves as Executive Director of Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (Northeast Delta HSA). He joined the organization in May 2013 as its first Executive Director. He is uniquely qualified to advocate on behalf of citizens located in the twelve Northeast Delta HSA parishes he represents because he exemplifies how people can meet their greatest human potential based on accountability, integrity and a willingness to engage in their own lives.<\/p>\n His vision for transforming Northeast Delta HSA into an innovative entity has already begun with the integration of previously disparate mental health, developmental disability, prevention and addictive disorder services. Under his leadership, Northeast Delta HSA is increasing efficiencies for improved clinical accessibility, centralized operations, organizational accountability and improved partner and provider relationships.<\/p>\n Dr. Sizer has established three tenets for Northeast Delta HSA and its partners: to provide excellent customer service, greater access to services and competent, quality care.<\/p>\n Prior to his Northeast Delta HSA appointment, Dr. Sizer served as the President and CEO of the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, a long-term disaster recovery organization created by the state of Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Sizer also served as a National Consultant and Subject Matter Expert with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, Dr. Sizer has deep professional experience in organized philanthropy, politics, educational reform and has been leader of several large health and human services organizations. Dr. Sizer is also a consultant and sought after keynote speaker. Dr. Sizer\u2019s expertise enables him to speak practically about relevant policies, procedures and programs needed to help advance causes of the poor, working class and related vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n Dr. Sizer\u2019s academic research and professional experiences as a clinical-community psychologist serving poor and underserved populations in educational settings, community-based mental health centers, prisons and forensic hospitals, have given him a profound knowledge of administrative, systems and public policy challenges impacting poor and working class Americans. Some of Dr. Sizer\u2019s academic research examined the correlation between home, school and community influences on academic achievement, African American homicide, crime and causes of community instability. Dr. Sizer is also a leader in behavioral and primary healthcare integration.<\/p>\n Dr. Sizer is a 2010 Leadership Louisiana graduate, a Leadership Fellow with the Effective Leadership Program at the Center of Leadership and Public Values at Duke University and the College of Business at Southern University (Baton Rouge), and a Political Fellow and former member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership. Dr. Sizer also participated in the Executive Training Institute at Vanderbilt University and the Leadership in Non-Profit Management Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.<\/p>\n Dr. Sizer earned a Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. He completed his clinical residency at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute. He holds Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer College, and an Associate degree in Applied Science from Central Piedmont Community College.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.2.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”3″ _address=”4.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.3.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Shawn-Kelly.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.3.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.3.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.3.1.0″]<\/p>\n Shawn Kelly [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.3.1.1″]<\/p>\n Shawn Kelly is a organizer, trainer, and advocate for social change. Shawn was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in New Orleans, Shawn saw firsthand how important community activism and organizing was to growing movements and reshaping communities. As soon as Shawn got to college, he started becoming involved in student leadership and activism.<\/p>\n He interned at the Louisiana Center for Children\u2019s Rights and helped with the \u201cRaise the Age\u201d campaign. Shawn has worked and been involved in numerous campaigns but tries to focus on Nonprofit Leadership. Shawn focuses on trying to innovate, create, and bring new ideas to the spaces of organizing and activism. Shawn currently works in Young Adult Leadership Development as Program Manager of Public Allies New Orleans. He is also a fellow at the New Orleans Youth Alliance, where he and other young people fight on behalf of the youth of New Orleans to combat the numerous issues that they face as a community and a generation.<\/p>\n Shawn is keen to use his voice, mind, and body to provoke change, progress, and movement and he will continue to do so as long as he is able to.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.3.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”4″ _address=”4.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.4.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Eileen-Lumar-Johnson2.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.4.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.4.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.4.1.0″]<\/p>\n Eileen Lumar-Johnson<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.4.1.1″]<\/p>\n \u00a0Pastor Eileen Lumar-Johnson is a woman who, above all things desires to please God and to see His people saved, delivered, empowered and prosperous. She is foremost a Servant of God, serving as Senior Pastor of Grace & Glory Family Worship Church International in New Orleans, Louisiana.<\/p>\n She was baptized in July,1990, at the Greater Woodville Baptist in Wallace, Louisiana by the late Pastor Ernest M. Howard, Jr. She served as a Deaconess at Woodville and at Third Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Jackson. She served at Third Rose until the Lord led her to Household of Faith Family Worship Church International.<\/p>\n Pastor Johnson joined Household of Faith in May,1996 as a member of the Deaconess Board and accepted her call to ministry in March,1997. She was licensed by Pastor Antoine M. Barriere to preach the gospel in January,1999, and ordained an Elder at Household of Faith in November, 2002.<\/p>\n In March 2006, Pastor Johnson and her husband Deacon Mark Johnson founded<\/p>\n Confront and Conquer Incorporated; a faith-based support group which offers spiritual, educational, and therapeutic resources to families who have children with physical and developmental challenges. To date, Confront & Conquer ministers to over 40 families on a regular basis.<\/p>\n On August 25, 2013, she was elevated to Pastor of Special Needs at Household of Faith. Through this office she has taught the word of faith, and ministers healing to parents and caretakers of individuals with special needs.<\/p>\n On January 5, 2014, she preached her first sermon as Interim Pastor at Macedonia Full Gospel Baptist Church. She was installed as Senior Pastor at that ministry on May 5, 2014. At the leading of the Holy Spirit the Lord released Pastor Eileen to birth a new name and vision for the ministry at 802 Third Street; and on December 5, 2015\u00a0Grace and Glory Family Worship Church International was consecrated for operation in the kingdom of God.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Pastor Eileen Lumar-Johnson is a much sought after speaker, already ministering to numerous congregations throughout Louisiana, the United States and Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n Pastor Lumar-Johnson serves as Director of Community Relations at Audubon Nature Institute, and develops programs for minority underserved families in the New Orleans metropolitan area. She has over 30 years public relations and community outreach experience, and is former Second Vice President of Corporate Communications for\u00a0Pan-American Life Insurance Group, and former Public Relations Director for Audubon Nature Institute.<\/span><\/p>\n She has also served as an Account Executive for Beuerman, Miller, Fitzgerald and the Brylski Company in New Orleans. She is a former General Assignments Reporter for KFDM-TV in Beaumont, Texas, and served as radio News Anchor for WYLD-Radio\u00a0in New Orleans.<\/span><\/p>\n Pastor Lumar-Johnson graduated as class salutatorian from West St. John High School in Edgard, Louisiana in 1981, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola University at New Orleans in 1985. She has been cited by the Press Club of New Orleans, the Associated Press, the Advertising Club of New Orleans and the Public Relations Society of America for her journalistic and public relations work. She has also been named a “Woman to Watch” by the Times Picayune in New Orleans, and a \u201cPhenomenal Woman\u201d by Data Newsweekly in New Orleans.<\/p>\n She is a former member of AARP\u2019s Partners in the Pulpit program, and the Salvation Army\u2019s Emerge Committee. She has also served as a volunteer Champion for the American Cancer Society\u2019s CPS3 cancer study. She has served on the Board of Communications for United Way of Greater New Orleans, the Board of Directors for Family Service of Greater New Orleans and the Board of Directors for the City of Refuge at New Hope Community Church in Kenner, Louisiana.<\/p>\n She has been married to her husband Mark Anthony, Sr. for 30 years and is a mother of two; Alexys and Mark, Jr. She was born January 2, 1963, through the union of\u00a0Mrs. Anita Lumar and the late Mr. Otis Lumar, Jr, and is a native of\u00a0<\/span>Edgard, Louisiana.<\/span><\/p>\n Scripture of Encouragement: Romans 4:20-21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God – And being fully persuaded that what He had promised He was able also to perform. (KJV)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”5″ _address=”4.5″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.5.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Leon-C.-Winters2.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.5.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.5.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.5.1.0″]<\/p>\n Leon C. Winters<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.5.1.1″]<\/p>\n Leon C. Winters, MSW, LCSW is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he attended Belaire High School. Mr. Winters moved to Lafayette, Louisiana in 2000 to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Mr. Winters worked in various settings such as: Mental Health, Child Services and Investigations, Education and numerous grant funded programs. In 2010, Mr. Winters enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) where he obtained a Masters In Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in High Risk Youth and Co-occuring Disorders in May 2012. Mr. Winters was previously employed as a Community Liaison in the Child Welfare and Attendance Department with the Lafayette Parish School System.<\/p>\n Currently, Mr. Winters is the CEO and Lead Therapist for his own company: Leon C. Winters, LCSW LLC DBA Winters Mental Health and Consulting. The company’s focus is assisting children and families through the toughest transitions in life. Mr. Winters has gained extensive knowledge providing services to families in times of crisis, bridging the gap bewteen the school and community, assisting children with behavioral disorders, navigating cumbersome state and federal laws regarding special education\/504 students, educational disciplinary procedures regarding all students, truancy and discipline management within the school system. Mr. Winters has received extensive training regarding behavior modification in adults and children, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Trauma informed care of children and families. Mr. Winters has received specialized training through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. In the future, Mr. Winters plans to obtain his PhD in Social Work with a specialization on Trauma Informed care for children in Educational System.<\/p>\n Leon Winters is a Husband, Father, Mentor, Motivational Speaker Christian and Religious Musical Director for a church in Lafayette, LA. In his spare time he enjoys spending times with his family, golfing, reading, stimulating conversations, and most of all music of all kinds. For Mr. Winters music (playing and listening) has kept him grounded in many areas of his life. Mr. Winters attended college on a music scholarship, has toured with bands, performed with many artists, had his own band and uses his musical platform to give back to the community, especially reaching our youth.<\/p>\n Mr. Winters’ passion is helping youth be their best even when no one is looking. Transitioning from. poverty was a great challenge for Mr. Winters and his experiences are used as a great platfom to reach youth who may share these same experiences. Mr. Winters is currently writing a book that describes the plight from poverty to prosperity.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.5.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”6″ _address=”4.6″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.6.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Rebecca-Gee2.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.6.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.6.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.6.1.0″]<\/p>\n Dr. Rebekah Gee [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.6.1.1″]<\/p>\n Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the state\u2019s largest agency with a budget of $14 billion. Her oversight responsibilities include public health and other direct service programs for citizens in need such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, aging and adult services, emergency preparedness, and the Medicaid program. Under Dr. Gee\u2019s leadership, over 450,000 Louisianans are newly insured under Louisiana\u2019s Medicaid Expansion, and for the first time, many are receiving much needed primary and preventive health care.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is an Obstetrician\/Gynecologist and brings a caregivers\u2019 perspective to the people she serves. In her current role she has led national discussions on the negative public health impact of high drug prices. Her efforts began with the prices of drugs that cure Hepatitis C, the leading infectious disease killer in the United States. Her efforts have resulted in the first state based subscription purchasing model and elimination campaign.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is also a trained policy expert who has served in numerous state and national policy roles and in 2017 she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Prior to her role as Secretary, Dr. Gee served as the director for the Birth Outcomes Initiative where she led the charge to decrease infant mortality and prematurity statewide \u2013 an effort that in part led to a 25% reduction in infant mortality, an 85% drop in elective deliveries before 39 weeks and a 10% drop in NICU admissions statewide.<\/p>\n She is the mother of five energetic children and lives in New Orleans where she continues to see patients.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.6.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” disabled=”on” _i=”7″ _address=”4.7″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.7.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Rebecca-Gee2.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”4.7.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”4.7.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”4.7.1.0″]<\/p>\n Passion Taylor Payne [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”4.7.1.1″]<\/p>\n Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the state\u2019s largest agency with a budget of $14 billion. Her oversight responsibilities include public health and other direct service programs for citizens in need such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, aging and adult services, emergency preparedness, and the Medicaid program. Under Dr. Gee\u2019s leadership, over 450,000 Louisianans are newly insured under Louisiana\u2019s Medicaid Expansion, and for the first time, many are receiving much needed primary and preventive health care.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is an Obstetrician\/Gynecologist and brings a caregivers\u2019 perspective to the people she serves. In her current role she has led national discussions on the negative public health impact of high drug prices. Her efforts began with the prices of drugs that cure Hepatitis C, the leading infectious disease killer in the United States. Her efforts have resulted in the first state based subscription purchasing model and elimination campaign.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is also a trained policy expert who has served in numerous state and national policy roles and in 2017 she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Prior to her role as Secretary, Dr. Gee served as the director for the Birth Outcomes Initiative where she led the charge to decrease infant mortality and prematurity statewide \u2013 an effort that in part led to a 25% reduction in infant mortality, an 85% drop in elective deliveries before 39 weeks and a 10% drop in NICU admissions statewide.<\/p>\n She is the mother of five energetic children and lives in New Orleans where she continues to see patients.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”4.7.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”8″ _address=”4.8″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.8.0″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”4.8.0.0″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_id=”panelfour” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”8px||4px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”5″ _address=”5″][et_pb_row admin_label=”panel 4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”11px||17px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”5.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.0.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_padding=”||8px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”5.0.0.0″]<\/p>\n SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – PANEL FOUR: [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_text_color=”#4a4a4a” text_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||13px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.0.0.1″]<\/p>\n $3.5 Billion\u2026that\u2019s Billion with a B<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_font_size=”18px” _i=”2″ _address=”5.0.0.2″]<\/p>\n A discussion of the data and impact of racial inequities in Louisiana, considering the political, social, economic and cultural implications and strategies to create equity and opportunity for all.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”5.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.1.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Krystal-Allen-Hardy2.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”5.1.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.1.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”5.1.1.0″]<\/p>\n Krystal Allen<\/span> Krystal Hardy Allen is the Founder & CEO of K. Allen Consulting\u2122, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, and a former school leader. Operating within the U.S., South Africa, and soon Nigeria, K. Allen Consulting\u2122 is a global education consulting firm that empowers students, educators, and communities through professional development, thought leadership, and philanthropy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”5.1.1.1″]<\/p>\n Krystal Hardy Allen\u00a0is the Founder & CEO of K. Allen Consulting\u2122, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, an education advocate, and well-respected former school principal.\u00a0 K. Allen Consulting\u2122\u00a0is a global education consulting firm that empowers students, educators, and communities via professional development, thought leadership, and philanthropy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Having served over 196 schools and organizations within the United States, South Africa, and soon Nigeria,\u00a0K. Allen Consulting\u2122\u00a0‘s team of associate & senior consultants coach and develop K-12 principals, a variety of nonprofit leaders, and a plethora of business executives through customized 1-on-1 sessions and whole group workshops; design curriculum and programmatic initiatives for schools and nonprofits; provide thought leadership around topics and issues within early childhood, elementary, and secondary education; and donate thousands of dollars annually directly to K-12 student initiatives and public education classroom teachers.\u00a0 In under 3 years, this firm has impacted over 60,000 students nationally and abroad.<\/p>\n Krystal began her career teaching elementary school, serving as an instructional coach, then Asst. Principal, and thereafter, leading as an elementary & middle school Principal. A native of historic Selma, Alabama, Krystal has been a guest of the White House in attendance of ESSA Policy formulation, as well as shadowed and featured by national media, such as Yahoo News, The Hechinger Report, Education Weekly, and The CS Monitor. She is a 2019\u00a0Gambit 40 Under 40<\/em>\u00a0recipient for the city of New Orleans, was internationally named a 2019 Aspen Institute Ideas Festival Scholar, a 2016 Urban League of Louisiana ULEAD Activist Award recipient, named a 2014 Deloitte\u2122\u00a0Courageous Principal, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of KID smART.\u00a0 A\u00a0first-generation college graduate, Krystal earned her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN), M.Ed. from NLU-Chicago, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership at Columbia University (NYC).\u00a0<\/p>\n Krystal’s dedication to social justice, adult learning, and honoring both her roots and those who have come before her are the driving forces of her decision-making and life’s work.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”5.1.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”2″ _address=”5.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Ernest-Broussard.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”5.2.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.2.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”5.2.1.0″]<\/p>\n Ernest Broussard Ernie Broussard has 42 years of professional experience in government, urban policy, capital Project\/Program management, land use administration, state and federal program administration, and a host of planning and economic development initiatives. He is currently the Business Development Manager for Hunt, Guillot, and Associates (HGA) Lake Charles office; a multi-disciplined full-service engineering group that has national and international notoriety.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”5.2.1.1″]<\/p>\n Ernie Broussard has 42 years of professional experience in government, urban policy, capital Project\/Program management, land use administration, state and federal program administration, and a host of planning and economic development initiatives. He has an advanced degree in Planning and Urban Design from the University of Southwest Louisiana, currently ULL, and went on to secure certification in Land Use Administration from the Pepperdine University School of Law. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma, where he received the prestigious Robert B. Cassell National Award for Leadership and Academic Excellence.<\/p>\n Ernie is an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) with the American Planning Association, as well as, a CEcD (Certified Economic and Community Developer) through the International Economic Development Council. He has been awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award, as well as, being named Planner of the Year on three separate occasions, even as recently at 2011. He has also qualified as an expert witness before congress on three occasions and multiple court litigation.<\/p>\n He also has three national awards for outstanding plans and economic strategies for the Comprehensive Zoning Law and Urban Design for the City of Lake Charles, \u201cA New Vision- An Economic Strategy for Downtown Economic Development\u201d, as well as, the Adaptive Reuse Plan for the Chennault International Airport Authority. Ernie has also been a recipient of numerous national and regional awards for leadership, professional excellence, and sustained meritorious contributions throughout his professional career.<\/p>\n Ernie was employed by the Cameron Parish Police Jury as the Executive Director of the Planning & Development Agency, where a long-term planning and economic development initiative is ongoing for the parish. This initiative achieved both short and long-term sustainable objectives in order to make Cameron Parish a planned livable community since the devastation from Hurricane Rita. Ernie was recognized by the Office of Community Development for the State of Louisiana and the Bush School of Public Policy at Texas ATM for the Cameron Redevelopment Plan as Best Practice, outstanding contributions to coastal recovery and incorporated redevelopment initiatives for resiliency for recovering communities. He has also served as a board member for the Road Home Program, the Louisiana Land Trust Authority and the Louisiana National Guard Foundation.<\/p>\n Ernie is currently the Business Development Manager for Hunt, Guillot, and Associates (HGA) Lake Charles office; a multi-disciplined full-service engineering group that has national and international notoriety in engineering design, pipeline services, project and program management, as well as its own staffing business unit for professional\u00a0placements. The immersion of the HGA brand into southwest Louisiana with specific industrial targets as LNG, oil and gas, petrochemical, materials handling, specialty chemicals, C&G, and other specific disciplines where the marketing objectives for this corporation. Ernie\u2019s core responsibilities for HGA include, but are not limited to, developing strategic alliances and business opportunities in Louisiana and Texas. <\/span><\/p>\n Ernie sits on the Louisiana Energy Export Association (LEEA), currently serving as treasurer, as well as, Vice-Chair of the Louisiana National Guard Foundation. Being very active in the SWLA Business Alliance\/Chamber, Ernie serves on the 2019 Executive Committee, chairs the Business Development and Diversity committee and sits as a functioning board member on the Lake Charles I-10 Bridge Taskforce. Ernie is also currently president of the Colt Group a professional planning and economic development and policy analysis agency that renders strategic solutions to both industry, municipal, and private sector interests. His current clientele includes ProfastTelcom, Frontier Hospitals, Global Management Enterprise, Industrial Logistics, Town of Iowa, just to name a few. <\/span><\/p>\n Ernie is married to the former Phyllis Marie Craven and has two children, Brandon Ernest and Megan Nicole. He is a personal advocate of Louisiana Bred Quarter horses and enjoys competing in American Cutting Horse events. He is an admirer of Louisiana history, Western heritage, and prides himself on being a sports fisherman, avid hunter, and as a former athlete, still enjoys competitive sports whenever his recurrent ailments permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”5.2.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”3″ _address=”5.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.3.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Jordan-Collins_1.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”5.3.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.3.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”5.3.1.0″]<\/p>\n Jordan Collins [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” disabled=”on” _i=”1″ _address=”5.3.1.1″]<\/p>\n Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the state\u2019s largest agency with a budget of $14 billion. Her oversight responsibilities include public health and other direct service programs for citizens in need such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, aging and adult services, emergency preparedness, and the Medicaid program. Under Dr. Gee\u2019s leadership, over 450,000 Louisianans are newly insured under Louisiana\u2019s Medicaid Expansion, and for the first time, many are receiving much needed primary and preventive health care.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is an Obstetrician\/Gynecologist and brings a caregivers\u2019 perspective to the people she serves. In her current role she has led national discussions on the negative public health impact of high drug prices. Her efforts began with the prices of drugs that cure Hepatitis C, the leading infectious disease killer in the United States. Her efforts have resulted in the first state based subscription purchasing model and elimination campaign.<\/p>\n Dr. Gee is also a trained policy expert who has served in numerous state and national policy roles and in 2017 she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Prior to her role as Secretary, Dr. Gee served as the director for the Birth Outcomes Initiative where she led the charge to decrease infant mortality and prematurity statewide \u2013 an effort that in part led to a 25% reduction in infant mortality, an 85% drop in elective deliveries before 39 weeks and a 10% drop in NICU admissions statewide.<\/p>\n She is the mother of five energetic children and lives in New Orleans where she continues to see patients.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”5.3.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”4″ _address=”5.4″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.4.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Ava-Dejoie.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”5.4.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.4.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”5.4.1.0″]<\/p>\n Ava Dejoie [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”5.4.1.1″]<\/p>\n Ava Dejoie is Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. She was appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards in January 2016. As Secretary, Dejoie is responsible for providing the strategic vision to enhance the growth of Louisiana\u2019s economy and its workforce, by putting people to work in fulfilling, family-sustaining careers. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and job-seekers and oversees worker compensation benefits. The LWC also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.<\/p>\n Secretary Dejoie has more than 20 years of leadership experience in public administration and is passionate about finding solutions that make Louisiana an outstanding place in which to live, work and grow a business. Her focus on the public policy field took root when she served as an intern in the office of U.S. Sen. John Breaux, D-La. Secretary Dejoie joined the LWC in 2012 and most recently was statewide coordinator of its Rapid Response Team. In this role, she directed resources to workers displaced by corporate layoffs, shut-downs and other job-reduction actions.<\/p>\n She earlier served as director of LWC special projects in the New Orleans area, including supervising the Avondale Employee Transition Center. Secretary Dejoie\u2019s extensive background in Louisiana workforce development includes experience as a business liaison for the Louisiana Department of Education. In addition, she served as a founding board member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System from 1998-2007.<\/p>\n Secretary Dejoie also served as vice president of the Welfare to Work Partnership, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in New Orleans that provides innovative workforce solutions for companies through the hiring, retention and promotion of welfare recipients and other unemployed workers. She supervised creation of the partnership\u2019s law project, and was recognized for the accomplishment by President George W. Bush in ceremonies at the White House. While with the partnership, she also helped secure funding for a process technology laboratory at L.B. Landry High School in New Orleans.<\/p>\n Secretary Dejoie is a native of New Orleans and graduate of Ursuline Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from Loyola University of New Orleans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”5.4.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”5″ _address=”5.5″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.5.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Ashley-Shelton_1.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”5.5.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”5.5.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”5.5.1.0″]<\/p>\n Ashley Shelton – Moderator<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”5.5.1.1″]<\/p>\n Ashley K. Shelton is the Executive Director of the Power Coalition, a statewide 501c3 table in Louisiana. The Power Coalition uses a broad-based strategy that combines community organizing, issue advocacy, and civic action all while increasing the capacity of community organizations throughout the state to sustain and hold the work. Mrs. Shelton has led both C3 and C4 strategies to move more than 500,000 voters throughout the state of Louisiana having significant impact in elections in the major metros including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Since our inception we have focused on moving infrequent voters of color. Our integrated voter engagement approach has changed policy at the municipal and state level as well as move infrequent voters of color to vote at the same levels as chronic voters in the communities where we run a full get out to vote program.<\/p>\n The Power Coalition is a spinoff organization of One Voice. As the former Louisiana Director of One Voice, Mrs. Shelton led a series of coordinated campaigns while anchoring and supporting the development of the 501c3 table that is now The Power Coalition. Prior to this role, Mrs. Shelton was the Vice President of Programs at the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF). Mrs. Shelton managed LDRF\u2019s system of integrated, value-added programs with the goal of creating a better Louisiana for all of its citizens in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.<\/p>\n Prior to this, Ms. Shelton served as Director of Grantmaking for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Ms. Shelton has received many honors, including selection as a 2005-2006 Fellow in the Emerging Leaders Program at Duke University and the University of Cape Town, and was appointed in 2003 to the Foundation for the Mid South\u2019s Commission to Build Philanthropy. Ms. Shelton attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, graduating with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Mass Communications.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”5.5.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” _i=”6″ _address=”5.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.6.0″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”5.6.0.0″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” module_id=”panelfive” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”8px||1px|||” fb_built=”1″ _i=”6″ _address=”6″][et_pb_row admin_label=”panel 5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”11px||17px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”6.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”6.0.0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_padding=”||8px|||” _i=”0″ _address=”6.0.0.0″]<\/p>\n SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – PANEL FIVE: [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_text_color=”#4a4a4a” text_font_size=”25px” custom_margin=”||13px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”6.0.0.1″]<\/p>\n Intersection of Race, Identity and Mission<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ text_text_align=”center” text_font_size=”18px” _i=”2″ _address=”6.0.0.2″]<\/p>\n Access to quality services, substance abuse, stigma and medication in youth and adolescence are critical behavioral health issues across the state. Learn about strategies that increase knowledge about ways to advocate for a stronger mental health system.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”1″ _address=”6.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”6.1.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Lanor-Curole.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”6.1.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”6.1.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”6.1.1.0″]<\/p>\n Lanor Curole<\/span> Lanor Curole is a citizen of the United Houma Nation (UHN) in southeast Louisiana and a life-long resident of Lafourche Parish where she continues to live within the tribal community. She is the current President of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR), which is a national organization that advocates for the employment needs of American Indians with disabilities<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”6.1.1.1″]<\/p>\n Lanor Curole is a citizen of the United Houma Nation (UHN) in southeast Louisiana and a life-long resident of Lafourche Parish (county) where she continues to live within the tribal community and is pleased to have the opportunity to work for the betterment of her people as the Tribal Administrator of the UHN. She has been in this position for 9 years. Ms. Curole grew up in the tiny community of Golden Meadow where her family lived a good life seasonally off the land.<\/p>\n \u00a0Her work includes overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tribe and the nonprofit arm where community services are administered. Her grant writing efforts garner nearly $1M annually for the Tribe. Part of her work today is to raise awareness of the environmental changes and challenges happening around the UHN communities. However, her love is to serve tribal elders and citizens with disabilities to aid them in living productively in the community on their own terms.<\/p>\n \u00a0Lanor is the current President of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR), which is a national organization that advocates for the employment needs of American Indians with disabilities. She is Leadership Award recipient in 2008 from the V-Day Foundation as well as 2002 from the UHN.<\/p>\n \u00a0Ms. Curole has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Nicholls State University and a master\u2019s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Washington University. She is proud of her educational accomplishments as she is the first generation in her family that was allowed into the public-school system and her mother attended a segregated all Indian school where she was only afforded a 7th grade education. Lanor credits her mother for her drive to succeed because of the limitations she faced as a young Houma Indian woman growing up in the 1950s and 60s.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”2″ _address=”6.1.2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” _i=”2″ _address=”6.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”0″ _address=”6.2.0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/urbanleaguela.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Deon-Haywood.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_style=”fold” _i=”0″ _address=”6.2.0.0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.27.3″ _i=”1″ _address=”6.2.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”20px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|true|true” _i=”0″ _address=”6.2.1.0″]<\/p>\n Deon Haywood For more than 25 years, Deon has worked as a human rights defender and advocate for Black women, working class and low-come women, and LGBTQ communities in the Deep South.<\/span> <\/span>Through her relentless advocacy, she has grown Women with a Vision into a leading voice on Black women and criminalization in the American South, advancing community-led policy solutions on the international and national stages and at home in Louisiana.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Read Full Bio” _builder_version=”3.27.3″ custom_margin=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” _i=”1″ _address=”6.2.1.1″]<\/p>\n For more than 25 years, Deon has worked as a human rights defender and advocate for Black women, working class and low-come women, and LGBTQ communities in the Deep South.\u00a0As the Executive Director of Women With A Vision (WWAV) in New Orleans, she led the organization after Hurricane Katrina in successfully changing the \u201ccrime against nature\u201d statute being used to criminalize street-based sex work, thereby securing the removal of more than 800 people from the Louisiana sex offender registry. <\/span><\/p>\n
President, National Urban League<\/em>
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<\/b>Marc H. Morial is President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation\u2019s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. As Mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002, Morial led New Orleans\u2019 renaissance, and left office with a 70% approval rating. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics and African American Studies, he also holds a law degree from the Georgetown University.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>CNN Political Commentator
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<\/b>Angela Rye is Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in the nation\u2019s capital. She is a CNN Political Commentator and NPR Political Analyst. She has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outlets from Marie Claire to Ebony and the Washington Post. Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in the political process.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>CNN Political Commentator<\/em>
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<\/b>Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he defeated a 26-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina.\u00a0Sellers practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC and is a Political Commentator at CNN.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/b>CEO & President, Foundation for Louisiana<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>Author and Education Expert
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<\/b>Dr. Lisa Delpit is a nationally and internationally-known speaker and writer whose work has focused on the education of children of color and the perspectives, aspirations, and pedagogy of teachers of color.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b><\/b>Program Manager,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Youth Rebuilding New Orleans
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<\/b>America Lenox is a community leader passionate about impacting civic engagement and community outreach. She is a devoted mother committed to bridging the gaps and ensuring youth and families have sustainable resources to meet their needs.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>Retired Senior Director of Small Business Services, Louisiana Economic Development (LED)<\/em>
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John W. Matthews, Jr. is a native of New Orleans who recently retired from the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) in May of 2019, following an illustrious career that began at Texaco and eventually led to multiple appointments by the Governor of Louisiana.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Greater New Orleans Foundation
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<\/b>Tyronne currently serves as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. In this role Tyronne oversees all external affairs, government relations, and communications of the Foundation. In addition to leading initiatives like GiveNOLA Day which raised a record $5.9 million for nonprofits across Southeast Louisiana in 2019, Tyronne also oversees the foundation\u2019s policy and advocacy work.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Associate Director of the All-In Cities Initiative, PolicyLink<\/em>
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Tracey Ross leads the All-In Cites initiative at PolicyLink. In this role, she works with cities across the country to adopt policies and practices to promote racial economic inclusion equitable growth.
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<\/b>President of The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>Executive Director, \u0003Northeast Delta Human Services Authority <\/em><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/span>Program Manager,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Public Allies New Orleans
<\/i><\/b><\/span>
<\/b>Shawn Kelly is an organizer, trainer, and advocate for social change. He works in Young Adult Leadership Development as Program Manager of Public Allies New Orleans. He is also a fellow at the New Orleans Youth Alliance, where he and other young people fight on behalf of the youth of New Orleans.<\/p>\n
Senior Pastor of Grace & Glory Family Worship Church International<\/em>
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Pastor Eileen Lumar-Johnson serves as Senior Pastor of Grace & Glory Family Worship Church International in New Orleans. She also serves as Director of Community Relations at Audubon Nature Institute and has over 30 years public relations and community outreach experience.
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<\/i><\/b>CEO and Lead Therapist of Winters Mental Health and Consulting
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<\/b>Mr. Winters is the CEO and Lead Therapist for his own company which focuses on assisting children and families through the toughest transitions in life. He has gained extensive knowledge providing services to families in times of crisis and bridging the gap between the school and community.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health<\/em>
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Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the state\u2019s largest agency with a budget of $14 billion. Her oversight responsibilities include public health and other direct service programs for citizens in need such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, aging and adult services, emergency preparedness, and the Medicaid program. Under Dr. Gee\u2019s leadership, over 450,000 Louisianans are newly insured under Louisiana\u2019s Medicaid Expansion, and for the first time, many are receiving much needed primary and preventive health care.
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<\/span>Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health<\/em>
<\/b>
Dr. Rebekah Gee is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the state\u2019s largest agency with a budget of $14 billion. Her oversight responsibilities include public health and other direct service programs for citizens in need such as behavioral health, developmental disabilities, aging and adult services, emergency preparedness, and the Medicaid program. Under Dr. Gee\u2019s leadership, over 450,000 Louisianans are newly insured under Louisiana\u2019s Medicaid Expansion, and for the first time, many are receiving much needed primary and preventive health care.
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<\/b>Founder & CEO, K. Allen Consulting<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>Business Development Manager, Hunt, Guillot, and Associates<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/b>Technician at Gulf South Engineering and Testing
<\/i><\/strong>
Jordan Collins is a Technician at Gulf South Engineering and Testing. He holds a bachelor\u2019s in psychology from the University of New Orleans and an Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology (PTEC)\u00a0from Nunez Community College, and holds a number of other certifications. He is a graduate of the Urban League of Louisiana\u2019s Training to Work Adult Reentry Program, where he received intensive case management, mentoring, career & workforce fundaments, and financial literacy. Jordan is an advocate for the formerly incarcerated, having been previously incarcerated himself. He is married and is the father of a 16-month old daughter.
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<\/span><\/strong>Secretary, Louisiana Workforce Commission
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<\/b>Secretary Dejoie has more than 20 years of leadership experience in public administration and is passionate about finding solutions that make Louisiana an outstanding place in which to live, work and grow a business.\u00a0As Secretary, she is responsible for providing the strategic vision to enhance the growth of Louisiana’s economy and its workforce, by putting people to work in fulfilling, family-sustaining careers.\u00a0Her extensive background in Louisiana workforce development includes experience as a business liaison for the Louisiana Department of Educatio as well as serving as a founding board member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>Executive Director, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
<\/strong><\/em>
Ashley K. Shelton is the Executive Director of the Power Coalition, a statewide 501c3 table in Louisiana, which uses a broad-based strategy that combines community organizing, issue advocacy, and civic action all while increasing the capacity of community organizations throughout the state. She has led both C3 and C4 strategies to move more than 500,000 voters throughout the state of Louisiana having significant impact in elections in the major metros including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
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<\/b>Tribal Administrator, United Houma Nation<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>Executive Director, \u0003Women with a Vision<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n