Hustle Skirt

Margaret Montgomery-Richard, Ph.D., a distinguished educator, community leader, and entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to her roles. Notably, she served as Chancellor of Louisiana Technical College (LTC), overseeing 40 campuses during the challenging post-Katrina period. Dr. Montgomery-Richard is recognized as a Complete College America Fellow and PEP Coach, exemplifying her commitment to educa...

Dr. Cassandra D. Youmans, MD, MPH, MS-HCM, FACP, FAAP Dr. Youmans obtained a Doctorate of Medicine from the USC School of Medicine in Columbia, SC in 1987. She earned a Masters of Science in Health Care Management from the University of New Orleans in 2004, and a Masters of Public Health from the LSUHSC School of Public Health in 2005. She is a fellow of both the American College of Medicine and America...

Judy Reese Morse serves as President & CEO of Urban League of Louisiana, the largest African American-led, African American-serving organization in Louisiana. The Urban League of Louisiana promotes economic self-reliance, parity, racial equity and civil rights for African Americans and others. Morse leads an executive team that oversees education and youth development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and a host of poli...

Glenda McKinley is creative director and owner of GMc+Company Advertising, Glenda has more than 30 years of marketing strategy, creative direction, and public relations experience. Glenda established GMc+Company Advertising in 1987 with the philosophy of producing creative marketing, advertising, and public relations strategies designed to accomplish its clients’ specific marketing goals and objectives.

Over the course of her 30+...

DIANE B. LYONS, CMP, DMCP, President Diane began her career in New Orleans' hospitality industry in 1977 and shifted to Destination Management by 1985. She founded ACCENT on Arrangements in 1991, serving high-profile clients like McDonald’s and the NFL’s Super Bowl. Her company also offers ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, providing childcare for event attendees across North America. Diane is actively involved in trade association...

Angela is a retired nursing professor who has served the community for decades. Her academic achievements include a Chemistry degree from Xavier and a dual doctorate from William Carey. Although retired, she works as a Sr. MSN Evaluator for Western Governors and an Adjunct Professor for UD Mercy. While working at Carey, she established the McCon Mary Mahoney Scholarship of Excellence for RN-BSN nursing students of African heritage....

Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander, a native New Orleanian, brings more than 30 years of management and leadership experience to her role as Chief Executive Officer of Maroon Inc. and Maroon Workspace - an organization set on providing leadership support, DEI professional development, and strategic sustainability support.  

Jawan's experiences as an educational leader have included working in and supporting K-12 and higher ed leaders which ...

Jade Brown-Russell Principal Jade Brown-Russell has more than 25 years of experience in equity, program design, policy development, and project management. Her niche is developing solutions for systemic inequities in policies and programs across the nation. From government to corporate sectors, Jade’s work is grounded in providing systemic, sustainable, and equitable reform through equity, legal, and governmental relations consulti...

Judy Nixon Swanier is the owner and operator of JNX Partners – Staffing & Training Agency. JNX Partners provides extensive resources to clients through the global network of agency offices. Our strongest difference is “our approach” to identifying the potential of under-realized talent. Engaged and purpose-driven candidates excel. We focus on the company’s opportunities and create the engagement for alignment with the candidate...

Yanada G. Essex (LCSW-BACS, ACSW) is a proud New Orleanian. In 2002, she established Brighter Days, Inc. which exists to heal the mind, body and spirit in one place through holistic interventions and products. Yanada sees her work as more than her profession, it’s her ministry, her gift to God and the world.

Contact Info:

Yanada  G. Essex, LCSW-BACS, ACSW

Clinical Social Worker 

Brighter Days, Inc. 

213 South Broad Street

New Orlea...

Dr. Gail Thomas is the founder and CEO of Precise Education Consulting, LLC. Born and raised in New Orleans, she has over 30 years of firsthand experience with the changing landscapes of the education system. Her expertise is extensive. Being on the frontline, she has had the opportunity to serve in various capacities that directly impact all students, particularly those students with special needs. She received a Bachelor of Arts ...

Kathy Cobette Saloy recently retired as a Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development, Market Leader for the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast for Hope Enterprise Corporation. She focused on asset building strategies and facilitates investments in community infrastructure including fresh food retailers, charter schools, affordable housing and other community facilities, infrastructure projects while connecting co...

Carol Flowers is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with 26 years of experience. She was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwick Flowers, who are from Spanish Honduras. Carol is a graduate of Xavier University, with a degree in Foreign Language and a minor in Business. She is the owner of Totally Fit Physique, a personal training facility.

Carol Flowers ,CEO

Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Nutritionist 

Certified DBE, Certifi...

Dr. Kelly Smith is the Founding Chair and Dean for the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Southern University at New Orleans since its opening in 2022. In response to the ever-present nursing workforce shortage, Dr. Smith and her team are working to answer the call for solutions by offering another pathway to educate students as a solution to this problem in healthcare, while ensuring that there is a diverse workforce th...