Christiann Cannon

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Issue Area: Criminal Justice,
Mental Health

School/Work: Tulane University

Goal after the Fellowship: I hope to get the inspiration from young people in New Orleans. I’m always interested in learning new things from people, especially young people.

“To be a leader is to lead by example. I believe true leaders make mistakes. My favorite quote by Albert Einstein is, ‘A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.’ Young people are always trying and innovating new things. That risk is what we need.”

Donica Carter

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Issue Area: Criminal Justice & Juvenile Justice

School/Work: Peer Support Specialist, Goodwill Industries

Goal after the Fellowship: I would like to become more knowledgeable on the impacts of inequality and poverty as it relates to social work, before going to school for social work next year.

“The young people of New Orleans deserve a bright and successful future, and there are many changes that must occur to help our youth thrive. The implementation of more trauma-informed approaches within schools would make a drastic positive impact. Trauma-informed staff in schools will directly impact the relationship between youth and adults, by opening up a welcoming space where there is understanding between both parties.”

Nia Gates

Pronouns: she/her and they/them

Issue Area: Education

School/Work: Dillard University

Goal after the Fellowship: I would like to be able to step up and be that leader to help change the community, and maybe even the world. I want to be able to speak up and speak out for injustice with confidence.

“Young people have more ability to change their communities than they think they do. Society has a habit of trying to put down kids when they try to stand up for what they believe in or speak out, but the awareness, action and voice of youth can literally change the country as a whole.”

Sanaia Hunter

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Issue Area: Education, LGBTQ Rights

School/Work: Sophie B. Wright Charter School

Goal after the Fellowship: I would like to use what I’ve learned and actually try to help make a difference in the communities and youth.

“It’s important for young people to be leaders in their communities because we are the future. The youth don’t realize how important and valuable their voice is. Their voice should be heard.”

J. Christopher Johnson

Pronouns: he/him/his

Issue Area: Education, Gentrification

School/Work:
Admissions Counselor, Dillard University

Goal after the Fellowship: I hope to create direct impact and change in the city of New Orleans. For far too long have the citizens of New Orleans been involuntary participants of inequitable resources, and it’s past time an unapologetic voice shook ground.

“Young people possess the unique characteristic of unbiased resilience. When faced with adversity or a challenging situation, the curiosity and creativity of young people thrive.”

Déja Jones

Pronouns: she/her and they/them

Issue Area: Education, Criminal Justice,
Economic & Workforce Development

School/Work:
New Orleans Conservatory for Creative Arts

Goal after the Fellowship: I would like to share my new knowledge by applying it to my art. I use my work as a catalyst to encourage conversations around equity and intersectionality

“With the right knowledge and guidance, our youth’s capacity to affect change is limitless. From the Black Panther Party of the ‘60s to current protests against the NRA, the youth have a long history of running to the frontlines and making their voices heard.”

Jeremiah Jones

Pronouns: he/him/his

Issue Area: Education

School/Work: Xavier University of Louisiana

Goal after the Fellowship: Improve the connection between people and museums so as to promote people of my community and others knowing their history.

“Youth must rise up and create change in their communities. To create change, one needs energy and passion. The youth feel the most compelled and have the most energy, hence are most easily able to create change.”

Demond McDonald

Pronouns: he/him/his

Issue Area: Family Policy

School/Work:
Livingston Collegiate Academy

Education Policy Fellow, Orleans Public Education Network

Board Member, Irene Morgan Schools

Goal after the Fellowship: I want to be more involved in my city and enable other young people to do the same.

“Young people and their communities will inherit the earth, so it is important to give them the capacity or positions to affect change in it.”

André Vappie

Pronouns: he/him/his

Issue Area: Health, LGBTQ+ Rights, Environmental Justice

School/Work: Loyola University

Goal after the Fellowship:  I would like young LGBTQ+ people to be more educated on sexual health and be more environmentally conscious.

“Young people need to learn to play the role of leaders within their lives so that they can help to city to go in a different direction. [Youth] have to learn to use the voice they have by learning what their strongest skill is and building it to help teach and reach out to others.”

Matthew Weber III

Pronouns: he/him/his

Issue Area: Education

School/Work: Tulane University

Goal after the Fellowship: I would like to attend a top 25 law school.

“Young people must become leaders because no one will work with as much passion and insight in their communities as they will. Young people uniquely have the energy and creativity to fuel change in their communities.”