DR. JAMES DABNEY
Executive Director

james@noya.org
(he/him/his)

Dr. Dabney, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the field of youth development, brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for cultivating environments where young people can thrive.

A proud native of New Orleans and a product of the Orleans Parish School System, Dr. Dabney is an alumnus of Oliver Perry Walker Senior High School. His academic journey includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy & Leadership from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Higher Education from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Southern University and A&M College.

Dr. Dabney's diverse professional background encompasses roles as a teacher, student affairs practitioner, adjunct professor of education, and leadership positions in educational nonprofits focused on college access, success, and leadership development. His commitment to the educational landscape of New Orleans is further demonstrated through his service on the InspireNOLA Charter Schools Board.

MICHELE SEYMOUR
Reengagement Center Director

michele@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Michele Seymour is an educator and educational justice advocate with over ten years of experience in Postsecondary Access and Youth Development. She is a life-long resident and learner of New Orleans. She is a proud native of New Orleans East and an alumna of Loyola University New Orleans where she earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice.

After completing a service year with Literacy*AmeriCorps, she worked as a Transition Services Coordinator establishing an early framework for postsecondary bridging for over 300 adult learners in the greater New Orleans region and facilitating collaboration with community partners and post-secondary institutions to secure equitable access for non-traditional students. Michele is a champion of adult literacy as a longstanding member of the Literacy Alliance of Greater New Orleans and a selection committee member of One Book, One New Orleans. Michele is a former board member of LAPCAE (2018-2020) where she served as regional representative for six parishes.

Michele possesses a passion for student-centered and student-powered engagement. She has presented her work establishing post-secondary readiness programs at several education conferences including the National Partnership for Educational Access and SXSW Education. She is the executive director of Project Butterfly New Orleans, an evidence-based, African-centered girls rites of passage program. Michele is an Afrofuturist-based costume artist and member of the AfroFuturist Krewe NOLA.

LADONYA WILLIAMS
Director of Professional Development & Organizational Effectiveness (PDOE)

ladonya@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

LaDonya Williams is a native New Orleanian who is committed to advancing community health and wellness. Throughout her career she has planned, implemented, and evaluated programs to facilitate better health outcomes for individuals and families.

LaDonya has experience in community-based participatory research, non-profit organizations, government, parks and recreation, and private sector business. She serves as a consultant for non-profit organizations providing services in strategic planning, program planning, grant writing, and monitoring and evaluation. LaDonya earned a Master of Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine focusing on Community Health Sciences in 2005.

She is also a 2002 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science. Her professional purpose is to lead and serve the community by working towards racial, economic and health equity.

DOMINIQUE BUTLER
Director of External Affairs

dominique@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Dominique Butler is an artist, community builder and army brat. She received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama, where she studied television & film, sociology and business. During her time in college, she engaged in diverse extracurricular activities that provided her with a rich array of transferable knowledge, ranging from organizing a student film festival to launching an astrology club and radio show.

Dominique initially joined the NOYA team in 2018 through the inaugural cohort of Public Allies New Orleans, and upon completion of the program, she led and coordinated the NOYA Youth Leadership Fellowship for its first three years. Currently, Dominique spearheads NOYA’s communications and external affairs, develops multimedia content, leads the organization’s narrative change work, and serves as an external assessor for NOLA-YPQI.

Dominique finds endless joy and inspiration through her proximity to the ecosystem of youth-led and community-centered initiatives in New Orleans. She serves as the board co-chair for Electric Girls, an organization that provides innovative and meaningful hands-on learning experiences for girls who are passionate about STEM.

DR. BRIAN TURNER
Directory of Policy

brian@noya.org
(he/him/his)

A native of New Orleans, Dr. Turner received his Bachelors of Science at The Southern University and A&M College and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Jackson State University. Dr. Turner is the owner and operator of Moments of Truth, L.L.C., private practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He currently serves as an Associate Professor and the Department Head in the Department of Psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Dr. Turner has published work in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, and technical reports on community health, masculinity identity development, and mentorship. He is a sought after speaker on topics ranging from reduction of mental stigma, masculinity identity, therapy and culture, and mental health in higher education. Dr. Turner’s work as a professor, clinician, and researcher is grounded in his multicultural training which examines the impact of culture on mental health. During his time at Xavier University of Louisiana his research has focused on Black Male Experiences in Higher Education, Black Women and Risky Behaviors, and Mental Health and HBCUs.

Personally, Dr. Turner is the proud father of the intelligent and beautiful, Blair Layla. He is also the daddy to Von Duke Bailey Turner, a full blooded German Rottweiler.

MADISON CONNER
Executive Office Administrator

madison@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Madison Conner grew up in a family deeply rooted in the casino industry. After relocating to Florida, she earned her degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida.

Madison's career took her to New Orleans, where she excelled as an executive assistant in a sublingual technology company. Her expertise in creating successful organizational structures has been a cornerstone of her professional achievements.

Now, Madison is channeling her skills into the vital mission of youth leadership development, fueled by her passion for nurturing future leaders. She’s dedicated to inspiring the next generation while embracing every moment of life’s adventure.

When she's not turning chaos into order, Madison enjoys designing T-shirts, cheering on her favorite professional wrestlers, and chilling with her feline overlord, Kaptain. With Madison around, there’s never a dull moment—unless, of course, Kaptain decides it's nap time.

CIA BLACKSTOCK
Trauma-Informed Youth Programs Coordinator

cia@noya.org
(they/them/theirs)

Cia Blackstock joins the New Orleans Youth Alliance team as the Trauma-Informed Youth Programs Coordinator, a position funded by a three-year grant from the Coalition for Compassionate Schools (CforCS) and the NOYA. Cia will co-lead the Core Trauma Informed Schools Implementation Team, advancing equitable, healing-centered, and trauma-informed practices in K-8 schools.

With 14 years of youth development experience, Cia has worked as an educator, community organizer, and facilitator, focusing on anti-racism, collective liberation, and healing justice. Cia received their bachelors degree from North Carolina University at Chapel Hill in Music and Education. They served as the Director of Programs for Electric Girls and currently develop curriculum and facilitate workshops as a Weikart Center Certified YouthWorks Methods Facilitator with NOYA.

Cia founded Collective Liberation Climbing, a BIPOC community rock climbing group, and is a part-owner and former CEO of the New Orleans Boulder Lounge. They are passionate about empowering young people through authentic relationships and trauma-informed methods, believing that healing justice in education and rock climbing can save lives and liberate communities.

ROGDERICKA ELLIS
REC Transition Advisor

rogdericka@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Rogdericka Ellis is an educator and entrepreneur with over 7 years of experience in Education and Entrepreneurship. She is a lifelong resident and learner of New Orleans. She is a proud native of the Upper Ninth Ward and an alumna of Southern University at New Orleans, where she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and her C.G.S. from Delgado Community College.  After earning her equivalency diploma in 2012, Rogdericka worked as a Paraprofessional at the Youth Empowerment Project, where she supported GED/HiSET attainment for graduates and acted as a peer mentor. Rogdericka is a former AmeriCorps member working with Louisiana's Boys and Girls Club.  It was here that sparked her passion for education. In 2020, she became a 5th-grade teacher at Morris Jeff Community School. 

Rogdericka has been recognized as an alumni and ambassador for her commitment to adult and community education. She has been invited to national and international conferences to discuss the impacts of post-Katrina recovery on the New Orleans education system. She is a recipient of the "Women Breaking Barriers in Literacy" award from One Book, One New Orleans. In 2023, she was the Keynote Speaker at the 16th Annual Greater New Orleans Adult Education Graduation. 

Rogdericka owns Paradise Candles, a brand for candle lovers worldwide who appreciate high-quality products and fragrances. When she isn't educating young minds, she enjoys cooking and baking, DIY projects, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and giving back to those who need it most.  

SIERRA GAINES
Senior Opportunity Youth (OY) Ambassador

sierra@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Sierra Gaines is a community advocate and future psychologist. She is a graduate of Dillard University, where she studied child psychology and sociology.

Sierra is an OY Ambassador with the Reengagement Center, where she works on improving community engagement and fostering relationships with youth participants. Sierra has engaged as a youth advisor with partners such as the Jobs for the Future Young Adult Talent Development and the Youth Voice Working Group with NOLA’s Children and Youth Planning Board.

Sierra believes young people are the key and inspiration for growth in our communities and that adult investment is necessary to support young people as future changemakers.

DONICA CARTER
Opportunity Youth (OY) Ambassador

donica@noya.org
(she/her/hers)

Donica Carter is an OY Ambassador and 2020 NOYA Fellow alumna. She is a proud graduate of The Net Charter. Donica is a former Legislative Intern with the Louisiana Institute for Children and Families where she drove policy change initiatives and spoke on behalf of women and children to the Senate Select Committee. Donica served as a Board Member with the Louisiana Elite Advocacy Force and was participated in the Youth Voice Working Group with NOLA’s Children and Youth Planning Board. Donica believes in the power of youth voice to drive change in our communities and beyond. Her future aspiration is to create accessible and holistic childcare for young parents in New Orleans.