Missions Bayou

Nellie Catzen is the Executive Director of the Committee for a Better New Orleans. We sat down with her to talk about how civic engagement in New Orleans can be reimagined through joy, culture, and community. Nellie shares how the organization’s “Better New Orleans Block Party” flips the script on traditional civic spaces by bringing the work of democracy to the people—in their neighborhoods, thro...

Sarah Bell is the Chief of Industry Exposure and Experience, and John Cosper is the Director of Employer Partnerships at YouthForce NOLA. They join us to share how their team is connecting high school students in New Orleans with paid internships that build both career readiness and confidence. Through 60+ hours of soft skills training and over 100 hours of real-world work experience, YouthForce i...

Gerald Duhon is the Executive Director of the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI). We sit down with Gerald to talk about the Hospitality Investment Training (HIT) program which helps young adults in New Orleans access career pathways in the city’s most iconic industry. Gerald breaks down how the program addresses gaps in traditional hospitality training by focusing on function...

Scott Tilton is the Co-founder and Director of the Nous Foundation, the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures. We sit down with Scott to talk about why now is the critical moment to open a cultural center dedicated to preserving Louisiana’s French, Creole, and Indigenous heritage. Scott shares the history behind Louisiana’s declining French-speaking population, the cultural discriminatio...

Larry Irvin is the Executive Director of Brothers Empowered to Teach, and Arianne Craig Jolla is the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Together, they’re leading the charge to increase the number of Black male educators in classrooms through initiatives like Pipeline 360. With Black men making up only 1.3% of public school teachers nationwide, Larry and Arianne break down why this matters, ho...

William Stoudt is the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together New Orleans, a nonprofit tackling the long-term impact of Hurricane Ida by repairing and fortifying roofs for low-income homeowners. We sat down with him to talk about how his team is helping New Orleanians stay in their homes by building safer, stronger roofs—starting from the top down. From blue tarps to rising insurance rates, Will...

Looking to grow your business in New Orleans? Eric Paskewich (Director of Entrepreneurship) and Damian Clark (Strategic Project Manager) from Propeller join us to break down how their revamped Impact Accelerator Program is helping local entrepreneurs scale with purpose. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this episode covers the resources, mentorship, and real-world support av...

James Karst is the Communications Director at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), and he joins us to talk about the urgent fight to save Louisiana’s coast. With over 2,000 square miles of wetlands lost in the past century—an area the size of Delaware—James breaks down why this crisis affects everyone, from local communities to the economy and hurricane protection. We discuss CRCL’s...

Alexander Bigbie is the Executive Director of Flyte, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting small businesses—especially Black women-owned businesses in Southeast Louisiana. He joins Missions Bayou to share how Flyte is filling gaps in the business support ecosystem with accessible, virtual programming, a focus on financial wellness, and long-term mentorship. Unlike traditional accelerator programs, F...

Sarintha Stricklin is the Executive Director of Jefferson Ready Start Network, working to expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education in Jefferson Parish. We dive into the childcare crisis, discussing how the lack of affordable options forces parents out of the workforce and costs Louisiana over $700 million a year. Sarintha breaks down the impact on businesses, families, a...

Sam McCabe is the Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development at Loyola University. We dive into how Loyola is expanding its role in New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) by hosting a two-day summit focused on innovation, AI, and the creator economy. We also discuss how Loyola’s Jesuit values drive its commitment to community impact, providing students with hands-on entrep...

Jon Lee, Executive Director, and Brenna Byrne, Program Director of Youth Run NOLA, join us to talk about how their 504K race is making running fun, inclusive, and accessible for all. This annual event goes beyond competition—it's about community, joy, and movement. We discuss how the race removes barriers, fosters belonging for youth, and creates a space where everyone, regardless of ability,...