Our team is passionate about making an impact.

Eric Aufderhar
Data Manager
  • An experienced Special Education instructor prior to joining NOCC, Eric knows the stories behind the spreadsheets. At NOCC, he maintains student records, databases, and information systems, then analyzes the data to find trends and organizational impact. In a prior role at NOCC, Eric supported trainees who needed accommodations in the classroom and on credential exams. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Social Science.

Hazel Bennet
Clean Team Member
  • This bio is being updated. Please check back at a later time.

Raegel Brown
Lead Medical Assistant Instructor
  • Raegel Brown came to NOCC on the recommendation of fellow instructor Danielle Vado. “She knew I wanted to return to teaching. My family members were in the medical field, and I’ve wanted to be a teacher all my life, since I was small.” An early childhood teacher for a decade, Raegel then pursued Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assisting certifications and spent 10 years in a wide range of clinical settings before joining NOCC. “I’m very happy to combine these two things. It’s really what I think I’m here on earth to do.” She is also a Basic Life Support and CPR instructor.

Shanitra Charles
Pre-nursing Instructor
  • Shanitra Charles joined NOCC from Touro Medical Center Woldenberg Village where she was part of the memory care unit. Shanita is a Licensed Practical Nurse with many years of experience in geriatrics ( skilled, custodial and memory care), physical rehab, home health (adult and pediatric), and hospice and palliative care.  At NOCC she instructs pre-nursing trainees.  She is BLS and IV certified.  

Jeraneta Davenport
Lead Pre-Nursing Instructor
  • Jeraneta joined NOCC from Ochsner’s Neuroscience department, where she was a member of the comprehensive stroke team. At NOCC, she instructs trainees in the pre-nursing pathway, imparting her knowledge of real-life nursing environments from her experiences in a variety of nursing settings such as Medical-Surgical Nurse, Orthopedic Nurse, Cardiology Nurse, as well as being a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse. Jeraneta is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), is ACLS/BLS and IV certified, and is a certified CPR instructor.

Dishawna Domingue
Medical Assistant + Clinical Skills Instructor
  • Dishawna Dominque has worked as both a Medical Assistant and Surgical Technologist in hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinics. As a Surgical Tech, she also trained in sterile processing to better understand her role in health sciences. As an instructor, she loves learning what draws trainees to the medical field , which allows her to then guide trainees in discovering more. Dishawna is a certified Surgical Technologist and certified Medical Assistant.

Lisa Encalade
Director of Facility and Transportation
  • In this role, Lisa oversees day-to-day operations of NOCC’s new building and manages trainee transportation to and from their high schools. Encalade previously worked in operations for InspireNOLA Charter Schools, Renew Charter Schools and the Recovery School District.

Myles Ford
Pharmacy Technician Instructor
  • Myles Ford fits right in with NOCC’s instructors - he’s done the job, he’s taught the job, and he’s guided students through the transition as they launch their new careers. Myles brings a keen understanding of student needs and the complex technical and personal skills needed to succeed as a Pharmacy Tech. His strong network of relationships in the pharmacy community will ensure NOCC Pharm Tech training is well-aligned and trainees have direct conduits to employment opportunities. 

Jake Gleghorn
Chief Strategy Officer
  • Jake brings 10 years of teaching and education leadership experience to NOCC. He is a seasoned strategic planning lead and worked to build and implement a 10-year vision for learning and community at a New Orleans public school. He also worked as a school leader and strategist for Teach for America and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Jake holds a master’s degree in Education Leadership, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is a nationally board-certified teacher.

Laporshia Hadnot
Medical Assisting Instructor
  • A Certified Medical Assistant, LaPorshia brings more than 10 years of professional experience in multi-physician family medical practices, in both hospital-based and private practice clinical settings to her teaching position. Prior to joining NOCC, she worked as a Pediatric Neurosurgery clinic Medical Assistant at Ochsner. At NOCC, she teaches in the Medical Assistant program, ensuring students master all the skills required for certification, including Basic Life Support. She is certified in Basic Life Support in addition to her CMA certification.

Bria Mackey-Hays
Bookkeeper
  • Bria joined NOCC after working in both nonprofit and banking accounting roles. She brings strong attention to detail to her bookkeeping role, managing all aspects of NOCC’s financial transactions, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and financial records. Bria’s responsibilities also include coordination of our purchasing and procurement processes. 

Rickey Henry
Digital Media and IT
Training Manager & Instructor
  • As an experienced graphic designer and art, graphic deisgn, and technology instructor, Rickey brings the perfect combination of skills and experience to develop NOCC’s digital media and production pathways. Most recently, he served as CTE Coordinator for New Orleans College Prep.

Carlin Jacobs
Chief Program Officer

  • Carlin’s decade-plus of experience in education, school leadership, and systems-level work have perfectly equipped him to manage school partnerships, hiring and supporting CTE instructors, student recruitment, scheduling and pathway progressions. He also monitors the industry-based credentialing (IBC) process for instructors and students, managing dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges and universities, and more. Carlin is a member of ACTE, The Louisiana Educator Voice Fellowship, New Leaders for New Schools, and the former Gulf River Parishes Jump Start team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of New Orleans.

Claire Jecklin
Chief Executive Officer & Founder

  • After 15 years leading classrooms and schools, Claire vowed to broaden the horizons of New Orleans high school students. She resigned as principal of New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics Charter School to focus on developing an innovative career and technical education option for New Orleans. This led to the founding of NOCC in 2017 with her at the helm. Today, she continues to lead NOCC’s vision and growth, as well as a team of 18 dedicated professionals. Claire holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Education Leadership. She chairs the Youth Committee of the City of New Orleans Workforce Development Board, serves on the City of New Orleans Office of Workforce Development Task Force and the YouthForce NOLA Steering Committee, and participates in the Aspen Forum for Community Development and the Louisiana Skills Coalition.

Ashley Jones
Lead Success Coach

  • Ashley began her career in education as a Parent Liaison, where she developed strong connections with

    families and the school community. Her passion for student success led her to quickly transition into the

    role of Dean of Students at NOCC, where she focused on fostering a positive and inclusive school

    environment. As NOCC’s Lead Success Coach for Adult Programming, Ashley empowers adult learners to

    achieve their educational goals and navigate their paths to success. Her commitment to mentorship and

    deep understanding of trainees’ challenges mean Ashley makes a lasting impact in the lives of those she

    serves.

Frederick Jones
Clean Team Lead
  • A member of NOCC’s Clean Team, Frederick helps ensure our building stays clean, safeand compliant. His background in construction and having owned his own landscaping business make him a valuable addition to the NOCC staff.

Harold Juluke
Chief Operations Officer
  • Harold joined NOCC ready to take on a monumental task – overseeing the completion of our new facility while leading day-to-day operations. A New Orleans native, he was most recently Director of Operations at InspireNOLA Schools where he managed and oversaw all aspects of network and school operations across eight campuses. His experience includes more than 20 years in education of all levels and types (public and private four-year universities, alternative education, traditional PK-12 schools) and with the City of New Orleans Office of Workforce Development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA.

Dianna Kennedy
Pre-nursing Instructor & RN Coordinator
  • Diana brings a wide array of nursing practice experience to her role introducing young people to the nursing profession at NOCC. Prior to the Career Center, she worked in multiple clinical settings caring for military veterans, new mothers, surgical and behavioral health patients, and more. In addition, she brings a unique insight into the world of healthcare, having also been an agency nurse and worked for insurers reviewing patient charts for reimbursement. 

Claudia Kent
Director of Finance and Personnel
  • This bio is being updated. Please check back at a later time.

Wynn Martin
Success Coach
  • Wynn joined NOCC after working as a Vocational Department Head with The Arc of St. Charles. His experiences working with individuals with a wide variety of barriers to social and academic success from housing to developmental to behavioral constraints. As an NOCC Success Coach, Wynn brings wide experience and deep passion to working with, advocating for, and empowering trainees.

Arlisha Mason, PhD, HCSM-MSN, BSN-RN
LPN Professor, RN Coordinator
  • As a critical care nurse, nursing educator, and hospital nursing director, Dr. Mason has seen and done just about everything nurses can do. At NOCC, she leads the city’s first LPN Apprenticeship program for high school students, combining her passions for nursing, educating, and elevating her community. She also provides advisory support to NOCC’s pre-nursing program and oversees summer Certified Nursing Assistant training.

Elantonio McKarry
Welding Instructor
  • college. His practical workplace experience runs the gamut, having worked in both manufacturing settings building marine vessels and commercial washing machines, and maintenance environments on commercial transportation equipment. He’s adept at TIG, MIG, FLUX, stick and aluminum welding and is a certified combo welder.

Allyson McKinney
Engineering & Manufacturing Instructor
  • A former middle school science teacher, Allyson joined NOCC in July 2019. She teaches high school students the fundamentals of digital prototyping, 3D modeling, civil engineering and architectural design, along with the creative skills and critical thinking they need to thrive in engineering or manufacturing environments. Allyson holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education, industry certification in Autodesk Inventor, and is a PLTW-IED Certified Instructor.

Martha McKnight
Development & Capital Campaign Director
  • Martha’s 35 years of nonprofit management experience have made her a veteran at creating strategic partnerships, growing institutions, and fundraising for K-16 education. In previous roles, she helped build NOCCA Riverfront, served as Tulane’s Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and supported various public school charter management organizations post-Katrina. Martha holds a bachelor’s degree in English.

Lauren Miller
Lead Program Coordinator
  • Lauren Miller has been hired as Adult Rapid Reskill Program Coordinator. In this role, Miller develops and implements program strategies for worksite development, skills training, recruitment, referral, and coordination of additional services for adult trainees. Miller was previously a high school Spanish teacher and nonprofit operations support contractor.

Christina Morris
Medical Assisting Instructor
  • Christina joined NOCC from the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home where she served as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) caring for military veterans. Her healthcare career began as a Registered Medical Assistant, working primarily in urgent care. As an LPN, she has had the pleasure of working in both pediatric and geriatric settings. As a long-time CPR instructor who trained many employees, Christina brings that dedication and excitement to ensuring NOCC trainees become hard working professionals ready to enter the healthcare field.

Kenneth Murdock, Jr.
Clean Team Member
  • This bio is being updated. Please check back at a later time.

Jeremy Oatis
Dean of Students
  • Jeremy’s super-power is helping young people make positive choices and point themselves in the right direction. Prior to joining NOCC, Jeremy spent several years at New Orleans Science and Mathematics Charter High School, starting as a teacher, then as a behavior interventionist, and finally as Dean of Students. At NOCC, Jeremy works directly with partner schools, students and parents to encourage enrollment and help ensure student success once enrolled with us.

Brittany Oden
Office Manager
  • Prior to joining NOCC, Brittany served in multiple high intensity customer service roles in both health care and retail environments, including the Tulane Cancer Center. and Ochsner’s Heart Transplant program.

Terrance Payne
Director of Building Trades Training
  • After working in multiple aspects of the construction industry, Terrance transferred that experience to teach skilled trades to New Orleanians. At NOCC, Terrance’s passion for the construction trades and the opportunities they offer spills over into every aspect of his role. He oversees NOCC’s comprehensive building trades training program, ensuring trainees earn industry-based credentials, have access to apprenticeships, and can connect with the area’s leading employers. 

Anthonise Reese
Director of High School
  • Anthonise was previously Director of Career & Technical Education and a CTE Advisor at Warren Easton Charter High School. At NOCC, she leads high school training and oversees all instructional staff. She brings more than 20 years of CTE and education experience to this role.

Austin Richards
Communications Coordinator
  • Austin joined NOCC as Digital Marketing Specialist. He plans and executes social media and digital marketing efforts on behalf of NOCC to extend the organization’s reputation and reach into the community.

MacKenzie Rosenberg
Success Coach
  • MacKenzie Rosenberg brings a decade of relationship and community building experience to his role supporting NOCC trainees as a Success Coach. He’ll share a wide array of relationships and resources from his decade as a founding staff member at Dancing Grounds to ensure the success of NOCC trainees.

Maria Schneider
Program Coordinator
  • Maria loves solving problems and tackling the nitty gritty details that come with recruiting and onboarding new trainees into NOCC’s programs. In her previous life as an independent consultant, Maria provided logistics and career/college counseling support to area youth organizations. Maria also brings 10 years of education experience connecting high school alums with post-secondary opportunities to her NOCC role. 

Cedric Singleton
Electrical Instructor
  • Cedric joins NOCC’s Building Trades after seven years as an electrician at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. His background also includes working as both an independent electrician and for local electrical contractors. He brings a wealth of technical abilities and experience in residential and commercial electrical work to his role teaching NOCC trainees. 

Taralyn Stephens
Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts Instructor
  • Chef T’s impressive background spans the gamut of culinary experiences, including serving as an Executive Chef, opening a new Emeril restaurant, running her own catering company, cooking at one of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments, and managing food service operations in multiple institutions. Chef T joined NOCC from New Orleans Job Corps where she taught students, liaised with industry leaders and developed culinary curricula. 

Lee Stevenson
Building Trades Instructor
  • This bio is being updated. Please check back at a later time.

Tanara Tenette
Director of Healthcare
  • Tanara leads NOCC’s healthcare pathways, supervising healthcare instructors and overseeing their continued professional development. She brings more than 20 years of academic and instructional leadership to this role.

Aaron Washington
Trainee Support Coordinator
  • A seasoned dean of students, guidance counselor, and CTE teacher, Aaron brings an ideal blend of experiences to his current role. He has a deep understanding of career and technical education, particularly when it comes to helping young people understand what it takes to start their own businesses. At NOCC he helps high school trainees find success and determine the next steps as they choose their future paths.

Shontal Washington
Clean Team Member
  • This bio is being updated. Please check back at a later time.

Anastasia Williams-Smith
Program Coordinator
  • Anastasia is a master of organization at NOCC, keeping many balls in the air with amazing precision. These skills have been previously honed running her own event business, coordinating logistics for a senior meal service, and keeping transportation running for a local charter school operator, among other detail-oriented roles in education and government. On top of all that, if you need her to drive a bus or teach you to run a streetcar, she can do that too! 

Brittney Y. Williams
Transitions Coordinator
  • Brittney is counselor, coach, and collaborator all rolled into one. She guides high school trainees and their families through the post-graduation landscape, helping them develop transition plans, determine the right path forward, access to the right resources, and ensures they know what it will take to persist as they take the next step.

Tiffany Woods
Operations Manager
  • Working in Operations and Facilities Management, Tiffany Woods has walked the halls of many different schools across New Orleans, including Collegiate Academies, New Beginnings Schools Foundation and ReNew Charter Schools. She’s managed vendor relationships and day-to-day operations like facilities, food service and transportation. Tiffany brings her skills forming strong relationships and keeping operations running smoothly to her role at NOCC. 

Our board of directors

Dana Peterson, chair

  • Dana Peterson is the Chief Executive Officer of New Schools for New Orleans, an education advocacy group focused on delivering on the promise of excellent public schools for every child in New Orleans. Dana formerly served as an Assistant State Superintendent in the Louisiana Department of Education and Recovery School District.

    Dana Peterson is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network as a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow. Dana is the founding board chair of the New Orleans Career Center and was recently appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. Dana is also a member of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Dana and his wife Karen live in New Orleans and are members of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.

Andre Kelly

  • Andre Kelly is New Orleans District Area Manager for Louisiana Associated General Contractors. A native of New Orleans, Andre has deep ties to the area in the city’s political, municipal, educational and social sectors. In his current position, Andre manages communication, public policy negotiations, business planning events, and corporate networking for the entire area between and encompassing the state’s two largest cities., 20 parishes with over 250 member companies, and numerous elected and public agency officials. Andre’s prowess regarding identifying pertinent and corresponding laws, coupled with his ability to meet diverse professionals of any background, are unique skills he has cultivated throughout his adult life. He previously served as Director of Communications and Special Projects in the New Orleans City Council District E office, preceded by serving as Assistant to the Director of the City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration. Andre holds Bachelor’s degree from Nicholls State University and is pursuing a Master in Construction Management at LSU.

Jay Altman, secretary

  • Since 1990, Jay has partnered with like-minded parents and educators to help provide quality educational opportunities for students in New Orleans open-admission public schools. He taught in the city for several years before co-founding New Orleans Charter Middle School. He was also a founder of James Lewis Extension School, New Orleans Outreach, New Orleans Summerbridge (now Breakthrough), and Leading Educators. Jay also served as director of education for London-based ARK schools from 2005 to 2008. He is currently a senior advisor at America Achieves - a national nonprofit organization that incubates and supports large-scale initiatives to advance economic opportunity, mobility, and pathways to good jobs and careers. Jay also serves as senior advisor to New Schools for New Orleans E3 program, an executive training program that is currently expanding to other cities across the country as Greenhouse E3.

Augie Gallo, treasurer

  • Augie Gallo was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. After attending Brother Martin High School, he enrolled at College of Charleston in South Carolina. Having left home only a week before Katrina, Augie decided after his one year in South Carolina he would move back to New Orleans and attend Tulane University. After a short stint in Chicago after college, Augie moved back to New Orleans and enrolled in the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane to receive his Master of Accounting. After completing the Master Program, Augie joined Gallo Mechanical. Gallo Mechanical is a large commercial HVAC and Plumbing contractor operating out of New Orleans with a reach throughout the entire Gulf Region with expansion planned for the Carolinas. The company was founded by Augie’s great grandfather in 1945. After having passed the CPA exam, Augie was promoted to Controller at the company. A few years later, he was again promoted to CFO. He now oversees the accounting and technology operations for three operating entities through the company’s entire geography. He is the former President of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association and still active member. At Gallo, he is very actively engaged in the community outreach arm of the company. He has helped implement several programs including Gallo’s partnerships with Earn and Learn, Youthforce NOLA, and the Employee Navigator program with the Greater New Orleans Foundation. He currently resides in the Bayou St. John neighborhood with his wife, Mirell, and their dog, Louis.

Alon Shaya

  • Born in Israel and raised on cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, chef Alon Shaya calls New Orleans his home. In 2017, Alon and his wife Emily formed Pomegranate Hospitality to foster opportunities for colleagues, partners, and friends in a comfortable and professional environment where cultural differences are celebrated. Alon has been nominated for five James Beard Awards. He has been named "Best Chef, South" while at Domenica in 2015, and his previous restaurant, Shaya, won "Best New Restaurant" in 2016. He was named one of the "50 People Who Are Changing the South" by Southern Living magazine in 2015, and one of the "50 Most Influential Jews in America" by The Forward. In 2016, Alon joined forces with Donna Barnett, his high school home economics teacher, to start the Shaya Barnett Foundation, committed to providing culinary education and resources to high school students. In March 2018, Alon published his debut cookbook, "Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel" (Knopf). In early 2018, chef Shaya & Pomegranate Hospitality announced the opening of two new restaurants: Saba in New Orleans and Safta in Denver. Saba opened its doors in May 2018 in Uptown New Orleans. Safta opened in the River North neighborhood of Denver in August 2018.

  • From early 2015 to 2017, Rick Rizzo was CEO of Fleet Laboratories, a private equity owned company competing in the Consumer Healthcare market. Following a period of significant revenue and profit growth, the company was sold to Prestige Brands in January 2017. From 2011 thru 2014, Rizzo was President of Johnson & Johnson’s Consumer Healthcare Global Business Unit, with responsibility for global strategy, R&D, marketing, and business development. Between 2009 and 2011, he was President, North America for J&J’s Consumer Healthcare division, with additional responsibility for worldwide Consumer Healthcare franchise marketing. Upon the sale of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare to J&J in December 2006, Rizzo was appointed by J&J as President, International for the OTC and Consumer Healthcare Global Business Units. In 2000 through 2006, Rizzo was President, Europe for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Prior to this assignment he spent 18 months as General Manager, European Business Process Improvement. In this role, he was responsible for Pan-European I.T. systems and restructuring initiatives covering multiple functional areas and all operating sectors. Rizzo joined Warner Lambert (acquired by Pfizer in 2000) in 1994 and served as Vice President, Oral Care, through the end of 1998. He began his career with Procter & Gamble in 1986. He held various marketing positions in OTC health care, with primary involvement in OTC’s and oral care products. From 1991 until 1994, Rizzo was Senior Manager, Rx-to-OTC Switches at Johnson & Johnson/Merck. Rizzo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Boston College. Since the sale of Fleet Laboratories in 2017, he has focused the majority of his time supporting a wide range of non-profit organizations, while also remaining active in advisory support in Private Equity. He and his wife reside in New Orleans and Montclair, NJ.

Rick Rizzo

Cate Swinburn

  • Cate Swinburn has led YouthForce NOLA since its inception in summer of 2015. Cate began her career in education over fifteen years ago as a first grade teacher. Prior to YouthForce NOLA, Cate worked as an independent consultant, working with clients such as Relay Graduate School of Education to inspire and prepare non-education major college undergraduates to become teachers, and with the Recovery School District and New Schools for New Orleans to develop a citywide blueprint for high-quality special education services. Prior to independent consulting, Cate served as the Chief of Data and Accountability with DC Public Schools, President and Executive Director of DC Public Education Fund, and Portfolio Director for The Fund for Public Schools in New York City, as well as teaching for five years in rural and urban Texas. Cate holds a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, where she was a Dean’s Scholar, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish. Cate is an alumnus of both Teach For America and Education Pioneers.

Christian Rodriguez

  • Christian Rodriguez is a Principal at EskewDumezRipple, a nationally recognized design firm based in New Orleans and Washington DC. His work focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to architecture and design, integrating landscape and buildings. He brings a deep commitment to collaboration to the design process, working diligently with partners and builders to translate a shared vision into impactful spaces that serve their community well. As a New Orleans native and Tulane graduate, Christian has always been passionate about the well-being of his local community, partnering with non-profits through EskewDumezRipple’s Day of Service program to provide pro bono design services and seizing every opportunity to share his passion for design and construction with young people through French Quarter tours, school visits, and high school apprenticeships.

Shannon Joseph

  • Shannon Brown Joseph is National Director, Nursing Workforce Pipeline for Ascension Health and a dynamic and accomplished workforce development liaison with experience in federal and state funded programs, diversity initiatives and workforce programmatic development. In this role, Shannon directs all nursing and nursing support workforce development programs. Ascension Health is one of the largest health systems in the United States and is committed to to caring for all individuals especially those persons living in poverty. Ascension includes more than 150,000 employees and 2,600 sites of care including 142 hospitals nationwide.

    Shannon previously served as Director of Workforce Development at Ochsner Health. There she led implementation of systemwide initiatives and connected more than 2000 individuals to education, training and job placement. Prior to Ochsner, Shannon was appointed Louisiana Assistant Secretary of Labor, overseeing all workforce development programs of the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). Programs included the statewide network of American Job Centers, Business Services, Incumbent Worker Training, Apprenticeship, Veterans’ Services, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, Rapid Response, Labor Programs and state administration of the Community Services Block Grant.

    Before taking her position in Baton Rouge Shannon served the LWC as the Industry Sector Coordinator where she successfully fostered a major partnership within the health care sector. These partnerships continue to provide medical training and employment opportunities for long-term unemployed citizens. She also developed partnerships with Delgado Community College which have ensured intensive services for eligible veterans and spouses, specifically veterans who are homeless, re-entry, disabled, low-income, recently discharged from the military and/or lacking a high school diploma. This partnership included fulltime Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists strategically placed on campus for student assistance. Shannon also convened the first cross-sector partnership in the state of Louisiana between education and industry. This collaboration led to standardized allied health training between all community colleges state-wide.

    Shannon also works to prosper her community by lending her time and talent to several non-profit organizations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity New Orleans. In addition to NOCC, she serves on the boards of directors of the Arc of Greater New Orleans and Clover. She has also served on Advisory Boards for Next Level Nola and Goodwill Industries Technical and Training. Shannon received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Loyola University in New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Human Resources from Liberty University and is a fellow in the Louisiana Institute of Politics.

  • Missy Sparks, PhD serves as Vice President of Talent Management in Human Resources at Ochsner Health. Currently employing more than 36,000 team members across Louisiana and Mississippi, Ochsner is Louisiana’s largest employer, healthcare provider and educator of healthcare professionals. She leads her team in developing a diverse talent pipeline to support top quality patient care. She has established an effective workforce development platform to grow the pipeline of healthcare professionals through Ochsner-sponsored training programs for internal and external participants with a focus on opening career pathways for the unemployed/underemployed as well as underrepresented groups in healthcare. Additionally, she leads college and post-graduate internships and fellowships, orientation & onboarding, performance management and engagement.

    She serves on the Workforce Development Boards of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, YouthForce NOLA, and Morris Jeff Community School; the steering committee for Strive NOLA; and, co-leads the workforce development and education efforts for the Healthy State collaborative. Additionally, she volunteers regularly in feeding and home rehabilitation ministries.

Missy Sparks, PhD