Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates & Awardees
On December 4, 2024, we at the Committee for a Better New Orleans (CBNO) hosted an unforgettable evening—our “Celebration of Leaders”—to honor the incredible accomplishments of our Leadership Forum alumni and the graduating cohort of 2024. It was a night filled with gratitude, inspiration, and a deep sense of community.
As I shared in my remarks that evening, New Orleans is a city of contradictions. It’s shaped by both challenges and triumphs, division and unity, heartbreak and joy. And yet, as we close out 2024 and look toward 2025, I can’t help but feel hopeful. That hope comes from the people we celebrated that night—leaders who are working every day to make our city better.
These leaders come from all walks of life. Among them are a line cook, an investment banker, a public servant, a retired grandparent, an injured veteran, a pastor, and a lawyer. Despite their differences, they share a common goal: building a stronger, more equitable New Orleans. They’ve gone on to serve on boards, run for office, and lead businesses and civic organizations. And we couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to our city’s future.
We also had the honor of presenting two special awards:
The Changemaker Award went to Diedra Meredith, a 2023 Leadership Forum alumna who has already made a tremendous impact. In just a year, she has brought national recognition to civil rights pioneers Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost, ensuring they are celebrated alongside Ruby Bridges for their role in desegregating schools. Diedra’s dedication to justice and equity is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re so lucky to have her in our community.
The Leadership Legacy Award was presented in memory of Bill Rouselle, a true visionary and trailblazer. Bill was the first African American reporter for WDSU and the founder of Bright Moments, a public relations and advertising firm. His legacy includes decades of civic leadership, from supporting educational reform to running political campaigns. He served on CBNO’s board at a critical moment in our organization, from 2003-2008, leading us into and out of one of the most transformative times in the history of our City. Bill’s impact on our city is immeasurable, and we were honored to have his daughter, Caryn Battiste, accept the award on his behalf.
The evening also celebrated the graduation of our 2024 Leadership Forum cohort. This group has spent the past year developing the skills, connections, and vision needed to tackle the challenges facing New Orleans. They are ready to lead, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish. Congratulations to our graduates: Milad Amini, Ingrid Anderson, Rev. Richard Bell, Brie Bryant, Michael Burnside, Danovon Calhoun-Bettis, Tony Caselle, Jazmin Castillo, Mischell Davis, Roberta Dubuclet, Valerie Fontenot, Jason Gale, Sophie Gavin, Darryl Gladstone, Ashley Glantz, Desha Greely, Clifton Harris, Marissa Hogan, Lyneisha Jackson, Allene La Spina, Keely Lewis, Micaiah Lugo, Cara McCarthy, David Melancon, Quinn Moore, Angela Owczarek, Andreas Pashos, Diana Powers, Shanya Russell, Morris Singletary, Sara Smith, Brian Springmann, Elisabeth Stancioff, Stuart Thompson, Lacie Tillman, Janet Tobias, Mai Tran, Ami Truong, Kanneya (Kay) Ussin, Currin Wallis, and Andrew Wlos.
As we head into a new year, I’m filled with gratitude for the leaders who inspire us and the community that supports our work. Thank you to everyone who joined us, cheered us on, or supported us from afar. Together, we’re building a better New Orleans, one leader at a time.
