Our History

Jornea Armant is a seasoned education leader and technology advocate with over 20 years of experience driving innovation in learning. As the former Principal Head of Engagement for Microsoft Learning, she spearheaded initiatives promoting inclusive and accessible education through tools like Microsoft Flip, Math Solver, and Copilot. Her diverse background spans classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and leadership roles with Google’s Dynamic Learning Project and the Alabama State Department of Education.

A globally recognized keynote speaker and thought leader, Jornea is passionate about empowering educators and transforming learning through AI and technology. Her commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship aligns with IMPACT504’s mission to uplift communities through education and innovation. Serving on the board allows her to continue making a meaningful difference by fostering equity, inspiration, and growth for all learners.

 Dr. Shanika “Tru” Beatty, Treasurer of IMPACT504, is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate with deep roots in New Orleans’ Gert Town neighborhood. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy, Dr. Beatty’s connection to the area was further strengthened after losing her home in the Carrollton community during Hurricane Katrina.

Driven by creativity and a passion for hands-on innovation, she founded House of Vinyl, a craft vinyl supply store located in the heart of Gert Town. Through this venture and other investments, Dr. Beatty is committed to building her family’s legacy and uplifting the community that shaped her.

Her role on the IMPACT504 board reflects her dedication to economic empowerment, resilience, and revitalization. Serving allows her to give back meaningfully and help foster sustainable growth in neighborhoods close to her heart.

 Sherman “Chef Sherm” Bunch, Vice-Chair of IMPACT504, is a seasoned entrepreneur and community champion with over 26 years in Louisiana’s transportation industry and 35 years in the culinary arts. As the founder of OneBunchHookUp Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service and NeauxLA RolLA Catering, a mobile dining food bus, he blends his passion for service and the rich flavors of New Orleans to deliver both reliable mobility and unforgettable meals.

Beyond his businesses, Chef Sherm is deeply committed to giving back—regularly hosting charity events, donating meals, and using his culinary talents to support local fundraisers. His dedication to uplifting others and fostering community resilience makes him a vital asset to the IMPACT504 board. Serving allows him to continue building bridges between entrepreneurship, service, and neighborhood revitalization.

Jeanine Freeman is a Peer Support and Recovery Specialist with the VA HUD/VASH Program, where she advocates for unhoused veterans with compassion and purpose. A U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served in Operation Noble Eagle and OEF/OIF, Jeanine brings lived experience and deep empathy to her work, collaborating with local organizations like Traveler’s Aid, Start Corps, Volunteers of America, and the HOPE Center to address homelessness.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional role. Jeanine is an active member of One Hope Church and the Sacrificial Lambs Prayer and Outreach Ministry in Laplace, Louisiana. As a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), she continues to support fellow veterans and their families. A proud mother of three active children, Jeanine exemplifies resilience, leadership, and community spirit.

Serving on the IMPACT504 board allows Jeanine to further her mission of supporting vulnerable populations and creating pathways to stability and hope for those in need.

 Tyler Johnson is a passionate pharmacist and community advocate whose commitment to patient care is rooted in empathy and advocacy. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Tyler takes pride in guiding patients through their health journeys, especially those who feel overlooked by the healthcare system. His dedication to ensuring every individual receives compassionate, attentive care defines his professional mission.

In 2020, Tyler co-founded H.E.A.L (Higher Earning for Higher Learning) with his father, a nonprofit that uses stock market earnings to support students pursuing higher education and vocational training. Through H.E.A.L, he promotes health, nutrition, and wellness while fostering community and opportunity.

As a member of the IMPACT504 Board of Directors, Tyler brings a unique healthcare perspective and a deep-rooted commitment to service. His leadership and advocacy align with the organization’s mission to empower underserved communities, and he is driven to help expand access to education, wellness, and support across New Orleans.

 Carolyn Le, Secretary of IMPACT504, is a passionate advocate for education, equity, and community empowerment. As a College Success Coach at College Beyond and Chair of the Political Action for Candidate Endorsement (PACE) committee for the Louisiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Carolyn works to uplift student voices and drive systemic change.

A proud New Orleans native and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and LSU Health Sciences Center, Carolyn brings a rich background in nonprofit work across trauma, behavioral and public health, higher education, and dementia care. Her mission is to ensure that every story is seen and every voice heard.

Carolyn’s vibrant spirit and commitment to community shine through in all she does—from mentoring students to dancing in second lines and volunteering across the city. Her belief in living with curiosity and compassion makes her a dynamic force on the IMPACT504 board, where she helps guide initiatives that foster opportunity, equity, and joy throughout the community.

Diondra Lewis, a proud New Orleans native and seasoned school social worker, brings nearly two decades of experience supporting children and families in local public schools. With a BS in Social Work from Southern University A&M College and an MSW from Tulane University, Diondra has led the development of impactful school-based systems focused on attendance and behavioral support, contributing to improved student outcomes and school growth.

In 2019, she founded Black Girls Get It Done (BGGID), a dynamic networking platform that empowers professional Black women to connect and collaborate. Her commitment to youth empowerment also led to the creation of The G.E.M.S. Project (Girls Empowered Motivated to Succeed), a mentoring initiative for high school girls facing behavioral and social-emotional challenges.

Honored as a Youth Champion by the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES) in 2017, Diondra continues to be a driving force for change. Her passion for advocacy, mentorship, and community-building makes her an invaluable member of the IMPACT504 Board of Directors, where she works to uplift and inspire the next generation of leaders.

 Alexander Brian McConduit is a celebrated author, educator, and entrepreneur from New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2010, he founded Big Boot Media and published his debut children’s book, The Little Who Dat Who Didn’t, sparking a career dedicated to storytelling and literacy advocacy.

Through his youth publishing initiative, W.R.I.T.E., Alex has empowered over 100 young authors to publish their own books, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love for learning. His work bridges education, entrepreneurship, technology, and culture, with a special focus on uplifting youth in New Orleans and beyond.

As a member of the IMPACT504 Board of Directors, Alex brings a visionary approach to community engagement and education. His commitment to literacy, mentorship, and innovation aligns with the organization’s mission to inspire and empower future generations. Alex continues to share his passion for storytelling and civic pride, helping to shape a brighter future for New Orleans.

Eugene Priestley brings over 25 years of executive leadership in the oil and gas industry, backed by a strong academic foundation that includes an MBA and a BS in Civil Engineering from Tulane University, and a BA in Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana. A proud New Orleans native, Eugene and his siblings were raised in Gert Town and attended St. Rita Church and School, deepening his lifelong connection to the community.

His extensive board service includes leadership roles with organizations such as Catholic Charities, Xavier University’s National Alumni Association, the Louisiana Museum Foundation, and the Louisiana Service Commission, among many others. Eugene’s commitment to education, equity, and community development is evident in his decades of civic engagement.

As a member of the IMPACT504 Board of Directors, Eugene offers strategic insight, deep local roots, and a passion for empowering underserved communities. His experience and dedication make him a vital contributor to the organization’s mission of driving meaningful change in New Orleans.

 Nicholas H. Reese is a behavioral health researcher and mental health professional committed to advancing equity and wellness in underserved communities. A doctoral candidate in Combined-Counseling and School Psychology at Florida State University, his research focuses on the impact of racial discrimination on behavioral health outcomes in Black populations. He serves as lead student researcher on Project TIME, an NIH-funded study addressing racial disparities in alcohol misuse among Black college students.

A proud Xavier University of Louisiana alumnus, Nicholas has led youth mentorship programs in Gert Town and founded Vincent’s Vault, a student food pantry addressing campus food insecurity. His clinical experience spans schools, universities, private practices, and ADHD centers, with a focus on culturally responsive care. He also served as Chief Communications Officer for Instavaxx LLC, coordinating equitable COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Chicago.

Nicholas’s dedication to health equity, youth empowerment, and community service makes him a valuable member of the IMPACT504 Board of Directors, where he continues to champion wellness and opportunity for marginalized communities.

CHAIR. Dr. Ciera S. Singleton is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of McMain Secondary School and Xavier University of LA. 

After living in Atlanta for several years, Ciera returned to New Orleans to pursue a PhD in Human Genetics while researching molecular signaling pathways in breast cancer. 

As a STEM professional, with more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Singleton is dedicated to improving cancer outcomes for those that are disproportionately impacted in her role as a Medical Science Liaison. 

Additionally, Dr. Singleton is passionate about improving diversity in STEM and lives by the quote “We must always attempt to lift as we climb” from Angela Davis. 

 Gina Swanson Gray, Secretary of IMPACT504, is a respected journalist and storyteller with a career spanning multiple cities and major news markets. A native of New Orleans and proud graduate of Edna Karr Magnet High School, Gina earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in Political and Public Affairs Reporting from Northwestern University.

Her journalism journey began in Monroe, Louisiana, and has taken her to Austin, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., before returning home to New Orleans, where she has been a prominent voice at WDSU since 2008. Gina’s reporting has placed her at the center of historic moments—from presidential interviews to the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl season—making her a trusted source of news and insight.

Beyond the newsroom, Gina is deeply committed to community service. Her role on the IMPACT504 Board reflects her dedication to informing, empowering, and uplifting her hometown. Through her work, Gina continues to inspire change and foster civic engagement across New Orleans.

  Sundiata Washington, an engineer with Boeing, combines his technical expertise with a deep commitment to community empowerment. As a former president of the NAACP at Tuskegee University and captain of the track team, he has consistently demonstrated leadership in both advocacy and teamwork.

Sundiata’s passion for inspiring the next generation is reflected in his initiatives, such as hosting the Literacy Explosion, an event that blended physical activity with the promotion of reading and education. Guided by the belief that "It is easier to raise strong children than to repair broken men," he dedicates his efforts to making a lasting impact on youth and the broader community. 

Through his work with IMPACT504, Sundiata strives to uplift others while pursuing his passion for engineering and service."

Percy Marchand, Founder of IMPACT504, is a lifelong Gert Town resident and community advocate with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, education, grant writing, and entrepreneurship. His work across New Orleans highlighted the need for greater investment in Gert Town, inspiring him to launch IMPACT504 to bring meaningful change to his neighborhood.

Percy has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Knights of Peter Claver, CareCorp, the Fashion Institute of New Orleans, and the Youth Development Association. With the support of his family, he began hosting community events that now serve thousands of youth, seniors, and residents annually. He also owned and operated print and copy centers throughout the city for over two decades.

A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans and Saint Augustine High School, Percy’s commitment to service is rooted in the values instilled by his parents, George and Janice Marchand Jr. His passion for community empowerment and legacy-building continues to drive IMPACT504’s mission forward.

 As Associate Director of Impact504, Brandon Billy passionately supports our mission to uplift communities across New Orleans by helping to oversee daily operations, community programs, and consulting initiatives, ensuring the efficient delivery of food assistance, youth development activities, and community engagement efforts. 

His dedication to his local Gert Town neighborhood and commitment to empowering the area's youth make him an invaluable asset to our team.

Beyond his work with Impact504, Brandon has over a decade of restaurant industry experience - consulting with restaurant groups, leveraging his industry expertise to help them grow and become more sustainable businesses. His efforts to strengthen the local food ecosystem and create opportunities for economic development are commendable. 

Additionally, Brandon's involvement as an active member of the New Orleans Saints Cheer Krewe highlights his dedication to giving back to the city he calls home. With his extensive background, community-focused approach, and business consulting experience, Brandon is an integral part of the Impact504 team, driving positive change across New Orleans.

LaKenya Robertson brings over 20 years of powerhouse leadership in community organizing, labor advocacy, and strategic development. With degrees in Human Resource and Business Management from Webster University, she’s led transformative campaigns across Missouri and Louisiana—from organizing the first Dollar General store in the U.S. to driving statewide voter engagement efforts.

Her work with the Industrial Areas Foundation and UFCW Local 655 reflects her deep commitment to building institutional power and mobilizing communities for lasting change. A recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Award, LaKenya also serves with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Plessy & Ferguson Initiative.

Her expertise in fundraising, coalition-building, and grassroots strategy makes her an invaluable force in advancing IMPACT504’s mission to uplift and empower our communities. 

Jordan Higgins is a strategic communicator and marketing intern at IMPACT504, currently studying Marketing with a minor in Mass Communications at Loyola University New Orleans. As Digital and Strategy Director of The Shawn M. Donnelley Center, Jordan has developed expertise in brand development, digital storytelling, and campaign strategy.

With a passion for equity and community engagement, Jordan uses marketing as a tool to shift narratives, educate, and create inclusive spaces. Their work at IMPACT504 reflects a commitment to purpose-driven storytelling and impactful outreach.

Jordan’s belief that real change begins within communities aligns with IMPACT504’s mission to spread love, bring hope, and change lives. Their creativity and strategic insight make them a valuable contributor to the organization’s growth and vision.

Kacey Horton is a passionate intern at IMPACT504 and a graduating senior at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she is focused on behavioral health. Her commitment to community wellness inspired her return to school, with a goal of helping children make healthy choices—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Kacey’s academic journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in behavioral health, and she is eager to apply her knowledge in real-world settings. Her enthusiasm for service and learning makes her a valuable contributor to IMPACT504’s mission.

Through her internship, Kacey is gaining hands-on experience in community engagement while supporting initiatives that promote health and empowerment. Her dedication and drive position her as a promising advocate for wellness and a future leader in public health.