Inaugural Board Of Directors
We are servant leaders who are engaging with communities, identifying resources and solutions, creating service and giving opportunities, and ensuring accountability.
Jornea Armant
Jornea Armant is a tech enthusiast and AI in education facilitator with over 20 years of experience in the field of Education. Formerly the Principal Head of Engagement for Microsoft Learning, Jornea led initiatives involving inclusive, equitable and accessible learning tools, including Microsoft Flip (formerly Flipgrid), Math Solver, and Microsoft Copilot. She is dedicated to lifelong learning, serving others, and inspiring educational innovation through her presence at conferences, virtual events and serving as a mentor to follow educators and those seeking roles in technology.
Jornea's extensive background includes roles as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, instructional coach, technology coach mentor with Google's Dynamic Learning Project (now Google Certified Coach Program), and instructional technology specialist with the Alabama State Department of Education. She is also a renowned keynote speaker, educational thought leader, and global presenter.
With a passion for empowering and supporting others in the realm of innovation, Jornea remains committed to transforming learning experiences through the integration of AI and technology. She continues to engage with the educational community, sharing her insights and fostering connections among educators worldwide.
Jornea lives by the principles of Love, Grow, and Inspire, and is always eager to connect, learn, and grow with fellow educators.
Dr. Shanika “Tru” Beatty
Dr. Shanika “Tru” Beatty's love for the Gert Town area stems from her attendance at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she earned a Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy. Though she no longer lives in Gert Town, the neighborhood holds a special place in her heart, especially after losing her home in the Carrollton area during Hurricane Katrina.
With a passion for creating and working with her hands, she is constantly bringing new ideas to life. This dedication led her to open House of Vinyl, a craft vinyl supply store in the heart of Gert Town. Through House of Vinyl and her other investments, she is committed to growing her family’s legacy and supporting the community that shaped her.
Sherman Bunch
Sherman Bunch, also known as "Chef Sherm," is the owner of OneBunchHookUp Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service and NeauxLA RolLA Catering, LLC, a Mobile Dining Food Bus. With over 26 years of experience in the transportation industry across Louisiana and 35 years in the food industry, he combined his passion for New Orleans and its rich flavors to deliver both reliable transportation solutions and exceptional culinary experiences.
In addition to his business ventures, he is deeply committed to community involvement - regularly hosting and joining fellow associates in charity events; donating meals to those in need; and participating in local fundraisers by using his culinary expertise to support meaningful causes. His dedication to service and community has established him as a respected leader in New Orleans.
Carolyn Le, LMSW, MPH
Carolyn Le is a College Success Coach at College Beyond and is the Chair of the Political Action for Candidate Endorsement (PACE) committee for the Louisiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). A native New Orleanian and proud alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, she is passionate about empowerment.
With a background in non-profits spanning trauma, behavioral and public health, higher education, and dementia, Carolyn is dedicated to amplifying your voice and ensuring your story is seen.
When she's not busy coaching, you can find her all around town, doing the most unexpected things—like cycling around in parades, busting a move at second lines, diving headfirst into volleyball games, or getting lost in a good book up in a tree.
She firmly believes life is best enjoyed with a child-like sense of wonder and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Diondra Lewis, MSW
A native of New Orleans, Diondra Lewis graduated from Southern University A & M College with a BS in Social Work and received her MSW from Tulane University School of Social Work in 2004.
Recognizing the power of networking and its impact to her professional career, in 2019 Diondra created a community networking brand Black Girls Get It Done (BGGID) which provides professionals a space who are “getting it done” to network and collaborate ideas.
With over 19 year of’ experience working with children and families in New Orleans public schools as a school social worker, Diondra has created diverse school-based systems around attendance and behavior supports which have positively influenced student academic achievements and school growth.
In 2017 Diondra was selected as a Youth Champion honoree with Institute of Women in Ethnic Studies I.W.E.S. for her years of work with children in New Orleans schools.
As her love for working with youth grew, she saw the need to empower and inspire female students. She created the G.E.MS. Project (Girls Empowered Motivated to Succeed), a school-based mentoring program that targets 9th & 10th grade female students who have behavior and social-emotional barriers to success. Her background as a school social worker, allowed her to see the need to offer female students a mentoring experience that offers creative, educational experiences that motive and empower girls to succeed not only for herself but for her community.
Alexander Brian McConduit
Alexander Brian McConduit is an author, speaker and educator from New Orleans, LA. In 2010, he founded Big Boot Media and published his first book, “The Little Who Dat Who Didn’t”.
Since then Alex has written more books based in and about his hometown while also advocating for children’s literacy with W.R.I.T.E. – a youth publishing program aimed at turning young students into published authors. The program has graduated over 100 authors and has published 6 books – all written by student authors.
Alex continues to work with students at home and all over the world, sharing his love for education, entrepreneurship, technology, nature and New Orleans!
Eugene A. Priestley, MBA
With a Master of Business Administration from the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering also from Tulane University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana, in addition to a 25+ year executive-level career in the Oil and Gas industry, Eugene Priestley brings a ton of experience and expertise to the IMPACT504 Board.
He, his brothers, and sisters spent part of their younger lives being raised in Gert Town and they attended nearby St. Rita Church and School.
Eugene serves or has served as a member, chair, and / or other officer on the following boards: Ursuline Education Foundation, Children’s Bureau of New Orleans, Brother Martin High School St. Aloysius Foundation, Catholic Charities Archdioceses New Orleans, Louisiana Museum Foundation, National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Xavier University of Louisiana National Alumni Association, Louisiana State University College of Engineering Diversity Advisory Board, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority, East and West, Ursuline Academy New Orleans, Raintree Children and Family Services, Non Profit Knowledge Works, United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area, St Rita Catholic Church Pastoral Council, the Louisiana Service Commission, and others.
Nicholas H. Reese, M.A.
Nicholas H. Reese is a behavioral health researcher, mental health professional, and community servant. As a 4th year doctoral candidate in Combined-Counseling Psychology & School Psychology at Florida State University, his research centers on understanding and addressing racial discrimination's impact on behavioral health outcomes in Black populations.
Nicholas currently serves as the lead student researcher on Project TIME, a 5-year National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded study that aims to explore and address racial disparities in alcohol misuse among Black college students. Nicholas’ psychological clinical experience spans multiple settings, including providing culturally-informed counseling services at Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Counseling Center, middle and high schools, private practices, ADHD centers, and University clinics. Moreover, Nicholas is a trained psychometrics, with experience in neuropsychological, ADHD, and psychological assessment. Nicholas brings extensive expertise in behavioral health support and intervention, particularly focused on serving Black communities.
Nicholas is a proud Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Alumnus. During his time at XULA, he established himself as a dedicated community servant and leader. As program coordinator for the MAX volunteer program "Man on the Move," he directed mentorship and tutoring initiatives for Black youth at the Peace Center in Gert Town, fostering strong connections with the local community and igniting his passion and commitment to service for the Gert Town community.
His commitment to addressing food insecurity led him to serve as the inaugural student president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he played a pivotal role in establishing XULA's Vincent's Vault Student Food Pantry.
Reese's commitment to health equity and community service extends beyond academia. As Chief Communications Officer of Instavaxx LLC in Chicago IL, he led initiatives to provide equitable COVID-19 vaccination services to underserved African American and Latino communities, managing a team of over 15 healthcare professionals and coordinating vaccination events at local schools, churches, and community centers.
His experience in student affairs includes serving as Graduate Coordinator for Florida State University's LIFT Collegiate Addiction Recovery Program, where he develops evidence-based programming to support students in addiction recovery, and his role as a Graduate Assistant in Western Michigan University's Office of Student Conduct, where he served as a hearing officer and facilitated educational programming for the campus community.
His commitment to dedication and service towards the health and wellness of marginalized communities has made him an impactful behavioral health professional.
Dr. Ciera S. Singleton
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
Gina Swanson Gray is a dedicated and well-informed journalist, known for her extensive knowledge on a wide range of issues from popular culture to politics. Her career in news began in Monroe, Louisiana, where she anchored the weekend evening news. After three years in north Louisiana, Gina moved to Austin, Texas, where she spent two years anchoring the news and covering central Texas. Her curiosity and passion for journalism have taken her to various news jobs in Chicago and Washington, D.C., during her college years. However, her heart has always been in her hometown of New Orleans, where she has been a prominent figure in the local news scene since joining WDSU in January 2008.
Gina is a proud graduate of Edna Karr Magnet High School and Louisiana State University, where she majored in Mass Communication and minored in History, graduating with honors. She furthered her education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, earning a Master's Degree in political and public affairs reporting. Her academic achievements and professional experiences have equipped her with the skills and knowledge to excel in her field. Throughout her career, Gina has had the opportunity to meet United States Presidents, cover the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl season, and witness numerous history-making moments.
In addition to her journalism career, Gina is a passionate supporter and board member of IMPACT504. Her involvement with IMPACT504 highlights her commitment to giving back to her community and making a positive impact. Gina's dedication to both her profession and her community has made her a respected and influential figure in New Orleans, where she continues to inspire and inform through her work at WDSU.
Sundiata Washington
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."
Volunteer Staff and administration
Percy Marchand, President / CEO
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
A life-long resident of Gert Town, Percy Marchand brings over 20 years of experience as a non-profit administrator, program director, grant writer, philanthropist, and educator as well as a life-long entrepreneur.
It was his non-profit work in other areas of the city that highlighted the need for more and better services for the Gert Town Community that inspired his commitment to founding IMPACT504.
His other inspiration were his parents George and Janice Marchand Jr. who always emphasized the need to stay in the community and be examples of goodness and love.
He serves or has served as Associate Director of the Knights of Peter Claver national Office, Executive Director of CareCorp, Associate Director and instructor at the Fashion Institute of New Orleans, a program director, instructor, and grant writer for the Youth Development Association, Treme Community Enhancement Corporation, and the Louisiana Community Development Corporation.
With the strong support and assistance of his brothers, sisters, and other loved ones, he began hosting community events in his neighborhood over 4 years ago. The events have grown into community mainstays reaching 1000s of youth, seniors, and other residents.
Additionally, Marchand owned and operated print and copy centers throughout New Orleans for over 20 years.
He is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans where he served as Vice President of the Student Government Association and President of the Black Student Union and joined the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
He is also a proud alumnus of Saint Augustine High School were he was a member and Drum Major for the famed "Marching 100".
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
As the Associate Director of Impact504, Brandon Billy brings over 10 years of experience in the food industry to support the organization's mission of uplifting communities across New Orleans. In his role, he plays a key part in overseeing daily operations, community programs, and consulting initiatives.
Brandon is deeply dedicated to helping provide for his local Gert Town neighborhood and empowering the area's youth. He works closely with the team to ensure the efficient delivery of our food assistance efforts, youth development activities, and community engagement initiatives.
Brandon's passion for service and strong connections within Gert Town are invaluable assets.
In addition to his work with Impact504, Brandon also consults with restaurant groups, leveraging his industry expertise to help them grow and become more sustainable businesses. He is committed to strengthening the local food ecosystem and creating opportunities for economic development.
Brandon's involvement extends beyond his professional roles - he is also an active member of the New Orleans Saints Cheer Krewe, further demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the city he calls home.
With his extensive background in the food industry, community-focused approach, and business consulting experience, Brandon is an integral part of the Impact504 team. We are grateful for his leadership and contributions as we continue to drive positive change across New Orleans.
Kacey Horton, Intern
Brandon Billy, Associate Director
Kacey Horton, Intern
Kacey Horton is a dedicated intern at IMPACT504 and a graduating senior at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Her passion for helping communities has driven her to return to school, where she is concentrating her studies on behavioral health. Kacey's commitment to making a difference is evident in her desire to work within communities, teaching children the importance of making healthy choices both physically and mentally.
Throughout her academic journey, Kacey has focused on gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to support her community effectively. Her studies in behavioral health have equipped her with a deep understanding of the factors that influence well-being, and she is eager to apply this knowledge in real-world settings. Kacey's enthusiasm for community work is matched by her excitement to be part of IMPACT504, a thriving organization dedicated to positive change.
As an intern, Kacey hopes to gain valuable experience and insights that will assist her in her future endeavors. Her volunteer work with IMPACT504 not only allows her to contribute to meaningful community initiatives but also provides her with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Kacey's dedication to her studies and her community makes her a valuable asset to IMPACT504 and a promising advocate for health and wellness.