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2019

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Guest Writer: Shauna Sanford

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SHAUNA SANFORD

Communications Director
Office of the Governor

Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month, there are countless Louisianans who have contributed significantly to our state and nation’s history.  They are the trailblazers and pioneers who have left an indelible imprint that continues to inspire.  This month, we share the story of the African-American female Louisiana State Police Troopers. Among the most well trained law enforcement officers in the country, these troopers are proudly and courageously paving the way for others to follow.  We salute them for their service and for inspiring all women to never give up on their dreams.

According to the most recent data, there are 1063 Louisiana State Police troopers, out of which 45 are women and of that number, 8 current female troopers are African-American.  Women were allowed to join the force in 1974.  Trooper Joyce Stephanie Isaac Thibodeaux, now deceased, started her career with the Lafayette City Police Department and in 1976 she became the first Black woman to join the Louisiana State Police Dept. She retired after 21 years of service.  

“I was fortunate to work with her,” says Lt. Charron Thomas who joined in 1992. “She faced a lot of struggles being the first one, and she gave me a lot of advice that helped me.”  

After a career in the Army National Guard, Lt. Thomas knew she wanted to become a trooper. And 27 years later, she is still going strong.  “Being in a male dominated workforce is a challenge for all women, which is why we have to support each other, but it is a rewarding career.”

“I consider myself fortunate to be able to stand on the shoulders of the previous black female trailblazers such as Lt. Thomas and the late Trooper Thibodeaux,” says Sr. Trpr. Zuleika Joseph. “I hope that I set a good example for our youth and that some little girl who sees me may one day want to be a trooper or maybe even the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police.”

Trooper Joseph joined in 2006 with the goal of making a difference in her community and being a role model for the youth.  “Where I grew up there weren’t any black female police officers.  I kind of felt like it was impossible for a black female to become a police officer, but as I got older I realized that it was possible and that I had to be willing to do the work.”

Every time I put on my uniform, it fills me with a sense of pride,” says Trooper Melissa George.  “Going through the academy, knowing you worked hard from sunup to sundown to earn that badge, it means everything to me.”

At the time she joined, in 2017, George says she knew that there were very few women and even fewer women of color.  “It motivated me to make it happen.  I prayed about it and once I decided, I was all in. And I do feel the responsibility of helping to carve a path for other women to follow.”

Sgt. Sanikka Williams has been on the force for 17 years and says it’s important for them to be a life-line for each other.”

There have been difficult days. “I have encountered situations where the people I had to stop or arrest clearly had problems with me having the authority to do that,” says Williams. “There are people out there who feel that way. But I can say there’s been more of that from the outside than from the inside.” 

With 25 years in law enforcement under her belt, Sr. Tpr. Lisa Quijano has been with LSP for 12 of those years.  She was a prison warden in Plaquemines Parish and several male troopers whom she had come to know over the years encouraged her to join the force.  She stepped out on faith, applied and was selected.

“There were 57 guys in my class, and I was the only woman. They were like my brothers, but I was still nervous going through the academy.  The other women were there for me.  They would send me text messages and phone calls and tell me to keep my head up.  That was my encouragement every day.  They would say we got you, you’re going to make it.”

Trooper Quijano lives by the motto each one, bring one. “I’m a black woman in law enforcement, and I’m very aware of that. My mother would say whatever mountain is in your way, God will give you the strength to climb it.” Her message to other women is simple, “When you get to the top, I need you to reach back and grab the young lady behind you and help her get to the top as well. As females, we need more of that.  Women can do this, and we need the doors to open wider for others to come through.  This is a career you can have.”

Trooper Qualyndrea Jones was with the New Orleans Police Dept. for 10 years before joining the LSP in 2017.  “My kids are always my biggest supporters.  When I learned I was accepted into the academy, my family wanted to throw a party. I had to tell them congratulate me when I graduate.” 

Jones will never forget her first day in the academy. She was given some advice that remains with her to this day, “Do not quit!  No matter what, do not quit.  I could not give up no matter how hard things got. My completion of the academy was bigger than me.  My climb wasn’t easy to get where I am. With all that I faced, I managed to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration/ Emergency Management and got my life in order, and here I am today.”

They all agree that it’s a career you have to really want. Trooper Tiah Larvadain knew from a kid that she wanted it.  Not surprising considering her mother is Lt. Treone Larvadain who obviously set an incredible example.  In 2018, they became the first mother and daughter troopers in the 82 years of the Louisiana State Police history.

Lt.  Larvadain, one of only two Black female lieutenants on the force, joined state police in 2006 (on Tiah’s birthday).  Tiah was right by her side the day she graduated from the academy.  And when Tiah graduated, her mother was right there too.

“The reason I joined was because of my passion to serve people. I’ve always wanted to give back, serve the public, impact lives and change behaviors,” says Larvadain. “Being a black female state trooper comes with much responsibility and authority, and how we use that authority will determine the success of not only me, but those I serve and the success or failure of our mission to public safety.”

“Seeing the impact my mom had on the community and how they responded to her in such a positive way, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” says Trooper Larvadain.

Knowing she could earn the right to wear the blue uniform like her mother was a driving force that kept Tiah determined to complete the rigorous training academy, and she did so as the only woman in her entire class.

“As a kid, I probably tried my mom’s uniform on many times, but now when I put on my uniform, I know that for 22 weeks I put in the hard work to earn it. It’s a feeling of pride.”

As the newest member to the force, Trooper Larvadain recalls how her fellow troopers also influenced her decision to pursue this career.

“During my last semester in college, I did an internship at the academy, and I watched now Trooper Melissa George as she was going through the class. I was rooting for her and the other ladies. They also played a part in my decision to join, knowing that they went through it and succeeded and I could do the same.”    

Without a doubt, all of the troopers would love to see more women join state police. “We need them!” says Lt. Larvadain. 

*Master Trooper  Joanne Rozigas was the first Black female trooper for Troop B in New Orleans.  She retired January 5, 2019 with 20 years on the force.

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Retired Master Trooper JoAnne Rozigas
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Trooper Joyce Thibodeaux
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Sergeant Sanikka Williams
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Lt. Charron Thomas
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Sr. Trpr. Zuleika Joseph
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Sr. Tpr. Lisa Quijano
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Trooper Melissa George
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Trooper Qualyndrea Jones
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Tpr. Tiah Larvadain (left), Lt. Treone Larvadain

 

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Featured Recipe: Donna’s Sweet Heart Waffles

Sweet Heart Waffles

 from First Lady Donna Edwards

Ingredients:

2 Eggs, separated

1 ½ Cups Milk

½ Cup Vegetable Oil

1 ¾ Cups All-Purpose Flour

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure is best)

Directions:

Pre-heat waffle maker.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Set aside.

In medium-size bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Continue beating, adding milk and vegetable oil.

Add dry ingredients; beat until smooth.  Fold in beaten egg whites.

Spray Waffle Maker with a cooking spray.

Add ½ cup batter to preheated Waffle maker.

Close unit and bake until lightly brown.

Top with your favorite syrup, favorite fruit or eat plain.

 

Yummy Waffles to Share! Enjoy!
Happy Valentine’s Day

 

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Ladies of Louisiana – Business (Feb. 2019)

Raeanna Blanchard Doescher

Founder & Creator, WhiteBlancCanvas

Raeanna Blanchard Doescher Founder & Creator, WhiteBlancCanvas

Raeanna Blanchard Doescher is the founder and creator of WhiteBlancCanvas. Her passion for painting came later in life and it started as a way to cope with and overcome the stresses of life. It became so therapeutic that she started painting every night. Before she knew it, the paintings started piling up in what she calls her paint room. It was around that time that she decided to put her work out there for the public to see. Raeanna says that was the best decision of her life!

The audience she reaches has always been very kind and encouraging regarding her work. Now that she has built a small audience, she likes to utilize them as a means to help others, or “pay it forward”, so-to-speak. “Stella’s Angel Wings” is a painting that evolved out of a terrible tragedy for one of her close friends and has grown into a statement piece that has touched many hearts. Stella Lauren, whom this piece is named after, gained her angel wings at just 4 months old. The 4×4 gold angel wings fundraisers have raised much needed funds that are donated to families in need when grieving the loss of a baby, including Kristen, Stella’s mother.

The main focus of creating new styles of paintings has been, “How will my audience respond to this piece?” The audience and/or customers are her motivation everyday. As Raeanna says, “If it were not for them, I would not be where I am today.” They have helped so many families through some seriously tough times. Some of her most successful fundraisers include: Hurricane Harvey, Phil Lungsford (cancer fighter/survivor), Stella Angel Wings, Hunter Cartwright (lost his wife to AFE after delivering their baby boy) and Jessica Martin (breast cancer). “I have learned that people do not bat an eye when it comes to donating, and I do what I do because of them. In a world that is filled with so much grief it’s nice to see that there is still so much LOVE!”

You can find Raeanna’s work here: https://etsy.me/1LZ8Img

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBlancWhite/

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Ladies of Louisiana – Military (Feb. 2019)

Alejandra “Alex” Juan

Veteran, United States Air Force Communications Director, LDVA

Alexandra "Alex" Juan Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs

Alejandra “Alex” Juan joined the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs team in 2016 and serves as both Communications Director and State Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator.

In this role, she is in charge of all communications for the LDVA which serves over 287,000 Louisiana veterans and their families. She was also hand-selected to spearhead the Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator position where she has played a crucial role in helping to identify and address the unique needs of our growing women veteran population.   

Alex is devoted wife and mother, avid community volunteer, and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran. She and her husband, Craig, met on an M-16 range when they were both members of the 159th Security Forces Squadron. They served as a dual-military couple for over a decade. They are the proud parents of two resilient young men, Nick and Noah.

Selflessness is innate in the Juan family as they were named as Louisiana Air National Guard’s Family of the Year in 2012. And, for her continuous volunteer efforts, Alex was named Advocate of the Year by the Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center in 2013.

In April of 2013, Alex ended her military career as a Captain and a Public Affairs Officer. Her awards include both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Commendation Medals, among others.

In December of 2013, she became the first female veteran to take the helm of the USS KIDD Veterans Museum. During her tenure as Executive Director of the KIDD, the museum saw the highest visitor attendance rate recorded in over 25 years.

Alex has been named as both an “Esprit de Femme” honoree by the LSU Women’s Center and as the “Emerging Museum Professional” by the Louisiana Association of Museums. In 2018, the Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center named her a Champion of Change Honoree for her vision, perseverance and dedication to helping further STAR’s mission.

Alex is currently pursuing a Master in Public Administration from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. She and her family remain active in their communities and continue to serve the people of Louisiana through their myriad of volunteer efforts.

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Ladies of Louisiana – Schools (Feb. 2019)

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Mrs. Jill Hitchins

Director, St. Michael School Bell Choir

Mrs. Jill Hitchins Director, St. Michael School Bell Choir

The St. Michael School Bell Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Jill Hitchins, is comprised of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1969 as an inspiration of Principal Sr. Lillian McCormick, they have performed for many school and community events including the Holiday Spectacular with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Anthem at Saints and Pelicans games, Roosevelt Hotel lobby lighting festivities, and an annual program for the Archbishop and his staff.  They were honored to be included in the Papal Mass for Pope John Paul II when he visited the city.

Mrs. Hitchins, wife and mother of three sons, trained in three musical instruments and voice, and she holds a Masters in Special Education from the University of New Orleans. Having taught English Language Arts and Life Skills to students with special needs since 1978, she transitioned into the Bell Choir Director position in 2000. There are three levels of bell instruction where music notation is adapted into a number system, and the director points to numbers on a chart to cue the ringers. Notation for shaking bells, muting, and dynamics is also indicated. Mrs. Hitchins arranges music for a variety of sacred, holiday, inspirational and popular selections.

 Since 2015, she has also directed the vocal music instruction. All St. Michael students participate in music at some level, whether in large group singing and music appreciation classes, one of the bell choirs, and/or the select vocal choir. Mrs. Hitchins’ greatest fulfillment is observing students with limited verbal ability express themselves through music.

 In 2006, Mrs. Hitchins also established a special needs inclusion program at the Contemporary Arts Center as part of their Summer Arts Camp. She worked on the staff there for eleven years. This program continues to be open to students with special needs.

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Ladies of Louisiana – Community (Feb. 2019)

Essence Harris Banks

Founder of Heart N Hands, Inc.

Heart N Hands, Inc.

Sometimes the signs of heart disease are hidden.

Essence Harris Banks celebrates fifteen years as a heart disease survivor and recent Founder of Heart N Hands, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on increasing awareness and educating young girls about heart disease prevention in the community. For the past fifteen years, Essence has been featured in The Times Picayune/NOLA.com (New Orleans), Woman’s Day Magazine, SELF Magazine, Shape Magazine, Today Show, WWL TV, several Clear Channel Radio Stations, American Heart Association National Awareness Campaigns, WomenHeart Champion & Spokeswoman, just to name a few. She has also received the Champion for Change in Healthcare Award from Crescent City Chapter (LA) of Links, Inc.

“In 2014, I wanted to do more to commemorate my fifteen years as a heart disease survivor, so I followed my passion to reach and teach young girls heart disease through my foundation, Heart N Hands, Inc. My intent is to raise awareness and decrease the number of heart related events in our communities.”

No one believed Essence Harris, local New Orleanian, when she said something was wrong and she wondered if her chest pains could be heart disease. At only 30 she was the picture of health – She worked out at least 3-5 times a week, full-time job, single mother, pursuing her MBA (received in December 2010) and at that time was even a part-time personal fitness trainer.

Of course they looked at me and said, ’30, no high cholesterol, no high blood pressure, doesn\’t smoke, casually drinks, what is this from?’

Essence started having shortness of breath, not only during her daily workouts, but when she was carrying her son or the groceries. She told doctors something was wrong. When she visited her primary care physician she was told that she was only experiencing stress or anxiety panic attacks from her non-stop life and that she should take three days off from work.  Essence knew there was more to the story and scheduled a visit with Dr. Sergio Schabelman, an internal medicine specialist at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans complaining of chest pains which was hard for him to believe.  Test after test showed no problems related to heart disease until she took the treadmill stress test.

At about 9 minutes and 38 seconds on the treadmill both Essence and her cardiologist knew something was wrong.  Her doctor scheduled an emergency angiogram that showed severe coronary artery disease – not mild or moderate – in two major arteries – she had blockages that were very severe. He immediately performed angioplasty to clear her arteries and Essence now has three permanent stents to keep her arteries open and will be on heart medication and require regular doctor visits for the rest of her life.  Today, Essence is living life to the fullest and taking the necessary steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  She currently volunteers with the National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease (www.WomenHeart.org) as a WomenHeart Champion to educate and improve the health and quality of life of women living with or at risk of heart disease, and to advocate for their benefit. Essence also works with the American Heart Association New Orleans GoRed Campaign and started nonprofit Heart N Hands, Inc. in 2014 to educate and raise awareness about heart health and heart disease prevention for young girls ages 10-18. Essence received the City Business of New Orleans Woman of the Year Award in 2017 and the Health & Wellness Hero Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Beta Omega Chapter. Essence enjoys spending quality time with her husband and 2 sons.

Contact Information:

Essence Harris Banks

504-458-0353

essence@heartnhands.org

www.heartnhands.org 

 

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Human Trafficking – Juana Lombard

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Words from ATC Commissioner
Juana Lombard

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) entered the fight against Human Trafficking in late 2017.  The Agency got involved because we received numerous complaints about illegal activities and suspected trafficking in the French Quarter. After learning of the amount of illegal activities and suspected trafficking in French Quarter clubs and clubs throughout the state, I had a conversation with the Governor and we exchanged concerns over the fact that Louisiana has become a corridor for human trafficking.  The Governor’s Office, the Administration as a whole and ATC are greatly concerned about the impact that human trafficking can have on the lives of innocent victims, their families and citizens in the state.

To help combat the problem, I created a Human Trafficking Task Force within ATC.   The sole responsibility of this task force is to investigate potential trafficking complaints and to work with local enforcement agencies and others to stop trafficking.  One approach ATC has taken is to go after businesses that foster or allow activities such as prostitution, trafficking or drug use/distribution on premises.

Within a short time we realized that this problem is far more widespread than any of us imagined. After meeting survivors and hearing their stories, we became outraged more passionate about the fight. The real wakeup call for me was when I realized this is happening all around us. I received heartbreaking calls from friends and people in my community telling me stories about their children’s schoolmates who have fallen victim. I have also spoken to ministers who had congregation members fall victim. I realized these kids were just like my children and moreover these mothers were just like me.  Many kids became victims because like their parents and teachers were unaware of the lurking danger.

Listening to survivors prompted me to reflect of my time on the criminal court bench. When I think of the young prostitutes, thieves and drug users who came through the court, I now wonder how many of them were victims? I did not recognize the signs because I had little knowledge of trafficking at that time. It pains me to think I may have seen victims and missed the chance to help them.  

The ATC Human Trafficking Task Force focuses on enforcement, but I have made it my personal mission to raise awareness and educate the public. With the help pf the Governor’s Office and some of our state partners, ATC has been able to create and expand our educational programs designed to educate servers, casinos employees, drivers and the faith based community. I believe that a number of victims can be identified and saved if we all learn to spot them and call the trafficking hotline.  The month of January was recognized as Human Trafficking month.  The ATC, Senator Troy Carter and the New Orleans Cluster Links Incorporated Chapters successfully hosted a Human Trafficking Symposium to bring awareness to the New Orleans community. We were blessed and thankful to have the symposium held at Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries Church. We had participation from the Governor’s Office, cabinet members, state agencies and a beautiful message of encouragement from First Lady Donna Edwards inspiring others to join this fight.

-Juana Lombard
ATC Commissioner

 

 

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Teach MAM – Mickey Smith

Teach MAM

 

Teach MAM: An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana

Teach MAM Mickey Smith

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Mickey Smith, Jr. has many titles but his heart is helping others discover their “sound” (their unique personal-significance). Mickey is the head band director of Maplewood Middle School, president of Musicmakers2U, and board member of Jazz in the Arts. He has also authored a new children’s book entitled “Keep On Going”

Smith has won dozens of awards, including KPLC’s Class Act Award, the Mayor’s 2018 Arts Educator of the Year. He has also been a National Semi-Finalist for the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award in 2015, 2018, and again this year, where he is a top ten finalist!

Having said all this, statistically-speaking Mickey Smith Jr. should have been a lost cause, but he is living proof to what faith, drive, and focus can produce.  Mickey reminds us all that anything is possible when you discover your “SOUND”.   Mickey uses music education to remind us that we ALL have a sound.  

Whether it is in the classroom or on the stage, Mickey\’s aim is not to simply teach but to reach.  Mickey\’s saxophone opened doors for him to defy the odds and become the first in his family to graduate college. After college, Mickey began public service as a teacher.  With his program SOUND180 Mickey talks to educators in a humorous and heartwarming way about the everyday challenges and choices teachers face in what Mickey calls “The One-Eighty”; helping them discover how to create a sound 180 days of classroom instruction and harmony.    

Mickey remind us daily that, “Every child is one SOUND ADULT away from discovering their success!”  

Mickey\’s \”sound\” is his unique motivational-mixture of message and music that entertains, educates, and elevates everyone to excellence.

Mickey makes his home in Sulphur with his wife and fellow educator Eugenia and their children William and Mikayla.

Find out more about Mickey and Smith Enrichment & Solutions at mickeysmithjr.com

 

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Blog – February 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019


Volume 1, Edition 4
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2019

A word from the First Lady of Louisiana
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It’s February, my birth month and the month of all things red — Valentine’s Day and National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about women and heart disease, American Heart month and many other celebrations and awareness days.

I was asked to write about my love story. We all have one. Since I happen to be married to my high school sweetheart, this is an easy one for me.  John Bel and I met in junior high. I had moved to Amite when I was in 6th Grade.  John Bel was always active throughout our school. I noticed him at recess and of course, as a junior high cheerleader, watched him play football. He asked me out when I was a freshman in high school, and he was a sophomore. We dated all through high school.  John Bel was a star athlete and student. 

It wasn’t until high school that I really began to develop a fondness for him. He was shy at times but always had a smile that made butterflies in my stomach, love.  Although I probably didn’t know what that was at the age of 15, I knew I liked being around him and laughing at his jokes and his comments. I’m sure I hung on to his every word.

During school, John Bel would often have others deliver me notes wrapped around candy bars between classes.  He was old fashioned in many ways, and he wrote the sweetest notes.  John Bel had seven siblings and six were brothers.  His brothers always teased him whenever I would visit his house.   I had older brothers too so I was familiar with the teasing.

John Bel graduated from high school and went on the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point in New York.  I was a grade younger and after graduation went on to the University of Southern Mississippi. We stayed in touch through letters and calls on Sundays.  We both had limited access to phones. There was one phone in his company, at the barracks, where there was always a waiting line.  My dorm room phone didn’t have long distance calling, so there were limited opportunities to talk. I took advantage of the wonderful dances and special events that were celebrated at West Point such as 500th Night, 100th Night, Ring Night and others.  I could always find a sorority friend or two to join me on those trips.

He graduated from USMA and then went straight to Fort Benning, Georgia for the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School. After he completed Ranger School, we married in March of 1989.  Then we went on a three year honeymoon to the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii as we were stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu.  This year, on March 4, we will celebrate our 30th Anniversary.  While there have been some tough times and challenges, our marriage just gets stronger with each passing year.  What a blessing!

I sometimes hear my daughter say, “Goals.”  One day, John Bel and I were sitting together and holding hands. She walked in the room and said, “Goals.”  I asked what that meant.  She said, “What you want to reach in a relationship or life or anything.  Something you want to have in your life.”  As she left the room I pondered what she had said.  Yes, we all have goals we want to achieve in many areas of our lives – family, profession, spiritual, marriage, etc.  However, we don’t reach our major goals overnight.  Nor does it happen over days or weeks.  When we work to reach our most important goals, there will always be challenges and difficulties.   Lots of laughs, tears, joys, and headaches.  It’s just plain hard work.  

So as John Bel and I approach our anniversary, I appreciate more than ever the long marriages of our parents.  They set great examples for us.  And like them, we have had to work hard and occasionally renew our commitment to each other.  Each day we pray that God will increase our love for Him and for one another.  That prayer has been answered.

We have reached our goal of having a wonderful marriage.  Now my goal for us is also to enjoy the glory days.   In my mind, the glory days are what our parents have demonstrated and told us about: when you’ve overcome the challenges and obstacles and enter into a phase when you fully accept and love one another and are secure in the knowledge that it will last forever.  I am so blessed to have such a marriage.  And it is because I have a loving husband who, like me, is more committed to our marriage than ever and honors the vows we exchanged thirty years ago.    

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone

God Bless,

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Shauna Sanford

Communications Director
Office of the Governor


As we celebrate Black History Month, there are countless Louisianans who have contributed significantly to our state and nation’s history.  They are the trailblazers and pioneers who have left an indelible imprint that continues to inspire.  This month, we share the story of the African-American female Louisiana State Police Troopers. Among the most well trained law enforcement officers in the country, these troopers are proudly and courageously paving the way for others to follow.  We salute them for their service and for inspiring all women to never give up on their dreams.

According to the most recent data, there are 1063 Louisiana State Police troopers, out of which 45 are women and of that number, 8 current female troopers are African-American.  Women were allowed to join the force in 1974.  Tpr. Joyce Stephanie Isaac Thibodeaux, now deceased, started her career with the Lafayette City Police Department and in 1976 she became the first Black woman to join the Louisiana State Police Dept. She retired after 21 years of service.  

“I was fortunate to work with her,” says Lt. Charron Thomas who joined in 1992. “She faced a lot of struggles being the first one, and she gave me a lot of advice that helped me.”  

Click for more…

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Louisiana First Foundation

Yes Mam, No Mam, Thank you Mam = Teach MAM!

Mickey Smith, Jr. has many titles but his heart is helping others discover their “sound” (their unique personal-significance). Mickey is the head band director of Maplewood Middle School, president of Musicmakers2U, and board member of Jazz in the Arts. He has also authored a new children’s book entitled “Keep On Going”. Smith has won dozens of awards, including KPLC’s Class Act Award, the Mayor’s 2018 Arts Educator of the Year. He has also been a National Semi-Finalist for the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award in 2015, 2018, and again this year, where he is a top ten finalist!

TEACH MAM

Mickey Smith, Jr. has many titles but his heart is helping others discover their “sound” (their unique personal-significance). Mickey is the head band director of Maplewood Middle School, president of Musicmakers2U, and board member of Jazz in the Arts. He has also authored a new children’s book entitled “Keep On Going”. Smith has won dozens of awards, including KPLC’s Class Act Award, the Mayor’s 2018 Arts Educator of the Year. He has also been a National Semi-Finalist for the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award in 2015, 2018, and again this year, where he is a top ten finalist!
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Learn More
“Home is where one starts from.” These are simple words from a poem by T.S. Eliot. Home is not only where we start from, but also where we go throughout our lives – for comfort in times of sadness, for celebration in times of joy and for daily support and love. Unfortunately, home and family are much more elusive and complicated for the tens of thousands of children in foster care across the United States waiting to be adopted. The hard reality is that too many children linger in care for years and age out of the foster care system without an adoptive family, which places them at an elevated risk of negative outcomes, including homelessness, unemployment, early parenting and substance abuse.

LOUISIANA FOSTERS

“Home is where one starts from.” These are simple words from a poem by T.S. Eliot. Home is not only where we start from, but also where we go throughout our lives – for comfort in times of sadness, for celebration in times of joy and for daily support and love. Unfortunately, home and family are much more elusive and complicated for the tens of thousands of children in foster care across the United States waiting to be adopted. The hard reality is that too many children linger in care for years and age out of the foster care system without an adoptive family, which places them at an elevated risk of negative outcomes, including homelessness, unemployment, early parenting and substance abuse.
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The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) entered the fight against Human Trafficking in late 2017. The Agency got involved because we received numerous complaints about illegal activities and suspected trafficking in the French Quarter. After learning of the amount of illegal activities and suspected trafficking in French Quarter clubs and clubs throughout the state, I had a conversation with the Governor and we exchanged concerns over the fact that Louisiana has become a corridor for human trafficking. The Governor’s Office, the Administration as a whole and ATC are greatly concerned about the impact that human trafficking can have on the lives of innocent victims, their families and citizens in the state.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) entered the fight against Human Trafficking in late 2017. The Agency got involved because we received numerous complaints about illegal activities and suspected trafficking in the French Quarter. After learning of the amount of illegal activities and suspected trafficking in French Quarter clubs and clubs throughout the state, I had a conversation with the Governor and we exchanged concerns over the fact that Louisiana has become a corridor for human trafficking. The Governor’s Office, the Administration as a whole and ATC are greatly concerned about the impact that human trafficking can have on the lives of innocent victims, their families and citizens in the state.
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LOUISIANA GOVERNOR\’S
MANSION MURAL

The entrance to the Governor’s Mansion opens on a beautiful Louisiana setting captured on canvas in an original mural painted by Auseklis Ozols.  Mr. Ozols is the founder and director of the Fine Arts Museum in New Orleans. Depicting scenery from the four corners or the state, this work of art took the artist six months to complete, working only on weekends. Former governors who have called the mansion “home,” including Jimmie Davis, John McKeithen, Dave Treen, Buddy Roemer, Edwin Edwards, Mike Foster, Kathleen Blanco, Bobby Jindal and currently Governor John Bel Edwards, are all represented within the mural. The mural was donated to the Foundation by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Canizaro of New Orleans.

 

Click here to read more…

WE ARE OPEN

Please click the link for ways to support the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

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Ladies of Louisiana Making a Difference

Essence Harris Banks celebrates fifteen years as a heart disease survivor and recent Founder of Heart N Hands, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on increasing awareness and educating young girls about heart disease prevention in the community. For the past fifteen years, Essence has been featured in The Times Picayune/NOLA.com (New Orleans), Woman’s Day Magazine, SELF Magazine, Shape Magazine, Today Show, WWL TV, several Clear Channel Radio Stations, American Heart Association National Awareness Campaigns, WomenHeart Champion & Spokeswoman, just to name a few.

COMMUNITY

Essence Harris Banks celebrates fifteen years as a heart disease survivor and recent Founder of Heart N Hands, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on increasing awareness and educating young girls about heart disease prevention in the community. For the past fifteen years, Essence has been featured in The Times Picayune/NOLA.com (New Orleans), Woman’s Day Magazine, SELF Magazine, Shape Magazine, Today Show, WWL TV, several Clear Channel Radio Stations, American Heart Association National Awareness Campaigns, WomenHeart Champion & Spokeswoman, just to name a few.
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The St. Michael School Bell Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Jill Hitchins, is comprised of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1969 as an inspiration of Principal Sr. Lillian McCormick, they have performed for many school and community events including the Holiday Spectacular with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Anthem at Saints and Pelicans games, Roosevelt Hotel lobby lighting festivities, and an annual program for the Archbishop and his staff. They were honored to be included in the Papal Mass for Pope John Paul II when he visited the city.

SCHOOLS

The St. Michael School Bell Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Jill Hitchins, is comprised of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1969 as an inspiration of Principal Sr. Lillian McCormick, they have performed for many school and community events including the Holiday Spectacular with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Anthem at Saints and Pelicans games, Roosevelt Hotel lobby lighting festivities, and an annual program for the Archbishop and his staff. They were honored to be included in the Papal Mass for Pope John Paul II when he visited the city.
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Alejandra “Alex” Juan joined the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs team in 2016 and serves as both Communications Director and State Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator. Alex is devoted wife and mother, avid community volunteer, and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran. She and her husband, Craig, met on an M-16 range when they were both members of the 159th Security Forces Squadron. They served as a dual-military couple for over a decade. They are the proud parents of two resilient young men, Nick and Noah.

MILITARY

Alejandra “Alex” Juan joined the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs team in 2016 and serves as both Communications Director and State Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator. Alex is devoted wife and mother, avid community volunteer, and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran. She and her husband, Craig, met on an M-16 range when they were both members of the 159th Security Forces Squadron. They served as a dual-military couple for over a decade. They are the proud parents of two resilient young men, Nick and Noah.
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Raeanna Blanchard Doescher is the founder and creator of WhiteBlancCanvas. Her passion for painting came later in life and it started as a way to cope with and overcome the stresses of life. It became so therapeutic that she started painting every night. Before she knew it, the paintings started piling up in what she calls her paint room. It was around that time that she decided to put her work out there for the public to see. Raeanna says that was the best decision of her life!

BUSINESS

Raeanna Blanchard Doescher is the founder and creator of WhiteBlancCanvas. Her passion for painting came later in life and it started as a way to cope with and overcome the stresses of life. It became so therapeutic that she started painting every night. Before she knew it, the paintings started piling up in what she calls her paint room. It was around that time that she decided to put her work out there for the public to see. Raeanna says that was the best decision of her life!
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Donna\’s Sweet Heart Waffle Recipe

John Bel and I celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together as a married couple in the Army at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1990.  After work, I stopped at the PX on post and happened across the Heart Waffle Maker.  To this day, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by making heart waffles, and now we share them with our three children and son-in-law.  

 

For full recipe, click here

The First Dogs

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After working hard towards our New Year’s resolutions,
it’s always good to rest your body and recharge!

Something to Discern

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Let us know what you think or share your story!

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shrimp-and-grits

Featured Recipe: Breaux’s Shrimp and Grits

Chef Bonnie Breaux’s

Louisiana
Shrimp and Grits

Grits:

Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 shallot (finely chopped) and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add 1 quart chicken stock and 1 quart heavy cream and bring to a boil. Add 2 cups coarse, stone-grind grits, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, stir, reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes. Beat in 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Remove from heat, cover and set aside and keep warm.

 

Sauce:

Melt ¼ pound unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ½ medium yellow onion (julienned), ½ medium red onion (julienned), ½ medium red bell pepper (julienned) and ½ green bell pepper (julienned) and sauté until softened, about 8 minutes. Add 3 cups finely chopped smoked Tasso, stir, then add 2 quarts shrimp stock and 2 quarts heavy cream and cook on medium uncovered until mixture is reduced by one third, about 1 hour. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce and ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic. Add ½ cup sherry and blend thoroughly. Set aside and keep warm.

Shrimp:

Combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 ½ tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Blend thoroughly, add 3 pounds 21-25 count Gulf shrimp (peeled and deveined), and toss to coat.

Set a cast iron skillet over high heat for five minutes. Working very quickly, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, then shrimp. Allow seasoning on the shrimp to blacken, about 90 seconds. Turn shrimp and repeat.

 

To Plate:

Divide grits among six shallow soup plates. Using a wooden spoon, make a deep impression in the center of the grits. Divide sauce, then shrimp atop the grits. Serve at once.

Chef Bonnie Breaux Executive Chef, Cafe Sydnie Mae - Breaux Bridge, LA

Chef Bonnie Breaux is the Executive Chef at the Café Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge, LA.  

Bonnie started her culinary career by opening Breaux’s Cajun Catering in Covington, LA. After five years, Bonnie moved back to her hometown and became the Executive Chef of Clementine Dining and Spirits as well as Peltier’s Catering.  Bonnie was “discovered” while competing in the World Championship Gumbo Contest and eventually was offered the Executive Chef position at Roux, in Tampa FL, where she prepared Louisiana cuisine for the folks in South Florida. During Bonnie’s tenure at Roux, the restaurant was voted in the Top 50 as well as having her signature dish featured at the 2017 College Football Championship in Tampa and also participated in The James Beard Sunday Supper Tampa Bay event.

Throughout Bonnie’s career, she has been fortunate to experience many culinary opportunities. Recently, Bonnie was chosen as one of the 26 exclusive chefs to prepare a dish for the James Beard Sunday Supper fundraising benefit.

Chef Breaux returned to Louisiana that she loves and brought her expertise to The St. John Restaurant in St Martinville. Chef Bonnie competed in the 2017 Louisiana Seafood Competition and competed against 11 male chefs throughout Louisiana. She won the competition and is the first female chef to win this title. Chef Breaux was also named 2018 Small Town Chef of the year this past July. . Bonnie is now the Executive Chef at Cafe Sydnie Mae where she continues to carry on the tradition of Southern Hospitality.

Bonnie’s time away from the kitchen usually is spending time with her 88-year-old mother or going to see her children and grandchildren in Covington, LA.

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