In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?

My Ursuline education prepared me for the work that I have done for over 20 years by offering me a foundation of respect, honor and the goal of serving every individual with compassion and integrity no matter what specific circumstances are presented. As a social worker and employed as the Program Director for Adoption Services, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans I have the honor of to provide services to expectant parents who are exploring decisions for their child’s future, families that hope to create their family through adoption, both domestically and internationally, as well as individuals that were touched by adoption as far back as the early 1900s.  My 4 years at Ursuline Academy cultivated a foundation for guidance, support, and family that was rooted in the rich history and tradition the Ursuline sisters created so many years earlier.

Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Ursuline Academy taught me courage and determination, especially when I need it most. I believe it is this same courage and determination that Ursuline instilled in me that led me to where I am today and continues to guide me on my daily journeys.

Describe Ursuline in one word. – I continue to attempt to live this everyday in all that I do as well as encourage it in my children’s development.

Serviam

ABOUT DANNA POWELL COUSINS

Danna Powell Cousins, LMSW is a social worker / Program Director for Adoption Services, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1986 (Skips) and completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology / Sociology from Loyola University. Danna began her service in the maternity and adoption field in 1990’s when she began working at Associated Catholic Charities in New Orleans. At this time, Danna worked primarily with maternity clients, coordinating services for expectant parents who were considering adoption. It was around this same time that many expectant parents began to request more “openness” in adoption.  Because of this, Danna became a true advocate for open adoption at a time when the concept was very new to the New Orleans area. Danna left her position with Associated Catholic Charities in 1994 to create an open adoption program with Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans. Although she continued to advocate for birth parents, she became focused on educating adoptive families about the many benefits of open adoption. Danna directed the Maternity and Adoption Program of Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans for 10 years. In 2004, Danna “returned home” to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, as the Program Director for Adoption Services. It was a time to bring renewal and open adoption services to the existing adoption program. Danna continues to work with families pursuing a domestic or international adoption.

Over the years, Danna has provided service to all members of the adoption triad. She has assisted many birth parents and adopted families create life-long relationships as well as providing counseling support services for searching and reunion for adoptions that dating back to the early 1900s.

Danna has served on the Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board, an adoption advocacy group, as well as previously serving on the Advisory Committee on Licensing Child Care Facilities and Child Placing Agencies. She has presented as a featured speaker for several local adoption conferences.

In 2007, Danna returned to Tulane School of Social Work full time while continuing to work full time to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work as well as a Certificate in Disaster Mental Health. This was a gift to herself for a “special” birthday” and a commitment to continue serving members of the adoption community. This experience required much of that courage and determination that was provided by Ursuline Academy in the 1980’s.

Danna was recently nominated to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)’s “Angel in Adoption” Program which provides a unique opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity that has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes – “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”. She was selected and travelled to Washington, DC this past October to accept the “Angel in Adoption” Award from Senators Landrieu and Vitter. Danna says she was “truly humbled to receive this honor” – she has provided adoption related services for over 20 years and cannot imagine working in any other field. For Danna this honor was both a tremendous professional, as well as a personal honor. Danna shares thanks to each of the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees that have been a special part of her 20+ year journey – they are all true blessings that have forever touched her through the experience of adoption, both domestically and internationally.

Danna and her husband, Craig, have two beautiful children, Elizabeth, age 15, and Benjamin, age 14.  They reside in Metairie, Louisiana.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for your work in the real world?

The Sioux, Skip and Mac classes were always together to participate in class activities and to play out the role of Serviam on a daily basis. “Serviam,” to serve, was something that was instilled in me from the very beginning as an Ursuline Sioux. Previously, I was an elementary school teacher for 6 years. I allowed my students the opportunity to work in groups on a daily basis, but I also supported their individual needs. I was there to help them, teach them, guide them and instill the same values in which I was taught. After a change of careers, I am currently an RN in the Newborn Nursery. I am not only there to care for the babies, but to help guide and teach their parents how to care for them.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Respect for others

3. Describe Ursuline in one word

Family

ABOUT RICCI BROUSSARD HEBERT

Ricci Broussard Hebert graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1990, as a Sioux, and then Southeastern Louisiana University in 1995. In 1999, she came back to the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to get married. It was something she said she would always do. 

She taught grades 4-6 special/elementary education for 6 years. After the birth of her daughter, Julianne Jolie’, she decided to go back to school and fulfill her dream and passion of being a Newborn RN. In 2006, she graduated from Charity School of Nursing.  

She currently works in the Newborn Nursery at West Jefferson Medical Center, and has enjoyed the past 6 years that she has been employed there. In 2008, she and her husband, Craig, welcomed the birth of their son, Jacques Justan. 

In 2010, shortly after the Saints Superbowl victory, she wrote and published her 1st children’s book entiled, ”A Saintsational Swamp Adventure.” In 2011, she wrote and published her 2nd book, “Fleur Delivery.”  

Being a children’s author has allowed her to get back in the classroom. She has done book readings and signings in many local schools. It has also allowed her to come back and visit Ursuline. She was invited to read and sign books for the children who attended Santa’s Workshop in 2010 and 2011. She was also invited to be a part of Ursuline’s career day.  

Ricci will be at the Alumnae Spring Gathering, a.k.a. Super Terrific Happy Hour, on April 26^th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a book signing. 

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for your work in the real world?

Ursuline fostered an environment of trust—trust that encouraged confidence and goal success in my life, but also trust to admit that I have had psychological and intellectual areas to be developed, along with the encouragement to do so. That trust given to me is something I now can develop in others, while continuing to do so in myself. Especially in areas where women are not encouraged to succeed- and in some cases, are encouraged towards the opposite- instilling confidence requires an environment of trust and room to falter.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Ursuline laid the foundation for service in my life.  The academy encouraged me from my youngest of ages to participate in service hours in class “service days” and as I grew up, I was encouraged to commit to individual hours of service work. Not that I am shy, but an external push helped me understand how much one gains from volunteering and helping. It no longer became a chore or something to report—since I graduated, this embedded nature of service has paved the road for all of my lifelong goals, especially in providing healthcare to underserved areas in the future.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.

SANGHA – Sangha is a community of people with a common goal, vision, or purpose, which is the welfare and happiness of the world, out of compassion for its people.

ABOUT PATRICIA LEDOUX

Patricia graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2010 with a B.A. in International Studies. She recently returned from a one-year volunteer position as an English instructor near the Laos border in Thailand, where she was working under the directorship of a local Non-Governmental Organization, Dragonfly Community Foundation.

After her return to the United States, she married Jordon Gregory, whom she first met on a university study abroad semester in India. They have located to Washington State, where Patricia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both she and Jordon hope to join the Peace Corps after she earns this second Bachelor’s degree.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for your work in the real world?

The academic preparation at Ursuline is unparalleled.  My UA education not only prepared me intellectually for college, professional school and beyond, it gave me the confidence necessary to propel myself forward to success. The study habits formed at Ursuline proved vital throughout my academic career. The civic, linguistic, and historical educations allow me to interact with others in a respectful, well-informed and compassionate manner, and have formed a world-view that is relevant, considerate and empathetic. The spiritual platform built at Ursuline has been the basis of my moral being, which has grounded and guided me through difficult situations, as well as given me the strength and courage to persevere and prevail in the face of adversity.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

RESPECT – respect of self, respect of others and respect of the beauty in diversity.  The faculty and staff at Ursuline are particularly adept at building and nurturing the “whole girl.”  With this development of self not only comes the cultivation and appreciation of one’s own interests, talents and skills, but those of our friends and peers. This ability to embrace and validate others has enabled me to relate to people with a responsible and compassionate style that values similarities while celebrating and learning from differences.

3.  Describe Ursuline in one word.

TRADITION – Having attended Ursuline Academy from 5^th grade through high school, I am well versed in the history and significance of the Ursuline community to the development and very survival of our beloved city.  Of course, the only constant in the world is “change.” In the face of an ever-evolving world, and what some may view as an increasingly de-moralized and desensitized society, Ursuline remains steadfast in its tenets, values, and traditions.  As a result, Ursuline Academy continues to produce honorable, morally responsible, capable and confident young women.

ABOUT KEFLA GEORGE BROWN

Kefla George Brown began her journey at Ursuline Academy in the 5^th grade.  After graduating in the top ten of her class in 1993, she attended Xavier University of Louisiana with numerous scholarships. Here, she majored in biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish (despite her superb French education at Ursuline).  Kefla accumulated many honors and awards at Xavier and graduated summa cum laude in 1997.

She then enrolled in Optometry School at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.  While in Columbus, she served as president of the National Optometric Student Association, and regularly assisted in the eye care of Columbus’ homeless population. Kefla simultaneously earned her Masters Degree in Vision Science. She was named Outstanding Senior Student by the College’s faculty and the Ohio Optometric Association upon her graduation in 2001.

Her journey brought her back to her beloved New Orleans where she completed a residency at Ochsner Medical Center. She remains on staff at Ochsner as an adult and pediatric Optometrist.  As the Director of Pediatric Optometry, she enjoys providing highly skilled, empathetic and lively care to her diverse patient population, particularly special-needs children and their families. She has served on the Executive Board of the Optometric Association of Louisiana and as the president of the New Orleans Optometric Society.

Outside of Optometry, Kefla works with local civic and community organizations to advocate for the health, education and economic empowerment of under-privileged and under-represented women and children in the Greater New Orleans area.

Kefla has been blessed to share life with her wonderfully supportive husband of 8 years, Raymond.  They are raising two beautiful and comical children, 5 year-old Seth and 2-year-old, Lydia.

Dody Nolan, Skip of ‘07

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?

The education I received at Ursuline was invaluable. It not only sets you up educationally for both college and the “real world,” but also emotionally and socially. I learned how to work well with others, and I learned how amazing women can be in what is considered a “man’s world.” Ursuline taught me how to be a woman of service and a woman of courage. As an Ursuline graduate, I try to display the characteristics of courtesy, loyalty and courage in my every day activities. Being a woman of service does not mean to become subservient. It means to help others with the talents God bestowed on you, and for this you should hold your head up high and know your worth.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

The most significant value I learned from Ursuline was courtesy. In this world talent and charm can only get you so far. Being responsible and friendly to work with will get you further than anything else. Not only can it grant you career advancement, but emotionally being courteous makes others and yourself much happier.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
Home

ABOUT DODY NOLAN

Dody Nolan has been on stage nearly all her life. She made her performance debut as Woodstock in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at the ripe young age of two on Ursuline’s stage. She has studied voice since the age of seven. She currently studies under Dreux Montegut and has recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University of New Orleans with a degree in Vocal performance. She was Salutatorian of the Ursuline Academy 2007 high school graduating class. She is the daughter and sister of two Ursuline graduates, Dody Nolan ’67 and Deana Palmisano Lejarza ’89. Her grandmother, Constance Dolese, attended Ursuline College and was an honorary alum.

Dody has been a church cantor since the age of 13 and a wedding cantor since the age of 14.  She currently cantors at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Divine Mercy Church, and the St. Louis Cathedral. She enjoys performing in both opera and musical theatre. During her time at Loyola, she became an avid member and officer of the Musical Theatre Organization, helping to get it chartered by the university. She also performed in many of the Loyola Operas, and was featured in “Pirates of Penzance” as Mabel and in “Dido and Aenas” as Belinda. She also was featured in New Orleans Opera as the First Spirit in “Die Zauberflöte.” At Tulane Summer Lyric, Dody was featured in “Mameas Gloria Upson” and in “Into the Woods” as Rapunzel. This past summer, she was one of 35 college graduates to be accepted to the Springboard NYC program in New York sponsored by the American Theatre Wing. While in the program, she studied with many mentors including Randy Lutterman, Joanna Sheehan, Jeremy Desmon, Seth Rudetsky, David Caparelliotis, Marc Kudisch, Edie Falco and Kathleen Marshall. She also was granted the pleasure to see the dress rehearsal of the Tony Awards along with 10 other Broadway shows. She hopes to bridge the gap between these two genres and continue performing in both. Some of her other credits include performances with Jefferson Performing Arts Society, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Tulane Summer Lyric, Loyola Opera and New Orleans Opera. She was recently named one of Gambit’s annual “40 Under 40.” She was one of the youngest recipients of this honor.

She is currently a Victory Belle at the National World War II Museum, and she also performs at Café Giovanni. She is also a barista at Starbucks and a jewelry maker. Singing and performing is who she is. No matter if it is singing to her three pugs and chinchilla or on a Broadway stage, she’s never happier than when she is performing.

Please visit her website at www.DodyNolan.com for more information.

1.    In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you are doing now?

As an Ursuline student I was nurtured, taught and formed as a whole person, challenged to always do my best and take on anything and everything when the need presented itself to help and serve others. My Ursuline education not only prepared me as a parent to raise three wonderful, highly motivated children, but also as a Medical Technologist working with and helping people of many different backgrounds and needs.  As an Ursuline graduate, I have always had a strong desire to do community service to better the world we live in.

2.    Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Ursuline instilled in me a deep respect for all people as individuals regardless of their background or station in life.  I have found this to be very important in my relationships and interactions with others over the years. I think it is also at the heart of Ursuline’s motto, Serviam, because without respect for others, we cannot be of service to them.

3.    Describe Ursuline in one word.

Serviam. The Ursuline Sisters showed us that to serve should not be regarded as a burden, but taken on as a privilege. I receive tremendous joy in helping and serving others.

ABOUT CARMELA MATASSA VAN HOOK

Carmela, a graduate of 1965, was named the Ursuline Academy 2011 Distinguished Alumna. She and her husband, Cloyd, are the proud parents of three wonderful children, Kristin, Emery and Colin. They also have two grandsons. As a parent of two Ursuline students, Carmela was a member of the Parents’ Club Board, served as Fair Coordinator in 1987-1988, chaired various booths for Ursuline Day and served as a Room Mother for several years. Carmela was a Serviam Drive Decade Chair, the President of the Alumnae Board in 1989-1990, and a charter member of the School Board in 1988-1993. While on the board she served as Chair of the Development Committee which established the Development Office and sought out the first Development Director. Carmela also served on several Alumnae Board committees and as Alumnae Director.

Her volunteer work consists of being a docent at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art where she led museum tours for inner city school children, a Louisiana Master Gardener volunteering at the Botanical Gardens, and a Catholic Charities/ACCESS pregnancy counselor for young women. Carmela works as a Medical Technologist at Ochsner and always finds time to visit Ursuline alumnae admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Janet Laizer, Mac of ‘76

1.  In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?

I was fortunate to attend Ursuline from 7^th- 12^th grades. How do I describe what Ursuline did for me?   I am a Psychiatrist who currently works for the Veterans’ Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. I have worked here for the last four years. My primary job is to respond to emergencies. Prior to working at the VA, I was a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with the State Hospital in Mississippi.

I believe that my education at Ursuline was one of the most important formative experiences of my life. Above all, I was encouraged to represent Christ to others in my daily life. With the intercession of Christ, Ursuline and Our Lady of Prompt Succor and the saints, I think that I have been able to provide a listening and compassionate presence. St Augustine said, “We may pray most when we say least, and we may pray least when we say most.”  I try to be mindful of that every day.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Serviam.  Teachers and other students at Ursuline modeled the ideal of Serviam to me:  “I will serve.” The phrase, “Serviam,” is attributed to St. Michael the Archangel.  It was his rebuttal to those who would not serve. St Michael is the protector of our police, soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guard and all of those who protect us.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.

Nurturing. Ursuline has a great peace about its campus, and emanating from all of its buildings.  The traditions are comforting.  When we leave Ursuline, it doesn’t leave us.  And as our Alma Mater says, we can always return, “Home at last, dear Ursuline.”

ABOUT JANET LAIZER
Dr. Laizer attended Ursuline from 7^th- 12^th grade.  She graduated in 1976.  She attended LSU in Baton Rouge for undergraduate school and later went to LSU Medical School in New Orleans.  She was a medical student in the days when Charity Hospital and the neighboring Veterans’ Hospital played vital roles in the life of the city.  She went to University of Alabama at Birmingham for her Internship and Residency in Psychiatry, and then to University of Pittsburgh/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic for a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She worked in Pennsylvania and Ohio for several years, then came back south to Mississippi.  She worked at Mississippi State Hospital for 10 years, primarily with children and adolescents.  She concurrently worked at Millcreek Residential Center, Brentwood Hospital and a local youth offender/mental retardation residential facility. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Mississippi Medical Center, and now works on the Emergency and Consult team at the Veteran’s Hospital.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?

As a student at the school, which dates back to 1727, the love and study of history found a place in my heart that still endures today. My work as archivist for the Ursuline Sisters in Central Province includes understanding the history of our Sisters and seeing their role as religious educators throughout the world. The Ursulines in New Orleans have certainly contributed to my love of this history.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.

Recognizing the value of each individual person and seeing Christ in that person.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.

Devoted love. This quality was manifested in the lives of the Ursuline Sisters who taught us, those who cared for us (the lay sisters) and in the friendships formed among the students.

ABOUT SISTER ROSEMARY
A native Kentuckian, Betty Meiman’s family moved to New Orleans where she completed grade school at Holy Name and then entered high school at Ursuline Academy. On graduating with the fantastic class of ’46, she entered the Ursuline Order and took the name Sister Rosemary. She received a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle and a master’s from St. Louis University.

Sister Rosemary’s ministry as an Ursuline has included teaching in grade and high school, being principal at two academies of the Ursuline Order, and holding several administrative posts in the Order. At present, Sister Rosemary is the archivist for the Central Province of Ursulines, which includes convents and schools in five mid-western and southern states. The archives are located in St. Louis, Missouri, where she cares for the many records of the sisters and their ministries.

Millie Pilie Bradley ‘69

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
The wonderful staff at Ursuline always encouraged excellence and celebrated success.  This created an environment where students were always challenged to do their very best.  This served me well in further studies and in a professional career.  The curriculum also provided breadth, so students could experience many aspects of life, from faith to education to sports to theater to debate to serving the community.  This is a great model for life for which I am ever grateful.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
Respect.  Respect for our Catholic faith, for our fellow students, for our family, teachers and staff, for structure and rules and for the environment surrounding us.  I truly believe that if this one value guided everything we do, the world would be a more caring and peaceful place.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
Serviam.  Over the course of the many years since I’ve left Ursuline, I’ve remembered that word many times, and have interpreted it in so many different ways.  It not only conveys responsibility and dedication, but also nurturing, love and humility.  I treasure the foundation I received at Ursuline and I am so gratified that the tradition continues!

ABOUT MILLIE:
Millie Bradley graduated as Valedictorian of the Sioux class of 1969. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Newcomb College, and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the Tulane Graduate School of Business.  Ms. Bradley began employment with Exxon in 1975 as a systems project manager in New Jersey.  In 1979, she moved, with her husband Allan, to Houston to become Manager of Computer Applications for the Exxon’s U. S.  chemical company.

Over the next several  years, Ms. Bradley progressed through several managerial positions within Exxon, including Systems Manager in Imperial Oil in Toronto, Canada, Financial Reporting Manager in Exxon Coal and Minerals Company in Houston, and Manager of Exxon Computing Services Company in Houston.  In 1998, she became Assistant Controller of Exxon Corporation in Dallas, TX, responsible for consolidation of Exxon Corporation’s worldwide financial results and government reporting.  After serving as Controller of ExxonMobil Chemical Company, she was named General Auditor of Exxon Corporation in 2005.  Millie retired from ExxonMobil in April 2009 after nearly 34 years of service. 

During the course of her career, Millie was involved in the Financial Executives Institute, the Institute of Internal Auditors,  the Corporate Executive Board and helped to form the Houston Business Forum, a professional organization for female executives.  She’s a current member of the Executive Women’s Roundtable of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. While pursuing a career in computing and finance with Exxon, Millie was passionate about personnel development , ethics and leadership, and placed particular emphasis on development of women professionals and executives.

She currently serves on the Steering Committee of United Way’s Women of Tocqueville in Dallas, Texas, and is on the Board of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.  Ms. Bradley’s husband Allan is President of Questar Pipeline Company.  They have two children, Allison and Jonathan, and were blessed with a first grandchild, Avery, on July 4, 2010.

Spotlight on Alumnae Questions:

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
3. Describe Ursuline in one word.

To say I was surprised to be asked to be in the “spotlight” as an Ursuline alumna would be an understatement.

More than likely the alumnae director and the person who nominated me (and I have a feeling I know exactly who that person is), after this piece, may have regrets. I say that, because I will deviate from the norm and answer the standard questions “my way.” After all, this represents what I took away from Ursuline, along with my diploma, and that is to be me!  And most of the time, that means being different.

And I was different in so many ways. Let’s face it, back in the late 60s and 70s, integration was slow to take hold in the South and throughout the archdiocese. I remember having to sit in the back rows of the church to attend Mass on Sundays and having to make my communion and confirmation separate from the white children in my parish.

When I, along with my parents’ blessing, and possibly coaxing, decided to attend Ursuline, it was with a sense of purpose. I was there, not to just receive an education, but to present and represent myself, my family, my community, my race. To prove that we could. To prove that we were capable. To prove that we were up to the challenge.

And there were many challenges. Good and bad! I hadn’t realized it then, but as I reflect on it today, my time at Ursuline was when I first became acquainted with the adage “the glass being half empty or half full” and that it was my choice to choose which half.

And for the record, let me publicly (albeit not soon enough) state, that I will be forever grateful to Sr. Esther Redmann, Ms. Sylvia Probst and Ms. Pat Taylor because many a day, the glass would have been half empty were it not for their wisdom, guidance and determination that I was indeed up to the challenge.

Motivating is how I will describe Ursuline.

I was motivated to represent a cause. I was motivated to find out who I was, what I was made of, and just how determined I could be.

I think though, that I’d internalized all of that until possibly my junior year. The later part, specifically. We’d been given an end of the year assignment, and while I’ve long ago forgotten for what subject, I do remember it was somewhat subjective because I decided to publish an issue of a newspaper. The timing coincided with school elections and my dear friend – even to this day – Wilma Thompson decided she was going to run for Student Council president. To know Wilma, is to love Wilma. I believe that the majority of our classmates shared that sentiment. But Wilma wasn’t running for class President. She wanted to be Student Council president. If she were elected, she would become Ursuline’s first Black student council president.

My mission was clear. I would meld the assignment with assisting Wilma in getting elected. Most of the content of the newspaper focused on Wilma. I interviewed her, took her photo, designed campaign ads for her – all of which were featured in the paper of which I was reporter, editor, proofreader, graphic and layout designer, photographer. I did it all, but print it. My dad did that.  Enough copies to turn in several to my teacher and distribute to the rest of the school.

Motivation. I earned an A for my project. Wilma became Student Council president. I’d like to think I played a small part in introducing her to the rest of the student body.

Fast forward to the later part of 2005, exiled in Houston, not only did I have the burden of whether or not I had a home to return to, I felt the weight of my family’s legacy being washed away by the flood waters caused by the levee breaches after Katrina.  I was once again motivated and single-handedly, initially, made sure that The Louisiana Weekly, which was started by my grandfather in 1925, did not miss an issue of publication.  Weeks later, I was joined in this effort by some dedicated employees who were spread throughout the United States and some very loyal readers and supporters who had found their way back to the city, all of us working on a volunteer basis. It wasn’t until August of 2006 that I was able to reinstitute a payroll. Five years hence, while we are still small in staff, we continue to fulfill our mission statement of providing a “written forum to advance justice, freedom, and equality to all members, of all communities, at all times.”

I was told I was different by my guidance counselor when I answered her questions of whether I planned on going to college and if so, where? “Yes,” I said. And when I told her of the schools I was going to apply to – none of which were in Louisiana, – she told me, “oh, no”.  First of all, as I recall, she said, in essence, that Ursuline girls didn’t go to college outside of Louisiana. It just wasn’t done. And that most only went to college to find a husband. She then told me that she wanted to spare my feelings being hurt, because she didn’t think I would be accepted to any of those colleges. I should think about going to Dillard, Xavier, Delgado, possibly, Loyola.

I was being different. And I became motivated! I had to prove that I could. Prove that I was capable. Prove that I was up to the challenge.

I didn’t get accepted to all of the schools I’d applied. But I got accepted to enough that I agonized for weeks on which to choose. I chose Boston College. Received a BA in Mass Communications and Education in 1976. I also found a husband. A Bostonian. James followed me back to New Orleans and we married in 1980. We have three children – Brandon Dejoie Hall who is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he received a Bachelors degree in Architecture with a minor in Italian and now lives in New York; Christopher Dejoie Hall who received his marketing degree from Hampton University and currently works with me; and Lauren Dejoie Hall who finished last year from Howard University with a Bachelors degree in Architecture and divides her time between Washington, D.C. and New York.  We also have one grandchild, Carter Christopher Hall who turns 2 on April 22.

Ursuline provided me a well-rounded education. I learned within the classroom and out.  I definitely learned that I was up to the challenge. And it was there, that I cultivated my motivation.

From 1976-86, I was the Social Editor for The Louisiana Weekly. In 1986, for a 10-year period, I worked in radio.  I worked as a sales professional for Black-owned radio conglomerate InterUrban Broadcasting (WYLD AM/FM), before moving to EZ Communications (B97) and, finally, Clear Channel (WYLD/WQUE). I came back to the family business in 1997.

I am currently the newspaper’s executive editor, vice-president and acting publisher. I serve on the board of the Louisiana Press Association and am a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, New America Media, Louisiana Black Publishers Association and the Associated Press. I’ve been honored to be the recipient of the Trailblazer Of The Year award from the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists, the Unity Globe Award from the National Rainbow/PUSH organization and was named one of CityBusiness’ 50 “Women of the Year” in 2009.