When Diana Fisher faced a cancer diagnosis five years ago, she sought out alternative therapies in addition to Western medicine treatments. But driving all over for mental health, reiki and acupuncture treatments proved inconvenient. So at a fortuitous lunch three…
An immersive, 12-room experience, JAMNOLA celebrates New Orleans art, music and culture with works from over 20 local artists. Short for Joy Art Music New Orleans, JAMNOLA’s founders Chad Smith and Jonny Liss have redefined the museum in a…
By giving floral arrangements from weddings and other events a second life, Bons Temps Blooms brings joy to people throughout New Orleans while providing a green, sustainable service. Here’s what Founder Ashley Ledet had to say about her creative…
As Executive Director of Court Watch NOLA, Simone Levine advocates for accountability in the criminal justice system. With past work as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and as Deputy Police Monitor for the New Orleans Office of the Independent Police…
Wanting to raise more awareness about plastic pollution, longtime environmentalist Sarah Andert opened Vintage Green Review, the city’s first zero waste supply and bulk refill shop. By making it easier for people to live more sustainably, Andert aims to make…
Trying out flavor-forward, lovingly prepared vegan food just got easier for people all around New Orleans. Launched by Claire Steiner (in the middle of a pandemic, no less), Clairly Vegan is a vegan food delivery service that’s generating city buzz…
Designed to help ease the global housing crisis, a new approach to homebuilding recently launched in New Orleans. Kathryn L. Reynolds, a sustainable real estate developer, and Steven Bingler, the founder and CEO of Concordia Architects, decided to create more…
Two women have taken their business idea from the Mandeville Market all the way to Shark Tank, the reality TV show focused on entrepreneurs. Here is what Nita Gassen and Judy Schott have to say about launching their company Better…
Drawing on a lifetime of art appreciation, Catherine Todd realized that New Orleans needed a single place where locals and visitors alike could fall in love with the city’s art scene. After a fortuitous meeting with fellow artist and businessperson…
Fulfilling a lifelong goal to run a bookstore, Candice Huber opened Tubby & Coo’s in 2014. With a focus on science fiction, fantasy, queer and diverse books (including children’s books), the shop promotes inclusivity for authors and readers alike. A…
Looking for a way to cope with postpartum depression following the birth of her child in 2016, M-Tisha Dillon-Hall began painting to relax and calm her mind. In time, she decided to help others find solace through artistic expression as…
Frustrated by the lack of glass recycling options in New Orleans, Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz decided to take action during their senior year at Tulane University. Word spread quickly. “We decided…
Developed in 2005 as a response to Hurricane Katrina, HandsOn…
With a background in costuming for films, TV shows and even Cirque du Soleil, Alison Parker was always surrounded by clothes, costumes and fabric. Parker picked up sewing skills in home economics classes, but she realized that resource isn’t always…
Sometimes the right idea comes along at just the right time. When Josh D’Arcangelo and Stuart Seiler decided to start a nonprofit benefiting New Orleans, they settled on the idea of providing computers and internet access to students in need…
During the COVID-19 outbreak in the Greater New Orleans area, Jasmine Araujo noticed that people living unhoused were being neglected and left to their own devices during the quarantine. Araujo quickly mobilized a group of educators and activists who were…
As a growing coalition of congregations and community-based organizations, Together New Orleans is a new nonprofit dedicated to affecting real change in our city. A more localized version of Together Louisiana, one of the largest grassroots organizations in the state,…
It began with a simple idea: Andreas Hoffmann wanted to give back to New Orleans after Katrina. So he made his job as a touring musician carbon-neutral by installing energy-efficient CFL and LED light bulbs in band members’ homes. Soon…
At the High Level Speech and Hearing Center, over 25,000 patients received help with their speech and hearing issues in the past three years alone. By treating and diagnosing speech, hearing and dizziness disorders, the center helps people across the…
One organization is dedicated to restoring the New Orleans tree canopy in a fun, spirited way that fits the city’s vibe. Originally founded by Monique Pilie as Hike For Katreena, the NOLA Tree Project was created to help replant the…
As a social worker in a local high school, Danielle Wright saw first-hand how many young people in the New Orleans area were exposed to trauma at a young age. These adverse experiences negatively impacted their academic success in school,…
While working as a science teacher in New Orleans, Todd Wackerman faced a common dilemma: lab materials are often outside the school’s budget. To help other educators facing a similar issue, Wackerman created the STEM Library Lab, an equipment share…
Combining philanthropy with a flair for fashion, one local sock company is making a positive difference. By purchasing a pair of socks from New Orleans-based Ell & Atty, shoppers can help give back to the local community as well. Benjamin…
Located on River Road, the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge is a friendly sanctuary for people who travel to New Orleans in need of cancer treatment. A conversation with…
Twice a month, volunteers at the Crescent City Cafe serve up a free, restaurant-style breakfast for guests who are facing income difficulties or homelessness. For over 10 years now, the cafe has welcomed anyone who steps through its doors with…
If you like finding new ways to serve the New Orleans community, one local radio program has you covered. “Voluntold Ya!” with host Emily Leitzinger, airing every Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. on WHIV 102.3, presents new ways to get engaged with…
For 165 years, The Leitz-Eagan family has helped families in New Orleans care for loved ones after their passing. At age 29, Joe Eagan is now the Funeral Director for three funeral and cemetery facilities in the greater New…
New Orleans has long been praised for its vibrant hospitality culture, and the latest generation of industry professionals are using their skills to give back in a major way. Ralph Mahana, who was named General Manager of Windsor Court Hotel…
Since its start in 2011, Dat Dog has grown from a single, modest hot dog stand into a New Orleans dining institution with locations all over Louisiana and now Texas. With its all-beef hot dogs, alligator, duck and crawfish sausages,…
One local organization is dedicated to helping New Orleans artists and nonprofits succeed in a big way. Launched as a joint program of the Arts Council of New Orleans, Tipitina’s Foundation and Tulane Law School, The Ella Project offers high-level,…
