BRYC's Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR 2022

LETTERS FROM LEADERS

“AT BRYC WE ARE NOT CONCERNED WITH COLLEGE ATTAINMENT FOR ITS OWN SAKE, BUT RATHER AS A VEHICLE TO LIFELONG PROSPERITY...”

– DR. CHAUNDA ALLEN MITCHELL, BOARD CHAIR

Dear friends,

The most rewarding part of having spent the last 11 years at BRYC has been the chance to follow our Fellows as they grow up, and to grow up alongside them. When I think of Darren Smith, one of our features in this report, my memory’s thumbnail is of a baby-faced high school sophomore who filled my iPhone 4 with silly selfies. Ever the digital dynamo, today Darren works as creative coordinator at local ad agency Red Six Media, developing brand identities for some of the largest companies in the Gulf South. And when I remember a young Markayla Collins, my mind’s eye sees a cheeky ninth-grader in JROTC garb who today is a middle school math teacher. They are just two of BRYC’s nearly 600 Alumni building their lives and helping future generations do the same.

The stories in this year’s report represent our kept promise that, with proper support, BRYC Fellows would not only enter and persist through college but convert degrees into economic opportunity. And they represent the promise of tomorrow. Following behind these remarkable young professionals (and the dozens not featured) are 290 College Fellows and 300 high schoolers charting courses to their dreams. The future we envisioned more than a decade ago is here, now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your support in realizing it.

Much love,

Lucas Spielfogel Executive Director

Dear BRYC Family,

In its current Master Plan, the Louisiana Board of Regents implores us to prepare for a future in which 65% of jobs nationally, and 56% of jobs in our state, will require education beyond a high school diploma. The Regents say that, to meet Louisiana’s workforce demands of tomorrow, we must grow the proportion of working-age adults with degrees or highvalue credentials from 44% to 60% by 2030, an absolute increase of 45,000. Beyond the obvious monetary benefit to degree holders, it is estimated this uptick would yield an additional $3.4 billion in state revenues, $535 million in sales taxes, as well as $1.26 billion and $206 million in cost savings on Medicaid and corrections, respectively. The stakes are high, and I am beyond proud to be the Board Chair of an organization that is rising to the challenge.

At BRYC we are not concerned with college attainment for its own sake, but rather as a vehicle to lifelong prosperity, and having been a volunteer since 2013, I have witnessed the organization widen and deepen its services to that end. Indeed, the profiles of professional success in this report testify to BRYC’s understanding that enduring results take enduring commitment. We are with our Fellows for the long haul, and the results speak for themselves.

Sincerely,

Dr. Chaunda Allen Mitchell Board Chair

ABOUT BRYC

MISSION

Help underserved youth excel in high school; enter, persist through, and graduate from college; and secure career-track jobs.

VISION

Provide our students with the best college-preparatory, college persistence, and career placement services money can buy — for free — so they can maximize the economic value of their degrees, build the lives they want, and help future generations do the same.

VALUES

hustle: go hard integrity: be just community: maximize BRYC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Adamek, Treasurer

Francisca Adjei*

Dr. Chaunda Allen Mitchell, PhD, Chair

Mikki Ceasar Mathews

Dr. Jewel Crockett

Nigel Fontenot*

Kevin Knobloch

Dave Luecke, Secretary

Linda Orlansky Posner

Jennifer Perkins

Zaheer Poptani*

Garrett Temple

Jessica Tucker-Baghian, Vice-Chair

Raedtha Vasquez**

Corey Wilson

* rolled off in Quarter 1, Fiscal Year 2023

** joined in Quarter 3, Fiscal Year 2023

FY23 TEAM

Myeisha Anderson

Monica Baker

John Belmontez

Aareena Dhillon

Allie Diefendorf

Christian Duborg

Brei Gage-Batiste

Connor Gonzales

Trinton Harris

Elin Hawkinson

Josh Howard

Dr. Christi Hunter-Brown

Keiron Jackson

A’Shonte Johnson

Chasity Kelley

Forrest Middlebrook, Jr.

Catherine Molleno

Michelle Myers

Donovin Rogers

Lucas Spielfogel

Jakia Steele

Rachel Stevens

BEST OF THE BEST

OVERALL FINISHES

For the third year in a row, the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report named BRYC a “Best Place to Work” in the nineparish Capital Region. This year, we’re number one.

At any point in BRYC’s 14-year history, we’d be thrilled to claim the top spot. On the heels of a pandemic-fueled “Great Resignation,” in a competition with billionaire for-profit corporations, an award rooted in employee satisfaction has us near bursting with pride and gratitude.

There’s no denying it: BRYC asks a lot. The work of helping lower-income youth navigate an obstacle-ridden path to and through college is intellectually intense, emotionally demanding. At times, hours stretch long, quarters feel cramped, and exhaustion sets in. We’re human, after all. Expectations remain sky-high, though, because our best is no less than Fellows and families deserve. Yet, we know that tall orders won’t gel with a tough grind unless we also prioritize building a workplace culture deeply invested in team member happiness.

That’s where BRYC’s 10 “Trust Statements” come in (thebryc.org/trust). Emblazoned on the walls and integral to every team retreat, the statements outline core conduct employees commit to in the name of

respecting and valuing their colleagues. “Without trust, an organization will always experience a level of dysfunction,” explained Chief of Staff Josh Howard. “When you trust someone, you’re willing to go the extra mile for them. You’re willing to work with them in the trenches, and you’re willing to do whatever it is that may be needed to get to the ultimate result, which is that our Fellows’ goals are being achieved.”

Beyond a trusting, healthy work environment, BRYC’s “Best Place to Work” status reflects our 19 annual paid holidays; generous PTO; competitive health benefits; four-and-a-half-day work week; multiple team appreciation events; free meals and swag; remote and flex work opportunities; professional development stipends; and an ever-growing list of perks. BRYC leaders also challenge the notion that non-profit employees must automatically accept low pay, benchmarking salaries against national and private sector averages. Howard and Executive Director Lucas Spielfogel hope their hard-working team will view BRYC as more than a stepping stone, but the place they aspire to build their careers.

“We ask, ‘What are your goals? Are you enjoying BRYC?’ Or ‘how can I help you enjoy BRYC?’” Howard said. “Because, ultimately, we do want everyone to be as fulfilled and as happy as they can be.”

out of 60 small, medium, and large businesses 2022 – FIRST 2021 – THIRD 2020 – ELEVENTH BRYC TEAM

GENDER

RACE

EDUCATION

41% – FIRST-GEN

54% – ADVANCED DEGREES includes expected 2023 graduations

THE BRYC WAY

Starting as early as eighth grade, “The BRYC Way,” our core program model, offers a training ground for students to develop the self-regulated learning, self-advocacy, and socioemotional skills to succeed in high school, college, and the workforce. Teens (“Fellows”) participate in electric, highly effective afterschool programs tailored to their grade levels and goals and receive meaningful outside-the-classroom support from dedicated program managers. Post-high school, BRYC’s Persistence Team guides college students (“College Fellows”) and graduates (“Alumni”) into, through, and after college, ensuring they persist, graduate, and convert degrees into careers. Every member of the BRYC Community, including parents (“Guardians”), is eligible to receive financial assistance, mental health counseling, and a host of other BRYC-sponsored services. Plus, it’s free. Much more than a college prep service, BRYC is a village, a tribe, a safety net — a vast web of resources and relationships that Fellows can count on forever.

UNDERCLASSMEN

Self-Regulated Learning (SRL)

SRL: The Invisible Skill – SRL refers to one’s ability to drive their own learning. In BRYC, Fellows learn the steps to master material, not just complete work.

Learning Pods – Fellows apply SRL skills in small “pods,” each targeting a “focus class” (math, English, or history). Each pod is guided by a Learning Mentor.

Habits Drive Success – BRYC helps Fellows build habits that drive success: note-taking, time management, personal organization, and, above all, self-advocacy.

UPPERCLASSMEN ACT Preparation

World-Class Instruction – Fellows enjoy five-star ACT instruction (with no more than 15 students per class), which is differentiated by Fellows’ ACT strengths.

SRL in ACT(ion) – Fellows apply SRL skills in small “pods” to maximize practice on UWorld, an online ACT prep platform. Pods are coached by Learning Mentors.

Higher ACT = Lower Debt – Gift aid hinges on ACT scores. TOPS starts at a 20 for 4-yr and a 17 for 2-yr. With BRYC’s model, Fellows with a 25+ will attend college debt-free.

BRYC pays for Fellows to take 2 to 3 official ACT tests and hosts regular practice tests.

BRYC and the experts agree: Group work promotes self-advocacy and bonding

BY THE NUMBERS

8TH 9TH 10TH 11TH 12TH

SENIORS College Process

Admissions: Getting In – In fall semester, seniors work with their BRYC college counselors to build college lists and submit strong applications. From August through May, each senior is supported by a College Mentor.

Financial Aid: Getting in Affordably – BRYC helps Fellows minimize debt by: completing the FAFSA early; targeting schools with robust aid; and aggressively pursuing scholarships. BRYC meets privately with 100% of senior families to analyze financial aid offer letters.

College 101: Surviving & Thriving – College 101 is a semester-long college bridge program that prepares seniors for the practical and personal challenges of transitioning to campus life through a mental health and self-advocacy lens.

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

COLLEGE FELLOWS & ALUMNI Persistence & Careers

First-Year Persistence – The Persistence Team makes sure College Fellows have the tools they need to persist through freshman year — the period when 73% of attrition takes place. Their support continues to and beyond graduation.

College Partnerships – LSU, Southern, BRCC, and the UL System have signed MOUs with BRYC, formalizing how we support our shared students, and offering fee waivers and special services for College Fellows on their campuses.

Professional Development – Internships and scholarships exclusive to Fellows; a careers-focused Alumni website; and networking events are just a few ways BRYC helps college grads secure career-track jobs. We also have an alum on our team.

It’s not about the degree. It’s about economic and social mobility

At least one BRYC team member attends every Senior Fellow’s graduation ceremony

FIRST-YEAR FEATURES

MEET THREE CLASS OF 2022 FELLOWS FINISHING FRESHMAN YEAR WITH A FLOURISH.

YOUNG HERO: VICTORIA WILLIAMS

High School: Baton Rouge Magnet College: Columbia University – New York

Major: Chemical Engineering

Last spring, Victoria was named a 2022 Louisiana Young Hero, an honor bestowed upon at least one BRYC Fellow for the past six years. At the time, she held a 4.57 GPA and 35 ACT composite score; had made an impressive showing at the Louisiana State Science & Engineering Fair; and was also chosen EBR Parish’s Student of the Year. Now, Victoria’s more than halfway through her first year at Columbia, attending on a full scholarship. One highlight was taking a break from studying in Butler Library to join the African Student Association for an African Thanksgiving celebration, featuring a traditional meal, student dance performances, a fashion show, and distinguished guests. “It’s so fun to be in a space with such a vibrant community,” said Victoria. “This vibrant community is everywhere at Columbia, really. I’ve gotten to learn about so many different cultures by meeting people with heritage from everywhere.”

CLASS JUSTICE: LAILA MONTGOMERY

High School: Wilkinson County College: Spelman College

Major: Political Science

While in BRYC, Laila’s name popped up frequently in the “shoutouts” Slack channel – for achieving all 100s in school, for earning a perfect 36 on the ACT reading section, for being a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, for serving as class valedictorian – the list goes on. Laila’s achievements garnered a full-ride to Spelman (the Dovey Johnson Roundtree C/O ’38 Presidential Scholarship), where she dove in to campus life as a member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program Student Association and the Spelman chapter of the NAACP’s Political Action Committee. Her peers also voted Laila first-year Class Justice, a role she said she is “humbled” to serve in. As Class Justice, Laila is a full member of the Class Council, assisting the Chief Justice and Dean of Students in all student conduct proceedings, among other duties. Shout out to Laila for investing in passions!

TOP JAG: LAUREN DUKES

High School: Liberty Magnet College: Southern University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

A standout since joining BRYC freshman year, Lauren was unanimously selected a Class of 2022 “Outstanding Senior” for embodying BRYC’s core values. She hustled to increase her ACT score seven points – securing TOPS’ highest award – and maintained a 4.423 GPA. She represented herself proudly as a “Big” Fellow mentoring her underclassmen “Little” and as Liberty’s National Honors Society Senior Representative. And, despite living 30 miles away, she made it a point to “show up for BRYC,” serving as Amethyst Community Leader and College Signing Day student speaker. So, it’s no surprise that Lauren was also selected for Southern University’s Top Jags Program, which aims to “recruit the best and brightest.” “Top Jags has aided me in going to school for free, with a refund check.” Lauren shared. “I’m a priority when leadership and internship opportunities arise, and I have resources and people to support me throughout my college journey.”

Victoria Williams

Laila Montgomery

Lauren Dukes

PERSISTENCE

SCHOOLS

FELLOWS HAVE GRADUATED FROM OR CURRENTLY ATTEND

Alabama State University

Alcorn State University

Ashworth College

Baton Rouge Community College

Beacon College

Birmingham Southern College

Boston College

Brown University

Centenary College of Louisiana

Centre College

Charles Drew University

Clark University

Colby College

Columbia College Chicago

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

Delgado Community College

DeVry College

Dillard University

Emory and Henry College

Emory University

Florida A&M University

Fortis College

Full Sail University

Georgia State University

Georgia Tech University

Gettysburg College

Grambling State University

Grinnell College

Guilford College

Hampton University

Hiram College

Howard University

ITT Technical Institute

Johnson County Community College

Knox College

Lamar University-Beaumont

Louisiana Culinary Institute

Louisiana State University and A&M College

Louisiana Tech University

Loyola University of New Orleans

LSU Health Sciences Center - NOLA

Macalester College

McNeese State University

Millsaps College

Morehouse College

National EMS Academy

New College of Florida

New York University

Nicholls State University

North Carolina A&T University

Northshore Technical College

Northwestern State University

Oglethorpe University

Old Dominion University

Oxford College of Emory University

Pasadena City College

Paul Quinn College

Pomona College

Prairie View A&M University

Relay Graduate School of Education

Rhodes College

Skidmore College

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern State University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern University and A&M College

Southwest Mississippi Community College

Spelman College

Spring Hill College

St. John’s University

Stanford University

SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology

Tennessee State University

The Ocean Corporation

The University of Iowa

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of Arizona

University of California at Los Angeles

University of Chicago

University of Houston

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Miami

University of Mobile

University of New Orleans

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Phoenix

University of Southern California

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Valley Forge Military College

Vanderbilt University

Virginia College

Washington University in St. Louis

Wellesley College

Wesleyan University

Xavier University of Louisiana

MYEISHA THE MEMORABLE

Before joining BRYC her sophomore year, Alumna Myeisha Anderson was a student in “Mr. Spielfogel’s” (Executive Director Lucas Spielfogel) 7th-grade social studies class.

“Besides her interest in Japanese history and culture, what I remember most about Myeisha was her focus,” shared Lucas. “Every day she took pride in being attentive, in participating, and in performing well on assignments. In that regard, she hasn’t changed one bit.”

Myeisha’s attentiveness served her well during the college admissions process. She gained entry to Oglethorpe University (the only BRYC Fellow to date to attend), graduating with a degree in business administration in spring 2020. Any other year, Myeisha might have transitioned quickly from full-time student to full-time employee. But it was the height of the pandemic. No one was hiring.

At the same time, BRYC’s Persistence Team was in the process of developing a career services model and resource hub. Myeisha reached out to BRYC for career advice. Instead, she got a job offer. Former Director of Operations Laura Hawkes hired her as a part-time admissions counselor, later promoting her to full-time operations coordinator. One year later, in January 2023, Myeisha’s stellar performance earned her a second promotion: operations manager.

In her new role, Myeisha assists Associate Director of Operations A’Shonte Johnson in overseeing all the day-to-day operations of BRYC’s programming and facilities. She maintains all of BRYC’s “Fellow files” and is the “face” of BRYC for many of our vendors, as well as Fellows and families.

A lot has changed since 7th-grade social studies, but Myeisha’s early habits of care and attention continue to shine bright. “It is beyond special to be colleagues with Myeisha all these years later,” Lucas said. “She was one of my most dedicated students, so it’s no surprise she is not only excelling in her role but expanding it, constantly finding new ways to add value and advance BRYC. Her work in operations and data management is key to our future, and we’re very lucky to have her on our team.”

High School: Zachary High School ’16

Undergrad: Oglethorpe University ’20

HEAD OF THE CLASS

A Q&A WITH ALUMNA TAYLOR C. SCOTT

burnout by always giving myself grace, practicing my art form as an outlet, and connecting with friends and loved ones.

Q. Can you tell us about your academic interests and research?

not only write about, but to analyze and discuss.

Q. As a college professor, what’s one of your favorite things to do on the job?

A. I enjoy being [my students’] introduction to Black literature and history. It is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.

Q. Why did you choose to build your career in Baton Rouge?

High School: EBR Laboratory Academy ’11

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Madison ’15

Graduate: Louisiana State University ’22

Q. You left the South to get your undergrad degree in Wisconsin. What was that experience like, from making the decision to go far from home, to life on campus, to graduating and coming home?

A. I knew that I wanted to have an outof-state college experience, and the school I chose, UW-Madison, was exciting because I had a full-ride scholarship and the opportunity to be part of a program called First Wave that would allow me to practice my poetry in a meaningful way. I was accustomed to life in the South, and, ironically, experienced racial tension in ways I had never before. Nonetheless, I was able to channel my experiences on campus into art. The community I did have, namely the other students in First Wave and professors who mentored me, also made my time at UW worthwhile. After graduating from UW, I knew I needed to come back home to recollect myself and figure out what I wanted to do next. For me, graduate school was a logical next step, and LSU was the only school I applied to because I couldn’t envision myself anywhere else.

Q. Did you have any concerns before embarking on the graduate school path? How did you overcome them?

A. In 2014, I joined LSU’s Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program, which gave me a solid foundation in terms of what to expect from a graduate school experience on their campus. My concern was stamina – as many as 50% of people who start a doctoral program do not finish. I overcame

A. Currently, as part of my praxis as an artist-scholar, I contribute to scholarly conversations at the intersections of performance, Black culture, and affect. My dissertation, “‘My Name is Peaches’: Black Women’s Affect in the Blues Biomyth,” examines the autoethnographic and literary performances of blueswomen, namely Zora Neale Hurston, Nina Simone, Rihanna, and Pinkie Gordon Lane, to understand how these texts coalesce to demonstrate that there is futurity in rage. I see rage not only as a survival mechanism for Black writers and performers, but as a theoretical framework well-suited to understanding themes within Black creative production.

Q. Proudest accomplishments from your time in undergrad or grad school?

A. Of course, finishing grad school is the biggest accomplishment for me. However, staying true to who I am is an accomplishment, too.

Q. In your opinion, what is the value of a graduate degree in terms of career prospects, leadership opportunities, enacting systemic change, etc.?

A. The value of a graduate degree is that I’m able to affect change at the level of higher education. My experiences at LSU and UW-Madison have influenced the ways in which I show up as a professor in a college class. I have taken the very best elements from the teachers I enjoyed most, such as the ability to listen and respond to what students are curious about, developing culturally relevant pedagogy, and introducing students to the kinds of information that they should know as developing thinkers and citizens. The most important aspect of my teaching is that students spend a significant amount of time engaging with texts authored by individuals who belong to marginalized groups. For students of color, this practice may affirm their experiences as worthy to

A. It’s rare that someone on my trajectory would end up in the same city for their master’s, doctoral program, and first tenure-track position. Even though I had other offers, Southern just made the most sense. It was a smooth transition because, instead of packing my things and moving across the country, I could further deepen my roots in a city I already know and love. I feel super lucky to have my career and feel established in the community.

Q. How do you hope to make an impact here? What’s your vision of BR at its best?

A. I think Baton Rouge at its best is measured by the quality of the people. Others think of Baton Rouge as an industrial wasteland, but there is talent here and a strong sense of culture. Generally speaking, people in this city are thoughtful, approachable, and quick to offer a helping hand. To add, the young people I work with are the future of the city, and I am using my platform as a professor to inspire them to be the best versions of themselves.

Q. Why is it important that a program like BRYC exists here?

A. Baton Rouge is such a special place, and the young people here, especially those who are Black and brown, are not getting the resources they need to be successful once they graduate high school. Many public high schools here do not have the capacity to offer the caliber of guidance that BRYC does. BRYC really does fill the gaps our school system has, and it has helped countless Black and brown students to seek opportunities that they may not have known about otherwise. I think it is powerful to see firstgeneration students from this community getting acceptance letters from schools such as Stanford, Brown, and Dartmouth. Many of these same students return to the community to give back, which makes Baton Rouge all the more valuable.

NEWLY-MINTED PHD AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE

MORE ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS, ATTORNEYS, AND MORE!

2010

Druscilla Dyer

Loyola University of New Orleans, BS ’14

Relay Graduate School of Education, MA ’21 Special Education, Democracy Prep Public Schools

Jayde Encalade

University of Houston, BS ’15

Tulane University Law School, JD ’21

Associate, Burns Charest LLP

1st Lt. Shandricka Jackson

Louisiana State University, BS ’14, MS ’19

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Certificate ’22

Battalion Operations Officer, U.S. Army

Casey Paulin Hollis

Howard University, BA ’14

Southern University Law Center, JD ’21

Staff Attorney to the Honorable Judge William Jorden, 19th Judicial District Court

Dominique Ricks

University of Wisconsin-Madison, BA ’14, MA ’18

Principal, Kromrey Middle School

Gary Slack

Dillard University, BA ’14

University of Maryland, MA ’16

Cornell University, PhD ’22

Post-Doctoral Fellow – African American Literature, Loyola University of Maryland

2011

Taylor C. Scott

University of Wisconsin-Madison, BA’15

Louisiana State University, PhD ’22

Assistant Professor of English, Southern University

Micky Hill

Wesleyan University, BA ’15

University of Iowa, MFA ’20

High School English Teacher (African American and Latinx Literature), Springfield Public Schools

2012

Alyssia Jones

Northwestern State University, BS ’16, MA ’18 Academic Counselor 2, LSU College of Engineering

Chelsea Mitchell

Xavier University of Louisiana, BS ’16, MA ’19 Southern University, MS ’20

Jeremiah-Anthony Righteous-Rogers

Louisiana State University, ’18

American University, MA ’23

Community Organizer, HIPS (Honoring Individual Power & Strength)

2013

Joy Phillips

Louisiana State University, BS ’17, MS ’20

Owner, Heavenly Bliss Photography LLC

2014

Brittany Butler Spelman College, BA ’18

Columbia University School of Social Work, MSW ’20

Project Coordinator, JBS International, Inc.

Jamie Collins

University of Louisiana at Lafayette, BS ’18

Louisiana State University, MSW ’21

Child and Family Services Coordinator, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge

Misty Ezejiofo

Louisiana State University, BS ’18

Emory University, JD ’23

2015

Darren Smith, Jr.

Southern University, BA ’19

University of Alabama, MA ’23

Creative Coordinator, Red Six Media

2018

Kari Stephens

Louisiana State University, BSW ’22, MSW ’23

Druscilla Dyer

Jeremiah-Anthony Righteous-Rogers

Joy Phillips Kari Stephens

HOMETOWN HEROES

If BRYC had its own list of “Alumni to Watch in the Capital Region,” these two dynamic individuals would be on it. Like the many BRYC Alumni who choose to build their careers in Baton Rouge, Brandon and Darren are making an investment in this city and its communities in tandem with their futures. Meet them now.

Louisianans. He’s committed to propelling narrative shifts about the city, both what it has to offer and what the people living here believe they deserve. “There is opportunity and space to capitalize on in Baton Rouge,” Brandon shared. “North Baton Rouge is very disinvested, historically disinvested. I’d love to see better access to grocery stores, higherquality housing, maybe a hospital. I think we can do that.”

Name: Brandon Vincent

What: Community Collaborations Coordinator

Where: Safe, Hopeful, Healthy BR – Office of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. Describe your job in one sentence: I work to bridge the gap and support community-based organizations and government in order to best serve residents of Baton Rouge.

Brandon Vincent (Baton Rouge Magnet High ’17, Loyola University of New Orleans ’21) will be real with anyone who asks: it was never his plan to stick around Baton Rouge. “I was in New Orleans for college and trying every way possible to leave Louisiana, period,” he recalled. “It didn’t work out. But something I always remind myself is – you can either complain, or you can make change.”

Back home, public health degree in hand, Brandon spotted an opening with the Mayor’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program. He reached out to BRYC, and Chief of Staff Josh Howard connected him with a contact in the mayor’s office. Brandon landed the gig and began serving with Safe, Hopeful, Healthy BR (SHHBR), an initiative that introduced him to a neighborhood ripe for deep, sustained investment – his own. SHHBR aims to address social determinants known to increase participation in or exposure to violence, particularly in the 70802 and 70805 ZIP Codes; Brandon grew up in the former, and it’s also where BRYC’s campus is located.

“Data showed these areas were highly impacted by violence,” Brandon explained. “You also see high rates of disinvestment, blight issues, low-performing schools, food deserts, housing insecurity, etc. [SHHBR] focuses on these root causes and empowers residents from multiple angles.”

Brandon so impressed during his AmeriCorps stint, the mayor’s office hired him as community collaborations coordinator. He divides his time between project management, digital engagement, and event planning. The three often coalesce, as with SSHBR’s monthly community-based public safety ecosystem meetings. Residents, law enforcement, reps from local organizations, faith leaders, and other interested parties come together to reflect on SHHBR’s progress and strategize sustainable, impactful solutions. Brandon manages logistics and proposes relevant applications of the feedback to the SHHBR team. Notable outcomes include the 2022 Summer of Hope, an eight-week community event focused on gun and domestic violence. Though there’s plenty on his plate, Brandon never grumbles. “It’s an ecosystem for a reason, because it’s all of us working together. I always lean in.”

Brandon still pictures leaving Baton Rouge, likely for graduate school in the next few years. But it’s just as likely he’ll return afterward to continue working in the public health sphere on behalf of fellow

For those wondering where to start making change, Brandon says look no further than BRYC. As a volunteer mentor, he reminds Fellows that successful people like Beyoncé and LeBron James surround themselves with a team of people who build them up. “If you want to be a better you, BRYC is the place to start building your team,” he advises. To Baton Rouge’s adult citizens, Brandon puts it this way: “If you don’t invest in students like BRYC Fellows, how are you contributing to the growth of Baton Rouge – or lack thereof? Some people might question investing in students of color who come from lowincome homes, but if we don’t create opportunities for them, someone else will.” (Implication being, opportunities of a much less positive nature.) The stakes are high, but Brandon believes there’s every reason to lead with hope. “Every day, I see the public health model approach to addressing violence working firsthand,” he said. “I’m not just looking at a definition. I’m seeing it in action.”

Name: Darren Smith

What: Creative Coordinator

Where: Red Six Media

Describe your job in one sentence: We make brands happy.

If you’re a Red Six Media client, you know their motto is, “Your brand’s happy place.” But you might not know one force behind the joy is Darren Smith (Baton Rouge Magnet High ’15, Southern University ’19, University of Alabama ’23).

As creative coordinator, Darren liaises with every department to ensure timelines stay timely, deliverables get delivered, and all goes smoothly behind the scenes – literally. On commercial shoot days,

Darren’s up before the sun, on set, working with the director, actors, and crew to realize the client’s vision. “Being in the field, seeing everything our team worked on come to life, that’s my favorite part of the job,” he said.

Yet, Darren had a different vision for his future while at BRYC. A first-generation college prospect, he hoped to leave Louisiana for school and was accepted to Howard and Morehouse. Ultimately, the numbers didn’t add up. Darren knew his mother, who solely supported him and his sister Jaala, would be heavily burdened by out-of-state tuition. Like many BRYC Fellows, he made the choice that was best for his family and enrolled at Southern University, a more financially viable option, and a no less outstanding experience, in and outside the classroom.

Throughout the decision-making process, Darren’s BRYC mentor, Ari Bogotch, was there to be a sounding board and cheerleader, helping him narrow down a degree path and polish applications. The two still chat and visit regularly; Ari wrote Darren letters of recommendation for graduate school. “BRYC paired me with someone who would be an advocate for me, an advocate for my success, someone who unconditionally loves and believes in me,” Darren shared. The mentor model is crucial because, as Darren points out, many students “don’t know what they don’t know,” but BRYC “puts students in front of resources and gets them talking to someone about

their interests and making a plan for where they are, where they need to go, and where they want to be.”

With less than a semester until he earns a master’s in communication (online through the University of Alabama), Darren is incredibly grateful for his time at Southern. He was elected junior class president and considers Southern a “family outside of family.” Junior year, he also started working for the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), staying on after graduation as a media specialist before making the move to Red Six in May 2022.

Darren loves television and film, and he’s excited to see Baton Rouge reclaiming its roots in the entertainment industry. He notes that “National Treasure: Edge of History” (streaming on Disney+) was filmed in the Capital Region last year. Through his work at Red Six and volunteering with Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, Darren is building up a network of contacts, with his eye on developing an organization that connects creative professionals to jobs in their fields. “There are producers, directors, casting directors, actors, actresses. We have the talent pool right here,” he said. Over the next 10 years, he looks forward to playing a role in the city advancing its artistic workforce and culture. “People like to say Louisiana is just New Orleans, but it’s not,” Darren said. “We have so much more to offer.”

POWER TO PERSIST

Even as we celebrate Fellows’ achievements, we remember the challenges they have overcome along the way. BRYC’s Persistence Team (currently a mighty unit of one) exists to ensure Alumni fulfill their boundless potential. Here, two special Alumni discuss how BRYC helped them stay the course.

Name: Amber Richardson

High School: McKinley ’18

Undergrad: Southern University ’22

Amber joined BRYC junior year and focused hard on the ACT, increasing her score five points and securing TOPS funding. Out-of-state college tours, tutoring, and financial aid guidance are just a few of the benefits she recalls BRYC providing Fellows; her family also received a BRYC recovery grant after the Great Flood of 2016. Still, Amber assumed after she transitioned to studying nursing at Southern she’d be “left to apply what I had gathered all on my own.” Not so.

Amber explained: “Nursing school is one of the hardest experiences I have endured. I began my courses in the infamous year 2020, which was a year of failures for me – an academic rock bottom. I failed my first class at the same time that we lost access to our campus, but Ms. Cat [Catherine Molleno, BRYC’s director of persistence] and BRYC were always there, strategically checking in before every midterm and final before I could hit my own panic button.”

BRYC stays connected to College Fellows like Amber through school-specific texting groups, monthly campus visits, and alumni events; many also volunteer as BRYC mentors.

“At times, Ms. Cat was my financial advisor, my tutoring resource, my therapist, occasionally my literal calendar, but most importantly, somebody who was reliably in my corner. For students who aren’t born with a thick safety net, reliability of resources is a constant worry that my relationship to BRYC has calmed repeatedly. And Ms. Cat was the face of that calm,” Amber recalled.

When she graduated in December 2022, a full-time nursing job already awaited Amber at Baton Rouge General. But, she never forgets the precarious moments when she contemplated dropping a course, switching majors, or even withdrawing entirely from the university.

“No matter how ‘resilient’ or ‘gritty’ we are – and trust me, I am both – the largerthan-life stress and fear of these moments makes letting go feel legitimately like the right choice,” Amber said. “Access to an advisor like Ms. Cat had a make-or-break impact for those of us who were pushing through our degree programs.”

Name: Kamesha Brumfield

High School: Scotlandville Magnet ’13

Undergrad: Louisiana State University ’23

With BRYC’s help, Kamesha applied for and was accepted into LSU for fall 2013. But, four years later, when other Fellows from her cohort were crossing the graduation stage, Kamesha wasn’t with them, for reasons that are all too common.

Kamesha shared: “Back then, I had no idea about the true cost of college. Not just tuition, but the know-how, access, and social capital it really takes to get through and graduate. For lower-income students trying to make it on their own, those unspoken costs can be crushing.”

Like thousands of students in Baton Rouge, Kamesha was the first in her immediate family aiming for a college degree. Her family had high expectations but no funds to help with expenses. Kamesha worked minimum-wage jobs, took out more loans, and battled depression and anxiety.

“I was drowning,” she said. “Earning money to survive became my top priority at that

time in my life, so I made the choice to withdraw from LSU. In fact, it wasn’t a choice at all; it was the unfortunate result of a lack of choices.”

Kamesha spent two years trapped in a vicious paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. She also became a mother and decided her son Dominick – who’s now six and thriving – deserved better opportunities. That’s when she received a game-changing call.

Josh Howard was hired in 2017 to lead BRYC’s first formal alumni support efforts. He met up with Kamesha at Starbucks, where they made a plan to connect Kamesha with LSU’s academic support services and assist her with a financial aid appeal, as well as reintroduce her to the “BRYC Family.”

Kamesha soon began to volunteer at BRYC, then jumped on an open part-time position as BRYC’s operations coordinator, which allowed her to attend school during the day and work at night. “I can’t say it enough: staying connected with these people changed my life. And I’m far from the only one,” she added.

Once again, graduation is coming up at LSU, but this time, Kamesha will be there. And she’s already landed a great job with Baton Rouge’s Recreation and Park Commission (BREC).

“The path of a first-generation college prospect is riddled with obstacles that can derail even the most determined student,” Kamesha said. “BRYC invests in us at such a young age, and they continue to pour into us well beyond college, because that’s what it takes to create enduring change, the kind that shifts life trajectories. I feel I can do anything with this community behind me.”

VOLUNTEERS IN PASSIONS

volunteers

228 volunteer hours

5,950

$178,000 economic value

(Source: independent.org)

“I WENT FROM UNDERCLASSMEN MENTOR TO UPPERCLASSMEN MENTOR THIS YEAR TO STAY IN A TEAM WITH MY FELLOW, SO I’M LEARNING MORE ABOUT HOW MUCH SUPPORT BRYC PROVIDES. BRYC IS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF LEARNING AND FUN, AND I’LL CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER AS LONG AS I’M IN BATON ROUGE.”

– UPPERCLASSMEN LEARNING MENTOR

INVESTING

# ALUMNI // ^ GUARDIAN // ! BOARD OR TEAM MEMBER // * 2+ YEARS OF SERVICE

Christopher Abadie*

Maia Adams

Edy Addison

Abi Akamo *

Mariah Alexander#

Amanda Alfaro#*

Hannah Amoroso *

Amber Anderson *

Reginelle Anderson#

Sydney Anderson*

John Aubert

Bukky Awoyemi

Susan Bareis*

Trikarri Bates

John Belmontez!*

Erin Bendily

William “Dore” Binder

Amanda Bishop

Sydney Blanc*

Adam Bobbs

Monica P. Bradsher *

JaNaia Brewer

Dr. Christi Brown!*

Markita Brown

Armani Brown#

Justiss Burns

Anita Byrne

Mysti Byrnes

Christopher Cabral

Tori Callais*

Sarah Carpenter*

Destiny Carter

Jack Cavanagh

Garrett Chassee

Alexandra Chiasson

Tarralyn Clark#*

Dr. Ashley Clayton*

Lee Coleman

Jamie Collins#*

Meagan Collman

Corrine Condon*

Mika Cooper#*

Eric Crouch*

Lauren Crump

Ashly Dabney *

Jonathon Daily

Tiffany Dang#*

Allyson Davis *

Dr. Bethany Davis

Cheryl Davis*

Kimberly Davis *

Rashad Davis#

Seynabou Diack#

Robert Dille *

Christian Duborg!*

Case Duckworth!*

Karen Duffy*

Preston Dukes

Markelle Dunn#

Nicholas Dvorak *

Tyresia Earls

Robert Econs *

Faith Ekanem

Faith Ellington

Keir Evans *

Matthew Fairbrother *

Nolan Fore

Miranda Jordan Gabriel#

Alexander Garrett

Becca Gelwicks*

Rohin Gilman

Jasmine Glasper*

Vince Granata*

Drew Granucci*

Jaina Green

Keosha Griffiths

Alisse Guerra*

Paxson Guest

Emile Guirard

Austin Guntz*

Lori Halvorson *

Destiny Harrell#

Darylene Harris *

Leah Harrison

Laura Hawkes!*

Elin Hawkinson!

Henry Hebert *

Dorian Henao *

Sharon Holder*

Josh Howard!*

Stephanie Howard#

Delores Hurst

Loveis Jackson#*

Roy James *

Matthew Jenny *

Lawand Johnson ^

Mykia Johnson *

Walker Johnson

Isaiah Johnson

Jeremy Joiner

Isabel Jones *

Christopher Jordan

Brittany Jorden *

Melanie Joseph

David Jozefov*

Theophile Kadia

Adelina Kaliba

Sophie Kennedy

Josephine Kim

D’Metrie King#

Shelly Kleinpeter

Kaetlyn Knight

Kimberly LaMotte

Kerii Landry-Thomas ^

Frances Lee *

Jacob LeMeunier

Angelica Lodge Collins

Alex Logan *

Andrés López Schrader

Jenna Lostritto-Simmons

Nylah Lowe

Kaylon Marion

Michele Martey

Cody Martin*

Mark Marut *

Haley Matlock *

Morgan Matthews

Miya Mbami

Laryssa McAllister *

Scarlette McClain*

Rachel McClure

Imani McCullam#

Sydney McGovern*

Heather McGraw

Dwain Miller *

Rebekah Miller *

Damien Mitchell

Dane Mohn *

Brittany Molleno

Ainsley Morgan

Aaron Morris

Michelle Myers!*

T.C. Nash

Abdou Ndiaye *

Jada Netters

Patrick Newcomb

Christy Nguyen*

Jennifer Nguyen*

Mycah Nicholson *

Chelsea Nora

Hayes Ohmstede

Ranna Okeil

Annisia Osborne*

Emily Palermo *

Adam Parker

Amy Pirtle

Jake Polansky *

Zola-Kai Pollard *

Joshua Posner *

Rachel Posner *

Jessica Quindlen*

Kelly Quindlen*

Nicole Quinn

Kylee Quitar*

Sarah Ramirtha*

Kasia Redding

Michelle Renee

Dani Rios

Hunter Roach

Logan Robert

Forrest Robinette *

Jerlisa Robinson#

Kelly Rownd *

La’Shantlen Russ*

Laneceya Russ *

Brandi Russell

Leigh Phillips Rustom *

Jordan Robert Ryan

Jasmine Sampson

Elizabeth Sandridge*

Chris Scheuermann*

LaJuna Scott

Naana Sefa

Elizabeth Senecal

Edward Shim*

Mathilde Silverberg

Kevin Simmons

Dalyn Smith#

Jalyn Smith#

Mariah Sparacio

Amari Spraggins

John Square

QueAsia Stafford#

Brianah Stamp

Kari Stephens#

Mary Stevens*

Jayna Stewart

Martha Stickle Guarisco

Taylor Stirling

Alexis Stokes

Dave Storment*

Sicily Stull*

Carl Tart

Lauren Tarver

Carlos Thomas ^

Dailynn Thomas#

Erwin Torres *

Trisha Torres *

Robert “Trey” Truitt, III*

Bryan Tumulty *

Joshua Usiskin *

Kaylee Valencia *

Annalise Vidrine

Daniel Vilchez

Andrew Voss *

Ryan Vrenick *

Dwann Wagner

Mimi Walke

Zadiee Waller

Erin Warner

Rossie Washington, Jr.

Shondra White*

Corey Williams

Corey Wilson!

Meaghin Woolie *

Sean Wright Moriarty

Adam Young

Natalie Young

FINANCIALS

REVENUE SUMMARY

total revenue $1,402,680

SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to generous corporate sponsors, BRYC offers scholarships to Fellows and College Fellows pursuing specific fields. So far, this includes our Health Fellows Scholarship, sponsored by The Baton Rouge Clinic and BCBSLA Foundation, and the Jones Walker Pre-Law Scholarship, underwritten by Jones Walker LLP.

Individuals

Foundations

18% 25% 61% Corporations

EXPENSES SUMMARY total expenses $1,720,303

62% Programs

Occupancy 6% 32% Administration

Monasia Charles (Scotlandville ’19, LSU ’23) was one of two recipients – Emily Nichols (Port Allen ’19, Stanford ’23) being the other – of the inaugural Jones Walker Pre-Law Scholarship. Lauren Tarver, a Jones Walker associate, continues to mentor Monasia as she navigates applying to law school.

Cameron LeBrane (Liberty ’22, Southern ’26) was one of our 12 2022 Health Fellows Scholarship recipients. In two years, thanks to partners at The Baton Rouge Clinic and BlueCross and BlueShield of Louisiana Foundation, we’ve been able to award $125,000 to 18 Fellows pursuing careers in healthcare.

SUPPORTERS

1Lemoine

Christopher Abadie

Eli Abbe & Jessica Arner

Paul Abdelmalak

Alan & Patricia Abramson

Lisa! & Tom Adamek

Emily Adamek & Don Vassallo

Maia Adams

Edy Addison

Obuchi Adikema#

Victory Adikema#

Fran!^ & Stephen Adjei#

Aetna

Jahan Aghakasiri

Abi Akamo

Albemarle Foundation

Onetha Albert^

Amanda Albin & Keith Murphy

Amanda Alfaro#

Samuel Allen

Hannah Amoroso

Myeisha Anderson#!

Shontell Anderson

Grace Andrews & Kevin McGroarty

Leslie Apperson

Eddie & Pris Ashworth

Erica Atkinson^

Dianne Babin

Jessica Tucker-Baghian & Salman Baghian

Sepideh Baghian

Amanda & Kyle Bailey

Scott Bankston

Melissa Batiste

Jiran Batiste & Breianna Gage-Batiste!

Baton Rouge International School

BCBSLA Foundation

Beatrice Beard

Thomas Beer

Courtney Bell

John Belmontez!

Sarah Berg

Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation, Inc.

Yvonne Bey^

Michael & Rochelle Beychok

Kia Bickham

Dore & Lisa Binder

Dr. Brenda & Warren O. Birkett Jr.

Chantal Bisson

Martin & May Bloom

Ari Bogotch

Michelle Bolda

Laura E. Boles

Allyson Bombet

Abigail Bordelon#

Linda & Robert Bowsher

Portia Bradford & Dr. Zac Reyna

Harold & Laurie Brandt

Andrew & Mallory Brannan

Erin Breen

Marie Breen

Laurence Brett

Maya Bretzius

Amy Brittain & Arman Sheybani

Deidre Brown^

Dr. Christi & Darryl Brown

Eleanor Brown

J. Terrell & Mary Kay Brown

LaShundra Brown^

Raina Brown

Scott & Tori Browne

James Burke

Burlington Stores Foundation

Kyle Burrows

Valencia Burton^

Neva Butkus

Dennis & Sissy Caballero

Pat Caballero & Pam Richards

Capital Area United Way

Capital One

Erin Carroll

Tyler Carruth

Myeshia Carter#

Liza Carter & Preston Magouirk

Marcos Carzolio & Lindsay Vellines

Kendra Case

Catholic High National Honors Society

Jerry & Karen Ceppos

Charles Lamar Family Foundation

Cathy & Terrance Chermak

Julie & Michael Cherry

Obinna Chike#

Verne Clark, Jr.

Dr. Ashley Clayton

Beverly Coates

Camille Coates

Cathy Coates & Brian Hales

David & Rachael Coe

Debbie & Ronald Coe

Clifford E. & Leslie Cohen

Angela & Kenny Cole

Catherine & Charles Cole

Jamie Collins#

Francisca & Randolph “Rudy” Comeaux

Brandon & Shontae Common

Georgia Cooley

Mika Cooper#

Jordan Corp

Seteria Cotton^

Cox Communications

Craft Interiors

Dr. Jewel Crockett & Victor Woods

CSRS, Inc.

CVS Health

J. Charles & Rachel Dabadie

Tanielma Da Costa#

Deanie Daigle

Fred Dent

Mike DePaul

Desmos, Inc.

Thomas Dethlefs

Aareena Dhillon! & Braxton Latona

Diane Allen + Associates

Christian Diaz

Allie Diefendorf

Mark Diefendorf

Paul Diefendorf

Sarah Diefendorf

Tess Diefendorf

Wendy Diefendorf

Richard Di Mezza

Juana Domingue

Case Duckworth & Rachel Stevens!

Chris & Karen Duffy

Daniel Duvic

Francis Ealy

David & Shannon Eley

Elite Group

Carolyn & Ervie Ellender

Madeline Ellis

Emergent Method LLC

Jayde Encalade#

Jennifer & Sean Eplett Reilly

Vanner Erikson

Blair & Keir Evans

Bruce & Jeannie Evans

ExxonMobil

Masi Fatemi

Vicki Ferstel

Sarah Ferstel & Eric White

Bobbi Fickes Grigsby & Lane Grigsby

Jeffrey Fingerman

First United Methodist Church

Corey Fitzgerald

Martha Flowers

Rachel Folse

Nigel & Rebecca Fontenot

Berta Foster

Nekea Franklin

Suzette Franklin

Erskine Frison

Jerry Fruetel & Roz Johnson

Jace Garcia

Joel Garcia & Tina Jensen

Dr. Philip A. Gardner

Elizabeth

We are deeply thankful to these individuals, foundations, and organizations who, between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 generously supported BRYC, including those who gave anonymously.

Margaret Hart

Fran & M. Leroy Harvey

Hannah & Phillip Hausmann

Drs. Mark & Rachel Hausmann

Laura Hawkes!

Mavis Hawkes

Elin Hawkinson! & Sacha Idell

Beverly & Dr. Justin Haydel

Ava & Cordell Haymon

Tyari Heard#

Eileen R. Heisman Tuzman

Emilia Gilbert Henry & Jake Henry

James & Kasey Henry

Matthew Hensarling

Miranda Himel

Jonathan & Stacy Hochberg

Julie Hoffman

Jovie Holland

Henry Hollier

Susan Holtzman & David Joel

Stephen Hoover

Arnold & Dee Howard

Josh Howard

Lauren Howard

Martha Howard

Rachel Howatt

Rose Hudson

Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation

Jeremy Hunnewell & Genevieve Pope

Enrique & Kelly Hurtado

Brianne Hwang

Taylor Iles!

Irene W. & C.B. Pennington Foundation

L’oréal Jackson^

Loveis Jackson#

Stephanie Jackson

Emily Jacobsen

Jill & Matt Jenny

A’Shonte Johnson!

Jasmin Johnson^

Lawand Johnson^

Myriah Johnson

Sherri Johnson

Jones Walker LLP

Brittany Jorden

Junior League of Baton Rouge

Doug & Ellen Kahn

Daniel Kahn & Euhbin Song

Sean Kamerer-White & Catherine Molleno!

Gretchen & Lee Kantrow

Lucie Kantrow

Annelies & Darren Kattan

Christine Keenan

Wilbur J. Kelly

K. Patrick Kemmerly

Rose Kendrick

D’Metrie King#

Jane & Kris Kirkpatrick

Norisha Kirts Glover

Barbara Klein

Dr. Dani Klein

Adam & Meghan Knapp

Debbie & Kevin Knobloch!

Corey & Lauren Knotts

Alex Kolb

Edy & Jeff Koonce

Melissa Korduner

Gary & Shari Korn

Sarah Kracke

Maxwell Kramer

Alexander Krey

Morgan Krey

LA Combined Charitable Campaign

Jennifer LaCarriere

Amanda LaCerte

Paula & Phillip LaFargue

Matt & Whitney LaNasa

Lanehart, Inc.

Anna & Joe Lawlor

Gordon & Teri LeBlanc

Linda LeBourgeois

Logan & Melissa Leger

Conville & Polly Lemoine

Lori Lensing

Justin Lesko

Gus Levy

Judith & Robert Levy

Davante Lewis

Cornelius Lewis & Dr. Karen Williams

John Link

Ann Linton^

Nicholas Linton#

Lipsey’s

Cheryl & Dave Luecke!

Colleen Magee

Sakib Mahmud & Ashley Myers

Keith Majka

Emelie Martin

Samantha Mash

MasteryPrep

Casey & Dr. Spyridon “Alex” Mastroyannis

Kellen & Mikki Ceaser Mathews

Kaitlyn Mattox#

Cristyn Maxey

Frank D. & Kathy McArthur II

Randi McCarty

Rolfe & Gene “Teeta” McCollister Jr.

Claude Patrick McConnell

Lindsay McCrory

Chris McGhee

Dr. Chris & Katelyn McGrath

Heather McGraw

Dr. Saundra Y. McGuire

Debbie McKay

Joshua McKay

Andrew T. & Tracey McMains

Dr. Girard Melancon

Dr. Kenya & Quentin L. Messer Jr.

Ashley Mick

Bettsie Miller

Cary & G. Rolfe Miller

Kristy Miller

Kelly Miranda

Drs. Chaunda Allen! & Roland Mitchell

Dr. Jordan Moffett

Brandi Moore

Patrick Moore

Garrett & Mary Moran

George Moran & Tatiana Schlossberg

Pieter Morgan

Aaron Morris

Ronnie Morris

Jillian Musso

Greg Myers & Patrick Ford

Michael Myers

Michelle Myers!

Kunjan Narechania

Abdou Ndiaye

Robert Nelson

New Schools for Baton Rouge

NewAperio

Carol Newman

NFP Corporate Services (LA), Inc.

Jennifer Nguyen

Christine Nichols

Nokomis Fund

John B. & Virginia Noland Sr.

John B. “Jay” Noland Jr.

Anthony O’ Connor

Olivia Olinde

Jeremy Oliney

The Olivier Group

Steven Olsen

Maureen Orth

John Overbeck

Caila Palmer

Melynda Parham

Bill & Melanie Patrick

Kristyn Patterson

Lucy Perera

Anne & John Pescatore

Connor Petty

Nam Pham

Joel Phillips

William Pickrell & Carolyn Summers

Piper Sandler & Co.

Piton Foundation

Daniel & Rebecca Polivy

Monica Polk

Nasreen & Zaheer Poptani!

Yvette Poret-Crochet

Aaron Posner

Joshua Posner

Linda! & Dr. Mark P. Posner

Rachel Posner

Patricia Powell#

Catherine Pozniak

Camilla Pugh

John Queen#

Jessica Quindlen

Kelly Quindlen

Teresa Quindlen

Tom Quindlen

Christopher Quinn Sr.

Susan Quinn

Kylee Quitar

Matthew Rachleff

Ethan & Sara Robarts

Kenneth & Judith Roberson

Nancy Roberts

Rockhold Family Foundation

Jeannette & Dr. Michael Rolfsen

Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation, Inc.

Al & Anne Rotenberg

Edward L. & Mary Rotenberg

Michael Roth & Deborah Sternberg

Charles & Jeanette Rothenbeck

Christina Rothenbeck

Darrelyn & Randy Roussel

Kelly Rownd

Dr. James & Jessica Runnels

Stacey Russaw

Sam Russo

Leigh Phillips! & Sam Rustom

Becky Sadler

Theresa Samaha

Tricia Sanchez

Cary Saurage

Donna Saurage

Laurie & Henry N. “Hank” Saurage IV

Anna & Micah Schilling

Robert Schmidt

Nicole Scott^

Monique Scott-Spaulding

Brian Senecal

Eric Senecal

Megan Shoen

Dr. Joel & Marla Silverberg

Mathilde Silverberg

Cheryl & Edgar “Ed” Silvey

Dr. Antonio Sirianni

Dr. Gary Slack#

Dalyn Smith#

Dianne & Kevin Smith

William Spaht

Bree & Lucas Spielfogel!

Gary & Stacie Spielfogel

Starbucks Foundation

Molly Stauffer

Ralph & Sissy Stephens

Donna & Hans Sternberg

Mary Ann Sternberg

Christine Stevens

Emily Douglass Stewart

Strada Education Network

Stephen Stradley

Kristoffer & Shauna Strauss

Charles & Katherine Sutcliffe

Ben & Courtney Switzer

Jessica Tabakian

Crystal Talbot

Tauber Family Foundation

The Baton Rouge Clinic

The Levy Company, APC

Carlos^ & Kerii Landry Thomas^

Donovan Thomas#

Michael & Sarah Tipton

Eugene & Rebecca Todaro

Allison Triche

Rabbis Natan & Samantha Trief

Robert “Trey” Truitt, III

Brandi Tucker

Lisa & Michael Tucker

Bryan Tumulty

Emilee Turner#

Suzanne Turner

Unum

Kaylee Valencia

Sarah Vanden Broek

Amanda & Benn Vincent

Tejas Vora

Jennifer Vos

Lauren & Will Wade

Bill & Donna Walker

Ned Waller

Simon Warren

Sarah Wayne

Kelli Webber

C. Lynn & Felix Weill

Lydia Wells

James West

J. R. Whaley

Ryan Whaley

Alton Whitehouse

Jessica Wilkinson

William Edwin Montan Charitable Trust

Brandon Williams

John & Taylor Williams

Tyler Williams#

Corey! & Kay Wilson

Monica & Steven R. Winkler

Gutierrez

Edward Hahn

Debra & Lawrence Halperin

Douglas Halperin

Milton Hamer

Hancock Whitney

Erin & Jon Harnsongkram

Hailey Harris

Zhane Harris#

Lindsey Litchfield

Tyler Litt

Jared & Laura Loftus

Louisiana Department of Revenue

Louisiana Healthcare Connections

Michael Loveless

Andrea Loyd#

Lucky Law Firm

Sondra Ludwick

Jacquari Reams#

Drew & Ross Reilly

Mary & Wendell Reilly

Kevin P. & Winifred Reilly Jr.

Michael J. & Stacie Reiser

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Rebecca & Sean Riordan

Falynn Rivere

Melissa & Nate Wooten

Joanna Wurtele

Norma Ybarra

Bari & Matthew Yukelson

Emily Zalewski

THEBRYC.ORG