AFFORDABLE LIVING
KATRINA CHANTELLE GRIFFIN
A JOURNEY OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
In the heart of New Orleans, a story of perseverance, dedication, and service unfolds through the life of KaTrina Chantelle Griffin. A woman of faith, a devoted mother, and a tireless community advocate, KaTrina’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of positive role models.
Born to a Marine-trained single mother, KaTrina learned early on the value of
discipline, education, and goal-setting. “My mother was a Marine,” KaTrina recalls fondly. “She was mission-driven and imparted that mindset to my sisters and me.” This foundation would prove crucial in shaping KaTrina’s approach to life’s challenges and opportunities.
Faith has always been a cornerstone of KaTrina’s life. Guided by her favorite scripture, James 4:10, which speaks to humility and faithfulness to God’s
work, she attributes her strength to her spiritual upbringing. “I had a praying mother,” she says, “and I am now that praying mother, very grateful for that foundation.”
Family is where KaTrina’s heart truly lies. Raised in a household with her mother and two sisters, each with distinct personalities, KaTrina learned the importance of adaptability and understanding. Today, as a mother herself, she considers her two children her greatest accomplishment. “My
children push me to be better for myself, for them, and for my community,” she shares.
KaTrina’s commitment to community service is deeply rooted in her upbringing. From a young age, she was exposed to volunteerism through her mother’s example. This early exposure blossomed into a lifelong dedication to giving back. Today, KaTrina’s involvement spans numerous organizations, including the Collective Steps Project, where she serves as Board President,
and advisory roles with the March of Dimes and American Cancer Society.
Her passion for education and youth empowerment is evident in her work with the National Association of University Women (NAUW), where she promotes education for women and children, provides scholarships, and engages in community outreach through educational programs.
Professionally, KaTrina’s journey is equally impressive.
With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting, she has established herself as a leader in various professional organizations. She currently serves as the Chapter President of the National Black MBA Association and is the Vice President-Elect of the Louisiana Federation of Business & Professional Women. KaTrina’s diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to her community have naturally led her to her next challenge: running for the Orleans Parish School Board. “Education has
always been a priority for me. Good public schools are critical to a community. Both my children attended Orleans Parish School, so running for the Board was an easy decision,” KaTrina states. “All our children deserve excellent schools.”
Her vision for the school board is clear and rooted in her personal experiences. “We need to set high expectations and performance standards for both the school board and our students... and never give up. No excuses,” she asserts. KaTrina advocates for transparency, goalsetting, and regular progress reviewspractices she learned
from her mother and has implemented throughout her life.
As she embarks on this new chapter, KaTrina Chantelle Griffin brings with her a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the community’s needs, and an unwavering commitment to the children of New Orleans. Her journeyfrom a child making goal lists under her mother’s guidance to a community leader poised to shape the future of education in her city - is a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have.
WILLIAM ‘Bill’ CORNELIUS
ROUSSELLE JR.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3-5-6
August 3, 1946 - July 21, 2024
LAVERNE TOOMBS
LaVerne Toombs, a seasoned communications innovator, connector, and fashionista, has a career spanning over two and a half decades. She is esteemed by colleagues, government entities, elected officials, community stakeholders, and prominent organizations as a reliable professional in grants/fundraising and business development. Hailing from Northern Louisiana, she has devoted her life to community betterment.
A staunch advocate for equality and civil rights, LaVerne has played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and awareness for minorities locally and nationally. Her warm and infectious personality recently earned her the prestigious role of an official TEDx speaker, where she captivates diverse audiences with her inspiring survivor's journey, showcasing her ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
LaVerne's illustrious career includes her roles
as the regional manager
instructor for a local community college, she imparts her knowledge through popular beginners and advanced Grant Writing courses.
LaVerne is also a dedicated entrepreneur, having founded Right 4 U, LLC, a management consulting firm that is deeply committed to assisting the social sector – nonprofits, philanthropic, and government organizations – in creating equitable outcomes by developing goals, objectives, and priorities for existing and future programs and services.
As an award-winning best-selling author and contributing author of Quick and Easy Steps to Starting a Profitable Home-Based Business , featured in Essence magazine, Tips for Successful Grant Writing (publication), and My Walk Past Hell, Vol 3 , LaVerne has made a significant impact. LaVerne just completed her memoir “Me,” which will be released by the end of the year. She also serves on the board of various notable community organizations. Several national, state, and local organizations have recognized her role as a change agent,
demonstrating her influence and impact.
Of course, everyone knows her by the bald head that she wore before it became acceptable. LaVerne decided on this major move over twenty-three years ago. She was criticized and, at one point, couldn’t find a barber willing to cut her hair. She loves her bald head, which empowers her to embrace her unique beauty and break free from societal norms.
Her love of being authentic in her own fashion isn’t an accessory; its memories are the threads that weave the tapestry of her life, and her clothes are a collection of memories. Not only does she strut her bald head, but she also has a reputation for wearing fashionable fashion. The Women and Men of Fashion selected her in 2011 as one of the “Best Dressed Women in the City of New Orleans. I believe we all can agree with that choice.
In her leisure time, she finds joy in the company of her four adult children and six loving grandchildren, indulges in cycling, and immerses herself in the world of good novels.
2024 KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY BALL
BOB & VIOLA BLUNT RODERICK & LETTY
KAREN WILLIAMS
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INSPIRED BY HIS WORD
by Laverne Woods Dunn
SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGES US TO REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN YOUR LIFE AND TALK ABOUT IT TO OUR CHILDREN AND OTHERS. I WILL EXALT YOU, MY GOD AND KING, AND PRAISE YOUR NAME FOREVER AND EVER. I WILL PRAISE YOU EVERY DAY; YES I WILL PRAISE YOU FOREVER. GREAT IS THE LORD! HE IS MOST WORTHY OF PRAISE! NO ONE CAN MEASURE HIS GREATNESS. LET EACH GENERATION TELL ITS CHILDREN OF YOUR MIGHTLY ACTS; LET THEM PROVLAIM YOUR POWER. I WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR MAJESTIC, GLORIOUS SPLENDOR AND YOUR WONDERFUL MIRACLES.
PSALMS 145:1-5 NLT
The Boulevard Business Directory
8 Fresh Food Assasin
1900 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
504.224.2628
Asante Foundation
2635 Aubry St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
504.416.9699
Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center
1712/1724 O.C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.569.9070
Beaucoup Eats
2323 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
504.603.4888
Beep-Me
Plumbing, Heating & A/C
419 S Salcedo St #2, New Orleans, LA 70119
Ben Council
Attorney at Law
419 S Salcedo St #2, New Orleans, LA 70119
Bright Moments
2249 C Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.592.1800
Cafe’ Reconcile
1631 O. C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.568.1157
Carney Auto Title & So. Security School Inc. 2518 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-352-6038
Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation 2020 Jackson Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.524.3484
Central City Senior Program
2010 Phillip Street
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.524.3484 ext.116
Charles F. Webb
6600 Plaza Dr. #210 New Orleans, La 70127
504.242.1781
Cresent City Pharmacy
2240 Simon Bolivar Ave. Ste A New Orleans, LA 70113
504.267.4100
Community Connection Programs, Inc.
1332 O. C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.522.4304
Connect 2 Black 2635 Aubry St. New Orleans, LA 70119
504.416.9699
Dryades YMCA
2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.299.4310
FFLIC
1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.708.8376
Franklin Avenue
Baptist Church
7 O’Clock Dental 2101 So. Claiborne Ave, Ste F
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.309.3077
Good Work Network
2024 O. C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.309.2073
Good Look Creative goodlookcreative.com
504.383.4426
Gulf Coast Housing Partnership
1610-A O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.525.2505
HOPE Community Credit Union
1726 O.C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
504.585.2858
Hot Spot Barber and Beauty Salon
1416 Simon Bolivar Ave. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.581.9633
Juvenile Justice Project of LA
2018 O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.522.5437
Liberty Bank 6600 Plaza Drive
New Orleans, LA 70127
800-883-3943
Mackie One Construction MackieOneConstruction.com
504.821.1530
Majestic Mortuary Services 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.523.5872
Natural Sisters Lock Alliance 11020 Roger Dr
New Orleans, LA 70127
504.344.8360
New Orleans Driving School 2518 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119
504-821-5334
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra/Jazz Market 1436 Oretha Castle Haley, Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113
504.301.9006
NOLA.Tv
2635 Aubry St. New Orleans, LA 70119
504.416.9699
O.C. Haley Blvd. Merchants & Business Association
1712 O.C. Haley Blvd, Unit 302 New Orleans, LA 70113
504.528.1806
Piety & Desire Chocolate 2727 S. Broad Street New Orleans, LA 70125
Richard Disposal Inc. 11600 Old Gentilly Road New Orleans, LA 70129
504.241.2142
Smiley’s Grill New Orleans 3716 Downman Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126
504. 248.7270
Swanson & Associates, Inc 5301 Elysian Fields Avenue New Orleans, LA 70122
504.821.0303
Up&Adam Eatz
3903 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
504.708.7237
Vyoone’s Restaurant
412 Girod St. New Orleans, LA 70130
504.518.6007
