Voices of I Am New Orleans

We speak with Taylor and Roland from Covenant House, a community organization that provides safe housing, shelter, life skills development and holistic support to young people ages 16 to 22 in New Orleans. By addressing the root causes of youth homelessness — including mental health challenges, systemic discrimination and housing insecurity — Covenant House offers a vital path toward stability and hope. It's also Louisiana’s only shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, serving more than 125 young people each day.

We sit down with Dejah and Zion, two students at Thrive New Orleans, and Executive Director Chuck Morse. Thrive equips local youth to lead the city’s growing green-infrastructure economy. From summer camp to on-the-ground storm-water projects, these young leaders are learning to “pour back” into the 9th Ward and the wider New Orleans community.

We meet Mikayla and Dwayne, two students from Louisiana (LA) Green Corps, a community training organization that equips young adults (ages 18-35) for careers that improve the health of their communities and protect the environment. Through hands-on projects and job training, LA Green Corps helps students build real-world skills while becoming confident, capable contributors to the growing green workforce. Executive Director Ryan Mattingly joins them, sharing how LA Green Corps is helping young people turn passion into purpose.

We hear from Grow Dat Youth Farm, a community farming project that works with youths and young adults to distribute over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce annually in New Orleans. Youth assistant crew members Izara and Carson share how the farm has shaped their leadership, deepened their connection to the environment and sparked their passion for access to healthy food for all.mJoined by Co-Executive Director Julie Gable, the episode explores how Grow Dat is cultivating a new generation of leaders — young people who are not just growing food, but growing their power to lead.

We turn the spotlight on Lede New Orleans, a youth-centered journalism initiative that’s shifting the narrative of the city from the inside out. Community Reporting Fellowship alumni Freddie and Kennedy share how they’re using storytelling not just as a tool for reporting but as a means to shape a more just and joyful future for New Orleans. Joined by Lede Co-Founder and Director Jennifer Larino, the episode dives into how Lede’s immersive programs empower young Black and Brown storytellers to engage deeply with their communities.

Dive into Dillard University’s Center for Racial Justice (CRJ), where students Lucine and Raven are creating systemic change in communities of color. From organizing campus-wide discussions to planning social justice projects, these passionate students are making space for meaningful dialogue and action. Joined by the CRJ’s Program Manager, Tia Suggs, this episode unpacks how Lucine and Raven’s involvement with the program has impacted their lives and ability to help those in their communities through purposeful advocacy.

Meet Helen and Alasia, two high school students who are turning lines of code into bold steps toward their futures. With the guidance of Operation Spark instructor Akin, they’re not just learning how to program, they’re discovering confidence, purpose and a whole new world of possibilities. Operation Spark’s innovative coding bootcamps are helping young people and adults alike launch meaningful careers in tech.

Xavier University students Sean and Meah share how they’re taking action to make sure college students don’t go without food. Through their on-campus, student-led initiative, FATE (Food Advocacy Training Education), and in partnership with the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (FPAC), they’re empowering their peers to speak up for fair access to healthy, affordable food and working to make Xavier a hunger-free campus.