Hustle Skirt

Interview with Teresa Lawrence, President and CEO of Delta Personnel, Inc.

Teresa Lawrence is a Cuban-born entrepreneur who arrived in the United States as a refugee on President Nixon’s “Freedom Flight” in 1973. Joined by her mother, brother, and grandmother, it was this pursuit of liberty mingled with sheer uncertainty that instilled in her a strong work ethic that follows her to this day.
From bagging groceries to managing advertising accounts in the Greater New Orleans area, Teresa’s career journey has had its twists and turns. In 1988, she married David Lawrence, whose family owned and operated a staffing agency called Delta Temporaries. That same year, the business was struggling and her father-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so David and Teresa quit their jobs to take over the heavily-leveraged company. Once the debt cleared, they collectively decided to change the firm’s name to the present-day Delta Personnel.
In 2000, Teresa became the sole owner of one of Louisiana’s oldest temporary and permanent placement service companies. Specializing in niche markets, Delta Personnel works to solve labor pains by providing a full range of services, including: temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, direct hire, executive hire, and on-site management. In addition, Delta Personnel offers a comprehensive screening process, HR consulting, best practices for risk/safety, certified payroll, and personnel evaluations across various industries. Under Teresa’s leadership, Delta Personnel has gained national recognition in the staffing industry, propelled by strategic networking and training opportunities. Teresa is an esteemed graduate of both the Tuck School of Business-WBENC Executive Program and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
In 2020, Teresa became majority owner and CEO of Delta Administrative Services, a professional employer organization (PEO) founded by her husband. As these Delta companies celebrate being in business for over 50 years, she has plans to expand nationwide and into new industries, partnering with more minority businesses and advocating for diversity and acceptance. Teresa is committed to the development of her community, actively serving on several board of directors and working with local nonprofit organizations.
David and Teresa are extremely proud of their three children – Francesca, Alexandra, and David Lawrence II. They have passed down foundations of hard work and discipline so that these three can achieve to the best of their abilities in their chosen fields.
 
Teresa Lawrence
President & CEO
Delta Personnel, Inc.
Website: www.deltapersonnel.com
Telephone: 504-416-5332
Email: tlawrence@deltapersonnel.com

Interview with Margaret Montgomery Richard, Ph.D., Partner at DMM & Associates, LLC

Margaret Montgomery-Richard, Ph.D., a distinguished educator, community leader, and entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to her roles. Notably, she served as Chancellor of Louisiana Technical College (LTC), overseeing 40 campuses during the challenging post-Katrina period. Dr. Montgomery-Richard is recognized as a Complete College America Fellow and PEP Coach, exemplifying her commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
As a principal at DMM and Associates, LLC, a woman-owned firm based in Louisiana, Dr. Montgomery-Richard specializes in crafting human capital strategies to cultivate high-performance organizations. Before her chancellorship, she held key leadership positions within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), including Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Services. Her extensive background also includes roles as Provost of Delgado Community College City Park Campus, Dean of Workforce Development and Education, Assistant to college Presidents, and adjunct faculty member.
In the aftermath of Katrina, Dr. Montgomery-Richard's expertise became instrumental in guiding organizations through rebuilding efforts. She adeptly assesses organizational, cultural, management, and leadership challenges, developing strategic solutions to address core business and workforce needs.
Dr. Montgomery-Richard earned her B.A. in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Public Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of New Orleans. She holds a Management and Leadership in Education certificate from Harvard Graduate School, further enhancing her credentials as a visionary leader in education and business.
 
Website:
www.dmmassociates.com

Interview with Dr. Cassandra Youmans, MD, MPH, MS-HCM, FACP, FAAP

Dr. Cassandra D. Youmans, MD, MPH, MS-HCM, FACP, FAAP Dr. Youmans obtained a Doctorate of Medicine from the USC School of Medicine in Columbia, SC in 1987. She earned a Masters of Science in Health Care Management from the University of New Orleans in 2004, and a Masters of Public Health from the LSUHSC School of Public Health in 2005. She is a fellow of both the American College of Medicine and American Academy of Pediatrics.
She has practiced Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in urban and rural communities, private, governmental, academic, and public health environments for over 30 years. Her administrative career includes serving as the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Division of Public Health Region 1 Medical Director from 2004 -2006, where she served as an incident commander to one of the largest special needs shelters during Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Youmans served as Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the LSU Health Sciences Center, practicing Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and clinical lead for University Medical Center Hepatitis B and C Clinics. Currently she provides direct care via Telemedicine to Hepatitis B and C patients in hard to reach areas within our state. Dr. Youmans’ career has been dedicated to improving access to culturally sensitive, evidenced based, quality healthcare for all. She has been a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha since 1979 where she served as anti and basileus of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at the University of South Carolina.

Interview with Judy Reese Morse, President & CEO of Urban League of Louisiana

Judy Reese Morse serves as President & CEO of Urban League of Louisiana, the largest African American-led, African American-serving organization in Louisiana. The Urban League of Louisiana promotes economic self-reliance, parity, racial equity and civil rights for African Americans and others. Morse leads an executive team that oversees education and youth development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and a host of policy and advocacy issues.
 
Contact:
Jonathan Barnes
Urban League of Louisiana
4640 S. Carrollton Avenue | New Orleans, LA 70119jbarnes@urbanleaguela.org
Cell: 504-715-4437

Interview with Glenda McKinley, Creative Director and Owner of GMc+Company Advertising

Glenda McKinley is creative director and owner of GMc+Company Advertising, Glenda has more than 30 years of marketing strategy, creative direction, and public relations experience. Glenda established GMc+Company Advertising in 1987 with the philosophy of producing creative marketing, advertising, and public relations strategies designed to accomplish its clients’ specific marketing goals and objectives.
 
Over the course of her 30+ years, Glenda has been the driving force behind the development of strategic plans for the agency’s clients. Glenda was the architect of the Louisiana Office of Tourism's award-winning Multicultural Tourism Program, a program that landed Louisiana as #1 in market share among African American travelers. She also led the team responsible for the State’s brand transformation and tactical strategy to key multicultural audiences post Hurricane Katrina. From creative to marketing strategies to media familiarization tours, Glenda is involved in all aspects of the process.
 
The agency has directed campaigns for local, regional, and national brands, including General Mills, Bacardi Imports, Barq’s Inc., Hallmark Cards, New Orleans Aviation Board, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Louisiana Office of Tourism, The Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences New Orleans, the Kentucky Department of Tourism and the City of New Orleans, among others.
 
In 2023, Glenda opened McKinley Studio, a creative hub that pays homage to her late father, broadcasting and music industry icon Larry McKinley. She is also the managing partner of Sound Matters, LLP, which is a state of the art recording studio located in McKinley Studios.

Interview with Diane B. Lyons, CMP, DMCP, President of ACCENT on Arrangements

DIANE B. LYONS, CMP, DMCP, President Diane began her career in New Orleans' hospitality industry in 1977 and shifted to Destination Management by 1985. She founded ACCENT on Arrangements in 1991, serving high-profile clients like McDonald’s and the NFL’s Super Bowl. Her company also offers ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, providing childcare for event attendees across North America. Diane is actively involved in trade associations and boards and is a staunch advocate for women’s causes, founding the non-profit FestiGals to educate, entertain and celebrate women while giving back to women in the community. As well as creating NOLA ChristmasFest with the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. With over 40 years in the industry, Diane is a leading expert and influential business owner
Accent New Orleans, Inc., a DMC Network Company E: dlyons@accent-dmc.com | W: www.accent-dmc.com M: 504-952-0205 | W: 504-524-1227
 

Interview with Dr. Angela Jupiter-McCon, Retired Nursing Professor

Angela is a retired nursing professor who has served the community for decades. Her academic achievements include a Chemistry degree from Xavier and a dual doctorate from William Carey. Although retired, she works as a Sr. MSN Evaluator for Western Governors and an Adjunct Professor for UD Mercy. While working at Carey, she established the McCon Mary Mahoney Scholarship of Excellence for RN-BSN nursing students of African heritage. She helped charter the MS Gulf Coast chapters of both Jack and Jill and Xavier Angela is the AKA SLA Cluster Coordinator and TIO President.
Contact Info: Email: chemakal1@yahoo.com

Interview with Jessica A. Smith, Author of Faithful Moments

Jessica A. Smith is an experienced leader, educator, and author of the devotional book Faithful Moments: 52 Weeks of Prayer, Reflection, and Intentional Time with God. With expertise in organizational leadership, curriculum transformation, and data-driven strategies to enhance student outcomes, Jessica holds advanced Business Administration and Educational Leadership degrees. Passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and mentoring future leaders, Jessica also advocates for women in leadership, supporting them through mentorship and purpose-driven initiatives.  
 
Jessica A. Smithwebsite: jessicaasmithauthor.com.  Also, available everywhere books are sold.

Interview with Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander, CEO of Maroon, Inc and Maroon Workspace

Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander, a native New Orleanian, brings more than 30 years of management and leadership experience to her role as Chief Executive Officer of Maroon Inc. and Maroon Workspace - an organization set on providing leadership support, DEI professional development, and strategic sustainability support.  
Jawan's experiences as an educational leader have included working in and supporting K-12 and higher ed leaders which have allowed her to serve as a teacher/instructor, school leader, leadership coach, district administrator, State Department of Louisiana official, and advisor/consultant.  Jawan has helped school-based organizations understand their potential and showcase proven growth.  
As a trainer and leadership coach, Jawan creates curated professional learning opportunities for educators, nonprofit leaders, community leaders, and civic leaders. 
Dr. Alexander has also been a featured guest on small business educationally related podcasts and radio broadcasts. Jawan has published articles and blogs that have been featured in local and national publications.  Jawan is a proud graduate of Southern University and Xavier University where she received her doctoral degree in educational leadership.
Dr. Jawan Brown-Alexander
President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Maroon, Inc., Maroon NOLA, Maroon Technologies
1206 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Cell: 504.284.0456
themaroon.org
maroonworkspace.com

Interview with Jade Brown-Russell, Founder and Principal of JD Russell Consulting

Jade Brown-Russell Principal Jade Brown-Russell has more than 25 years of experience in equity, program design, policy development, and project management. Her niche is developing solutions for systemic inequities in policies and programs across the nation. From government to corporate sectors, Jade’s work is grounded in providing systemic, sustainable, and equitable reform through equity, legal, and governmental relations consulting services. Jade serves as a consultant to several public and private agencies on strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy development and other business solutions, including the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Parish of East Baton Rouge-City of Baton Rouge, the City of Chattanooga, City of Pittsburgh, Plaquemines Port and Harbor Terminal, New Orleans Family and Justice Center, and Baton Rouge Recreation (BREC). Jade is also the outside general counsel for the Finance Authority of New Orleans and Crescent City Community Land Trust in New Orleans, Louisiana.
 
Jade’s philosophy on building an equitable ecosystem includes a multi-strategy approach to include dismantling systemic racism, promoting racial equity and building the capacity of people for economic and social resilience. Through her personal entrepreneurial journey, one recurring theme became apparent: Black Americans have never had an equal ability to reap the benefits of business ownership. Jade builds solutions to foster innovation, collaborate with black-owned businesses, and embrace equity through a community of kinship, alliance and power. Jade is a graduate of Howard University and Southern University Law Center. Jade is the founder and Chairwoman of Maroon, Inc.
 
1206 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA | 70130 504.662.6132 jade@jdrussellconsulting.com www.jdrussellconsulting.com