This fall, 19 dedicated community members completed the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice, presented by Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Over the 12-week course, fellows deepened their understanding of the founding principles of the U.S. government through the articles, Bill of Rights, and amendments of the Constitution, exploring how interpretations of the document continue to shape our society today.
The Marsiglia Institute is a U.S. Constitution course created by United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law to reclaim civil discourse. The class brings together a diverse group of community members to explore the Constitution and understand its relevance in modern-day America.
Participants of the fall 2025 session gathered at Loyola College of Law for their final test, a mock congressional hearing with real judges.
During the hearings, presided over by U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen A. Higginson, and Judge Tiffany Chase, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, four groups of students presented arguments and answered questions on a constitutional issue.
After successfully defending their positions, participants received certificates recognizing them as a “Distinguished Fellow of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice.” A reception was held in the graduates honor.
Marsiglia Institute fall 2025 graduates include:
- Ronald Brown, Jr., U.S. Army (Retired)
- Susannah Burley, Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL)
- Emilia DiFabrizio, Ellevate Louisiana
- Christopher Etienne, Community Organizer for A Community Voice – Louisiana
- Tiandra Fields, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants
- Chandra Foster, Southern Poverty Law Center
- Dionne Graham, East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center, Inc.
- Claire Jecklin, New Orleans Career Center
- Chloe Jobin, Louisiana Bucket Brigade
- Shantell Miller, City of Kenner
- Brittny Soteropulos, Health Blue of Louisiana
- Stacia Springer, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts
- Julie Stokes, Ellevate Louisiana
- Anne Ward, Retired Historian and Educator
- Baylie Williams, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
- Erica Williams, Camellia Collective Company
- Karron Williams, Cornerstone Reentry
- Renita Woolridge, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
- Paula Zeanah, Tulane University, Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Applications for the fall 2026 class of the Marsiglia Institute of Justice will open mid-2026.
Learn more and view photos from the graduation.