9/15/2023
NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law announced the 18 community members selected for the fall 2023 class of the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute of Justice, a 12-week course on the U.S. Constitution.
Participants hailing from a wide range of backgrounds will study the founding principles of U.S. government through the articles, Bill of Rights, and amendments of the Constitution and explore how interpretation of the constitution continues to shape our society.
“Our constitution is a living, breathing document that we have to commit to for our system of government to survive,” said Madeleine Landrieu, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law, as she welcomed the cohort. “Together, we will make sure this democracy doesn’t fail on our watch.”
The Marsiglia Institute was created to reclaim civil discourse in an increasingly divisive political climate and empower community members to be civically engaged.
“My hope is that you will take everything you learn here and join advocates in your community and statewide who devote their energy to improving and ensuring the legislative process works for all of us,” said Charmaine Caccioppi, United Way of Southeast Louisiana executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Fall 2023 fellows include:
- Lynette Adams, Retired, Louisiana Supreme Court, Office of the Judicial Administrator
- Shantrice Bailey, Center for Employment Opportunity
- Sadie Becnel, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children
- Kheri Billy, Reconcile New Orleans, Inc.
- Lori Bush, Metairie Park Country Day School
- Liuting Chen, Eurasia Foundation
- Michelle Delery, Entergy Corporation
- Marissa Fielding, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
- Anthony Gardner, DePaul Community Health Centers
- Valerie Grubb, Val Grubb & Associates Ltd.
- Aubrey Harris, The Aubrey Harris Law Firm LLC
- August Huete, University of New Orleans & Army National Guard
- Dolfinette Martin, Operation Restoration
- Debra Salbador, Tulane University
- Tifferney White, Louisiana Children’s Museum
- Gina Womack, Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children
- Renee Zack, Retired
- Charles Zeanah, Tulane University
The Marsiglia Institute is named in honor of the late Nancy M. Marsiglia, a community activist who devoted her life to social justice. Marsiglia was an enthusiastic participant in the pilot program that led to the creation of the Institute.
For more information on the program, visit UnitedWaySELA.org/Marsiglia-Institute.
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About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
About Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
Founded in 1914, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law is known for its commitment to building practice-ready lawyers. As the first and only Jesuit law school in the south, it offers programs and educational opportunities that emphasize service to others, critical thinking, and care for the whole person. It is one of the few law schools in the nation that offers both civil and common law curricula, allowing students to prepare for practice locally, nationally, and globally. Loyola prides itself on the diversity and collegiality of its student body, and its full-time, part-time, and evening programs make law school accessible to working professionals, parents, and others whose schedules require flexibility.