July 21, 2023
NEW ORLEANS – Alumni from the Nancy M. Marsiglia Institute for Justice, a partnership of United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, concluded Thursday their inaugural Washington D.C. Fly-In. The visit brought together a dynamic group of community leaders, legal professionals, elected officials and advocates for a series of impactful discussions and networking opportunities in the nation’s capital.
“Throughout the institute’s 12-week course on the Constitution, our fellows engage with and debate the words, principles and visions of our founding fathers. This trip brought their classroom learning to life,” said Madeleine Landrieu, Loyola Law Dean and Judge Adrian G. Duplantier Distinguished Professor of Law. “There is nothing like a trip to our nation’s capital to remind us of the significance – the importance – of the democracy that ‘we the people’ have in our good care.”
Founded in 2018 to reclaim civil discourse, the institute intentionally brings together community members with diverse experiences and viewpoints to break down the Constitution’s articles, Bill of Rights and amendments through engaging discussions and presentations from notable Constitutional experts. Graduates earn the honor of distinguished fellows and are presented with an opportunity to join the institute’s alumni association to help grow the program and continue to share their passion for protecting democracy.
Throughout the alumni’s three-day journey, participants engaged in meaningful interactions with influential leaders and political experts. The itinerary featured various high-profile events, including a welcome reception at the home of former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu with a special presentation from ex-U.S. Ambassador to India Tim Roemer, a lunch at the Capitol Hill Club hosted by fly-in sponsors Adams and Reese, and a VIP reception at Entergy Corporation’s capital office with comments from Robert Hall III, Entergy’s Vice President of Federal Governmental Affairs.
CBS News National Correspondent Rita Braver and Robert B. Barnett, an esteemed Washington attorney, served as presenters during a breakfast briefing at The Hay-Adams Hotel’s Hay-Adams Room, inspiring participants with their knowledge and experiences.
“To sum it up and be completely authentic - this has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said institute alum Brandon Dorrington. “The planning, time, effort, consideration with the itinerary - and to start with Senator Landrieu...for someone like me who was a political science major - the classroom turned real.”
The trip also served as a platform to inspire and foster strong partnerships, reaffirming UWSELA’s commitment to driving lasting change in the community through collaboration. Community partners, including Louisiana Budget Project’s Jan Moller, Louisiana Partnership for Children & Families’ Susan Nelson, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children’s Libbie Sonnier, 10,000 Women Louisiana’s Melissa Flournoy and Louisiana Progress’ Peter Robins-Brown, briefed alumni on the impact our collaborations have on successful policy implementations.
Attendees also explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the White House, which included a high-profile briefing organized by Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu with speakers Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Tara Murray, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director or the Office of Public Engagement.
The fly-in culminated with a tour of the U.S. Congress, graciously hosted by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Congressman Troy Carter, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights into the legislative process.
Charmaine Caccioppi, UWSELA Executive Vice President and COO, also expressed her enthusiasm for the Fly-In’s success: “We are thrilled to have co-hosted this momentous event for the Marsiglia Institute’s Alumni Association with Loyola Law to give our distinguished fellows a firsthand look at our government. It was an exceptional opportunity for our participants to connect, learn and collaborate on issues that impact our communities deeply.”
Applications for the institute’s fall 2023 session open on Monday, July 24. Interested candidates may learn more and apply online at UnitedWaySELA.org/Marsiglia-Institute.
###
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.