Our Board of Directors and leadership team bring
a shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and building a stronger Gert Town for generations to come.
Meet the Team Guiding Our Mission
Consultants
Candes Carter, MPA, PMP
Founder & Lead Consultant
Candes Carter is the founder of Together Gert Town and served as its Board Chair for six years. Now its Lead Consultant, she helps the organization strengthen partnerships and expand its services for Gert Town residents.
A trusted advisor with more than 15 years of experience, Candes brings expertise in strategy development, team coordination, and building partnerships that deliver lasting results. Her work is grounded in inclusion, mentorship, and the values of trustworthiness, commitment, and excellence. She remains committed to a future where Gert Town residents shape the decisions that affect their community.
Kanitra Caston, MS, CNP
17th Ward Coalition Program Manager
Kanitra Caston is a dedicated community leader with more than 10 years of experience helping organizations grow, serve, and create lasting impact. She brings a passion for people, strategic leadership, and community engagement to Together Gert Town’s mission of building a stronger, more connected neighborhood.
Kayla Robinson
Community Skate Program Manager
Kayla is a driven former Division I athlete and skilled operations strategist who brings energy, leadership, and a passion for community impact to every space she serves. As Community Skate Program Manager for Together Gert Town, she helps create engaging experiences for youth and families while building connection, wellness, and joy throughout the neighborhood.
Connie Richardson
Lead Canvaser
She is a hardworking entrepreneur and owner of Justbec Cleaning Service L.L.C. She brings dedication, care, and a strong work ethic to everything she does. As Lead Canvasser, she supports Together Gert Town’s mission by delivering information to more than 600 residents in Gert Town and across the 17th Ward.
Advisory Board Members
Secretary & Advisory Member
DarLisa Riche
Darlisa is a dedicated professional and Southern University alumna who brings strong leadership, organization, and relationship-building skills to Together Gert Town. As Executive Administrator, she helps keep the board connected, organized, and moving forward in service of the community.
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Finance Officer & Advisory Member
Flora Lewis
Flora Lewis serves as Finance Officer for Together Gert Town, helping steward the organization’s resources as it grows its work in the community. She brings experience in program management and risk analysis, along with volunteer leadership in financial and technology roles. Flora is committed to helping Together Gert Town build a strong foundation for lasting community impact.
Advisory Member
Timothy Ambrose
Tim Ambrose brings strategic leadership, policy expertise, and deep community advocacy experience to Together Gert Town. With a background in government relations, youth justice, and higher education, he offers a strong ability to connect public policy, institutional resources, and grassroots efforts. His work in community engagement and storytelling also helps amplify resident voices and support initiatives that drive equitable development in Gert Town.
Advisory Member
Lydia Charles
Lydia Charles is a thoughtful community strategist who specializes in helping under-resourced communities and organizations grow through strong planning, partnership, and sustainable development. She brings a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and creating opportunities that help Together Gert Town build lasting impact.
Advisory Member
Felicia Crier
A New Orleans real estate professional since 1994, Felicia brings decades of experience helping people navigate homeownership and property decisions. Her knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods and commitment to its residents support Together Gert Town’s work to strengthen the community.
Advisory Member
Sis. Pat Thomas
Sr. Pat is a dedicated community member whose lifelong commitment to service, education, and faith has made a meaningful impact in New Orleans. As a general member of Together Gert Town, she brings wisdom, compassion, and a deep belief in building stronger communities through connection and care.
Community Partner Advisors
Ronald Carrerre
Advisory Member
Ronald is a dedicated leader in government and community relations who brings valuable experience building partnerships and connecting organizations with the communities they serve. As a general member of the Together Gert Town board, he supports efforts that strengthen relationships, expand opportunities, and advance positive change in the neighborhood.
Dr. LaKeisha Williams
Advisory Member
Lakeisha is a passionate leader in community engagement and outreach who works to connect people, resources, and opportunities that improve health and well-being. As a general member of the Together Gert Town board, she brings a strong commitment to service, relationship-building, and uplifting the community through meaningful partnerships.
Emeritus, Past Board Members:
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April Ware, Finance Officer
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Annette Newsum, General Member
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Keith Hardie, General Member
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Joseph Stern, General Member In Loving Memory of Mr. Joseph “Joe” Stern. Click Here to Plant a Tree in his memory.
Our dedication remains steadfast as we strategically strive for ongoing positive transformation and community development. We are committed to uplifting the community, promoting social equity, and securing a brighter future for all residents, businesses, and visitors.
