Voices of I Am New Orleans

Failure is just growth

We speak with Taylor and Roland from Covenant House, a community organization that provides safe housing, shelter, life skills development and holistic support to young people ages 16 to 22 in New Orleans. By addressing the root causes of youth homelessness — including mental health challenges, systemic discrimination and housing insecurity — Covenant House offers a vital path toward stability and hope. It's also Louisiana’s only shelter for youth experiencing homelessness, serving more than 125 young people each day.

Pour into others like me

We sit down with Dejah and Zion, two students at Thrive New Orleans, and Executive Director Chuck Morse. Thrive equips local youth to lead the city’s growing green-infrastructure economy. From summer camp to on-the-ground storm-water projects, these young leaders are learning to “pour back” into the 9th Ward and the wider New Orleans community.

Getting my hands dirty

We meet Mikayla and Dwayne, two students from Louisiana (LA) Green Corps, a community training organization that equips young adults (ages 18-35) for careers that improve the health of their communities and protect the environment. Through hands-on projects and job training, LA Green Corps helps students build real-world skills while becoming confident, capable contributors to the growing green workforce. Executive Director Ryan Mattingly joins them, sharing how LA Green Corps is helping young people turn passion into purpose.

The farm changes you

We hear from Grow Dat Youth Farm, a community farming project that works with youths and young adults to distribute over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce annually in New Orleans. Youth assistant crew members Izara and Carson share how the farm has shaped their leadership, deepened their connection to the environment and sparked their passion for access to healthy food for all.mJoined by Co-Executive Director Julie Gable, the episode explores how Grow Dat is cultivating a new generation of leaders — young people who are not just growing food, but growing their power to lead.

That's my why

We turn the spotlight on Lede New Orleans, a youth-centered journalism initiative that’s shifting the narrative of the city from the inside out. Community Reporting Fellowship alumni Freddie and Kennedy share how they’re using storytelling not just as a tool for reporting but as a means to shape a more just and joyful future for New Orleans. Joined by Lede Co-Founder and Director Jennifer Larino, the episode dives into how Lede’s immersive programs empower young Black and Brown storytellers to engage deeply with their communities.