NOLAbound Applicant Details

In what city do you currently reside?

Davis, CA

What do you love the most about where you live?

I live in a small, college-town community outside Sacramento.  Despite being part of a large city, Davis differentiates itself by priding itself on building community through education and family.  When there was an education budget shortfall, the citizens here not only sought to find ways to increase city revenue, but volunteered their time.  An investment in our youngest citizens is an investment for all of us.

In what other cities have you lived?

Berkeley, New Orleans, Sacramento, Baton Rouge, St. Louis

What is/was your favorite city and why?

New Orleans.  It’s a place where whenever I visit, I feel like it truly is my second home.  The people, the culture, the Saints—it’s a community that cares for one another and feels a lot smaller than it is.  NOLA has redefined itself by investing in its strengths—it’s people.

What do you hope to gain from NOLAbound?

I hope to gain a perspective from unique individuals around the country who share the same passion for a city that I love.  I hope to bring energy to contribute to a city that has been impactful on my life.

What is your overall opinion of New Orleans?

Completely favorable.  It’s a place that’s ebbing with potential.  We’ve already seen how the city has rallied behind the Saints and leveraged their success into several businesses that have further marketed New Orleans’ theme of community and culture.  It’s time to bring positive ideas from different parts of the country to shape New Orleans for the next 100 years.

Single most important issue facing New Orleans?

Retention of Knowledge Capital.  There still is not enough emphasis on keeping great individuals in New Orleans and recruiting them from other places.

Community Response: