We depend on our dedicated staff to carry out Foundation for Louisiana's mission.
FFL's high-engagement team works closely with Louisiana residents to provide resources in support of their work. Our staff bring a wide array of experience and talent to our work, and they share an abiding commitment to building a better Louisiana.
Foundation for Louisiana’s leadership team is made up primarily of women, Black folks, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. In a state that routinely reinforces its legacy of white supremacy, we are proud to have a team that looks like Louisiana.
Christy Wallace Slater
Interim CEO and President
Christy Wallace Slater is a passionate and community-focused philanthropic leader with over 20 years of experience in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Slater Consulting Group, she offers specialized consultancy in nonprofit and philanthropic program ideation and development, executive-level thought partnership, community outreach, impact storytelling, and coalition building.
Her career reflects her deep commitment to creating lasting change, having directed more than $100 million to economically disadvantaged communities. Her focus on healing-centered approaches to program development and grantmaking resulted in systemic changes that continue to benefit communities across the Southern United States.
Christy’s dedication extends beyond her professional life. She is deeply involved in her community, serving as 2nd Vice Chair of the Board of the Urban League of Louisiana and as a Board Member of Brothers Empowered to Teach. Her passion for philanthropy is matched by her commitment to joy and personal fulfillment. Christy lives in New Orleans with her loving husband Jeffrey, their two teenage children, Jeff and Gabby, and their senior beagle, Oscar.
Contact Christy at cslater@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Charmel Gaulden
CEO and President
As the CEO and President of the Foundation for Louisiana, Charmel Gaulden leads the organization with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration, program design, and strategic advocacy. In this role, Charmel oversees the Foundation's initiatives, fostering partnerships and guiding the strategic direction to support equity and justice in the region.
Charmel previously served as the Vice President of Public Safety Grants at Baptist Community Ministries and chaired the Greater New Orleans Funders Network (GNOFN) Criminal Justice Action Table. She is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Louisiana and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia.
Contact Charmel at cgaulden@foundationforlouisiana.org. To meet with Charmel, click here.
Dana Delpit
Chief Financial Officer
As the Chief Financial Officer for the Foundation for Louisiana, Dana Delpit brings over 30 years of expertise in non-profit fund accounting. In her role, Dana oversees the financial operations of the Foundation, ensuring fiscal integrity, managing budgets, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
A native of New Orleans, Dana previously served as the Compliance and Finance Manager for the PCCP program at Louisiana Public Health Institute. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Xavier University and earned her MBA from the New York Institute of Technology.
If you are reaching out to learn more about FFL’s financial leadership, strategy or compliance, please contact Dana at ddelpit@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Jamie Schmill
Vice President of Programs
As the Vice President of Programs for the Foundation for Louisiana, Jamie Schmill is a creative systems thinker, strategist, and team builder. In her role, Jamie oversees program development and grants management, leveraging her expertise in capacity building and equity-centered evaluation to advance the Foundation's mission.
Jamie’s diverse background spans higher education, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, and she continues to explore the intersection of diverse ways of learning, values-based leadership, and community-led social change as a doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. A life-long dancer and athlete, she holds undergraduate degrees in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Dance, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Tulane University.
To learn more about FFL’s grantmaking or to share information about the work you’re championing, please reach out to Jamie at jschmill@foundationforlouisiana.org. To meet with Jamie, click here.
Damia Khanboubi
Racial Justice Program Officer
As the Racial Justice Program Officer for the Foundation for Louisiana, Damia Khanboubi is dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and liberation. In her role, Damia focuses on developing and implementing initiatives that address systemic inequities and amplify marginalized voices. She also contributes to grantmaking and capacity-building efforts while co-leading the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) program.
Born in Casablanca and raised in New Orleans, Damia brings a unique cultural awareness to her work. She has participated in several leadership programs, including the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, FFL’s LEAD cohort, and the Intercultural Leadership Institute.
If you would like to learn more about our Racial Justice Program or share information about racial justice work, TRHT (Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation) programmatic work in New Orleans that you’re engaged in, contact Damia at dkhanboubi@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Mita Shrestha
Senior Staff Accountant
As the Senior Staff Accountant for FFL, Mita Shrestha brings over eight years of experience in financial recording, reporting, and budgeting, particularly for governmental and non-governmental grants. In her role, Mita excels in teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, working closely with various program teams to support the Foundation's financial operations.
Before joining FFL, Mita worked as a Staff Accountant at YWCA Hartford Region in Connecticut and as a Finance Officer at Save the Children International in Nepal. She holds an MBA in Finance from Apex College, Pokhara University in Nepal. Contact Mita at mshrestha@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Tiffany Hall
Grants and Special Projects Manager
As the FFL’s Grants and Special Projects Manager, Tiffany Hall oversees grant administration, supports the organization’s fundraising efforts, and ensures systematic and effective practices. Tiffany is passionate about advancing the FFL's mission through her expertise in grant management and nonprofit administration.
Previously, Tiffany served as the Operations & Grants Manager at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, where she honed her skills in managing complex projects and fostering artistic growth. She holds a B.A. in Painting and an M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans, combining her rich background in visual arts and dance with her professional acumen.
Tiffany’s dedication and multifaceted experience make her a vital asset to FFL’s mission of fostering meaningful community development and change.
Contact Tiffany at thall@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Megan Faunce
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff for the Foundation for Louisiana, Megan Faunce oversees strategic operations and organizational effectiveness, ensuring a smooth execution of the Foundation's mission and initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Megan has a proven track record of managing complex programs and developing innovative solutions. Her extensive background includes working in operations management, human resources, and program development across both national and international organizations.
Megan holds an MBA from the University of New Orleans and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Temple University. You can contact her at mfaunce@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Jessica Kinnison
Fiscal Sponsorship Program Director
As the Fiscal Sponsorship Program Director for the Foundation for Louisiana, Jessica Kinnison leads the program with 15 years of federal and private grant management experience. In her role, Jessica oversees the Foundation’s fiscal sponsorship initiatives, ensuring effective management and support for sponsored projects and organizations.
Before joining FFL, Jessica worked at Project Lazarus, where she managed grants and provided support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and living with HIV. She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Loyola University and an MFA in Writing and Pedagogy from Chatham University.
If you would like to learn more about FFL’s fiscal sponsorship program, please reach out to Jessica at jkinnison@foundationforlouisiana.org. To meet with Jessica, click here
Michele Garval
Senior Staff Accountant
As the Senior Staff Accountant for the Foundation for Louisiana, Michele Garval brings 35 years of accounting experience spanning both the public and private sectors. In her role, Michele is responsible for managing financial operations and ensuring the accuracy of the Foundation’s financial records.
Before joining FFL, Michele served at organizations such as the Vera Institute of Justice, The Women’s Action Alliance, and Victim Services.
If you have a question about your loan, please contact Michele at mgarval@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Nicole Harris
Finance Director
As the Finance Director for the Foundation for Louisiana, Nicole Harris is a dedicated accountant who brings over ten years of accounting and non-profit financial reporting experience to the organization. In her role, Nicole oversees the Foundation's financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial reporting.
A native of New Orleans, Nicole has previously served in the legal and medical fields, including roles at the Louisiana State Bar Association and Fresenius Medical Care. She is an alumna of Dillard University. You can contact her at nharris@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Sabrina Joseph
Staff Accountant
As a Staff Accountant for the Foundation for Louisiana, Sabrina Joseph brings a wealth of experience to the organization. In her role, Sabrina is responsible for maintaining the Foundation’s financial records and supporting the accounting team’s operations.
Originally from St. Maarten, Sabrina has worked across various sectors, including logistics, transportation, and healthcare. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University and a master's degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix.
If you have a question about an invoice or payment, please contact Sabrina at sjoseph@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Jennifer Harding
Racial Justice Program Officer
As the Racial Justice Program Officer for the Foundation for Louisiana, Jennifer Harding focuses on advancing racial justice initiatives in Baton Rouge. Jennifer also contributes to grantmaking and capacity-building efforts while co-leading the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) program.
Jennifer brings extensive experience in policy and electoral campaigns, and she is deeply committed to creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate South. She thrives in complex and shifting environments, and her work is guided by a deep commitment to learning, reflective practice, and values-centered leadership.
If you would like to learn more about our Racial Justice Program or share information about racial justice work, TRHT (Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation), or you'd like to learn more about our programmatic work in Baton Rouge, please contact Jennifer Harding at jharding@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Emilia Aguinaga
Climate Justice Program Manager
As the Climate Justice Program Manager for the Foundation for Louisiana, Emilia Aguinaga focuses on advancing climate justice initiatives and advocating for vulnerable communities. In her role, she develops and manages programs that address environmental issues while promoting health, equity, and justice.
Emilia holds a BS in Psychology and French and an MSPH in Environmental Public Health and Development from Tulane University. Her multicultural background and understanding of the world's interconnectedness drive her passion for intersectional work that furthers these goals.
If you would like to learn more about our climate justice work, please contact Emilia at eaguinaga@foundationforlouisiana.org. To meet with Emilia, click here.
Cherrie Barthelemy
Senior Staff Accountant
As the Senior Staff Accountant for the Foundation for Louisiana, Cherrie Barthelemy brings over 30 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial management. In her role, Cherrie is responsible for overseeing the Foundation's financial operations, ensuring accuracy, and supporting the organization's mission.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Cherrie returned home in 2014 after residing in Washington, DC, and Memphis, TN. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Xavier University and is excited to be part of an organization dedicated to uplifting communities across Louisiana. You can contact her at cbarthelemy@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Rachel Jackson
Fiscal Sponsorship Program Manager
As the Fiscal Sponsorship Program Manager for the Foundation for Louisiana, Rachel B. Jackson oversees the development and management of fiscally sponsored projects, working closely with community stakeholders to support initiatives that drive positive impact. A Louisiana native, Rachel combines her passion for culture and community with her expertise in nonprofit management to advance the Foundation's mission.
Rachel holds a degree in Communication Studies from LSU and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, reading, art, live music, and exploring new food experiences. You can contact her at rjackson@foundationforlouisiana.org.
Samantha Francois, Ph.D
Louisiana Justice Fund Director
Samantha Francois, Ph.D. is a community safety expert and developmental psychologist with deep expertise in adolescent development, structural violence, critical consciousness, anti-racism research, and equitable policy. As an interdisciplinary, community-engaged scholar-practitioner, Dr. Francois applies systems perspectives and critical race theory to examine the intersections of individual, community, and structural factors that shape racial inequity and discrimination in the United States.
Her leadership and expertise span violence prevention, community safety programming, and public safety grantmaking, with a focus on community-centered and evidence-based strategies that advance equity and systemic change. Dr. Francois conducts community-engaged intervention research, including studies on youth organizing and activism as tools for violence prevention, and employs participatory action research and equitable evaluation approaches that center the voices of marginalized communities. Her work is driven by commitments to health equity, prevention, restorative justice, social transformation, and community liberation.
Dr. Francois previously served as the Director of Outreach and Translation for the Violence Prevention Institute at Tulane University and Co-Director of the Center for Youth Equity, a CDC-funded Center of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention. She also served as a consulting public safety grants reviewer for Baptist Community Ministries, advising grantmaking and strategic priorities. In these roles, she led grant-funded research initiatives, managed cross-sector public safety partnerships, and developed data-driven strategies for violence reduction and criminal legal system reform.
Dr. Francois holds a doctorate in psychological sciences with a concentration in developmental psychology from Tulane University and is a sought-after expert in community safety research and programming, fund development, and equitable policy design.
You can contact her at sfrancois@foundationforlouisiana.org.