By The Voices of I Am New Orleans audio series amplifies the ideas, leadership and stories of local youth. Produced in partnership with Be Loud Studios, the series highlights the work of W.K. Kellogg Foundation grantees and the young people stepping up to create a stronger, more vibrant future for New Orleans.
Episode 7: Pour Into Others Like Me
Listeners meet Dejah and Zion, two students at Thrive New Orleans. They share what it means to grow up with access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and opportunities to build a future rooted in purpose. They reflect on how Thrive’s programs—spanning mentorship, workforce training, and green infrastructure—are helping young people in the 9th Ward shape their own lives and give back to their communities.
They’re joined by Chuck Morse, executive director of Thrive New Orleans, who explains how Thrive connects community partners, businesses and organizations across the city to expand access to opportunity. From workforce training to climate resiliency projects, Thrive equips young adults with leadership skills and a vision for what’s possible—at work and in their neighborhoods.
Inspired by two mentors at her community center—Oscar and Ms. Dewana—Dejah now dreams of becoming a social worker to support the next generation.
“Service to others is important, and it means a lot because I needed it,” says Zion. “It feels good when you pour into others because you never know how it can help them in the long run.”
Why It Matters
Thrive New Orleans is building a pipeline of homegrown leaders in the 9th Ward and beyond. By closing the skills gap in New Orleans’ growing green economy, Thrive offers more than career training—it builds climate-smart infrastructure, creates economic pathways, and provides a sense of safety, belonging and purpose for youth and families across the city.
Listen In
Visit iamneworleansvoices.com/listen to hear Episode 7 and learn more about how Thrive New Orleans is building young community leaders through access to resources, unique opportunities, professional development and leadership skills training to ensure a flourishing future for New Orleans.
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