Many different factors came together in 2014 to inspire Welcome To College’s relocation to New Orleans. One the most unique and wise individuals I met during this time was Dr. Charles Mary. I was a participant in the Idea Village IDEAx program, and was fortunate to meet Dr. Mary’s daughter Mignonne Mary through this experience. Mignonne is the founder of the Remedy Room, an IV hydration and wellness clinic. She and her husband, Doug Hammel, became incredible friends of mine and helped familiarize my family and me with New Orleans.

Havilah Malone exudes life. Our initial connection occurred during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week this past March as I worked a table representing Welcome To College. I like to think that the glass beads I was rocking that day were what brought us together, but when Havilah walked by, we shared an immediate connection. She had the most genuine smile and warm presence.

It was July of 2014, and I was enjoying the kickoff BBQ in the backyard of Matt Candler’s house for the ninth cohort of the Launch Program. Matt is the CEO of 4.0 Schools in New Orleans. I will never forget the powerful sense of community I felt in the air that afternoon as Matt spoke. “We are not worried about what it is you are building now,” Matt shared, “we are concerned about the 20-year version of who you are to become.” I was surrounded by an incredible group of people from all across the country, united by a shared passion to positively impact education.