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Where are you from? Bunkie, Louisiana and have lived in Laplace for the past 22 years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am the mother of three (Audra, Roy IV and George Verret).  Grandmother of George Jr. and Kaden Verret. I have been a nurse for 14 years and believe community service is imperative to keep the community thriving. I was a cheer coach for the HEAT Football Team for four years, served on the pastoral council for one term at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. Two years ago, I formed the voter registration organization called “Every Vote Counts”, where myself along with volunteers register voters to vote. Present day, we have registered upwards of 75+ new voters.  I am also currently serving as a commissioner and the chairwoman of the Planning Commission in St. John Parish.

Who are some Black role models you look up to, and why? 

• My mother Audrey is definitely my role model because she is so strong and taught my siblings and I the importance of God at an early age. When my father George (a Korean War Veteran) passed away in 1991; my mother never waivered her commitment to us and keep pushing through without missing a beat.

• Rosa Parks- was a fierce activist who fought for equality in the civil rights movement.  Refusing to give up her seat on that public bus in 1955 started a movement which not only woke up the people of Alabama but the whole nation.

• Emmett Till- at only 14 years old he was abducted, beaten and lynched by two white men in 1955. Mr. Till never got to live up to his full potential due to his life being cut short. Every time I think about his life, it makes me want to push harder to advocate for injustices that are happening in nation. We must continue to allow his name to live on.

What does Black History Month mean to you? I celebrate Black History Month not just in February but all year long. One month is not enough time to celebrate all of the wonderful contributions that African-Americans have contributed to America. 

Why is it important to encourage diversity? Diversity is important and should be encouraged because it brings about change and a plethora of ideas that can make communities and workplaces more desirable and inclusive.

What changes would you like to see in the local community? I would like to see more young people become activists and involved in political and governmental affairs; whether it be on a local, state or national level since they are our future leaders of tomorrow.