Our Team

Dr. Rashida Govan, Founder/Executive Director

Michele Seymour, Associate Director

Govan is a fierce advocate for African American girls and women and has more than 20 years experience in education, youth development and policy advocacy.

Michele Seymour, Associate Director

Michele has been with Project Butterfly NOLA since 2011. She has worked in education and youth development focused on postsecondary access for more than eight years.

Mamas & Aunties

Michele Seymour, Associate Director

Mamas & Aunties

Project Butterfly NOLA is fortunate to have the support of a cadre of professional women who are dedicated volunteers with our organization. These women are equipped with skills and serve as mentors to our butterflies-in-training.

Mamas & Aunties (Mentors)

Kristen Rome

Kevinisha Walker

Social Justice Attorney & Doula

“i found god in myself & i loved her/ i loved her fiercely” -Ntozake Shange

B.A. Political Science- Spelman College

J.D.- Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Kevinisha Walker

Site and Social Media Manager, NOLA.com

"Let nothing dim the light that shines from within."- Dr. Maya Angelou

M.A. Journalism- Roosevelt University

B.A. English Literature-University of New Orleans

Sheila Robinson

Kevinisha Walker

Sheila Robinson

Human Resources/Office Manager, Autobrain

"I come as one, I stand as 10,000."- Dr. Maya Angelou

B.S. Business Management- Dillard University

Alexis Simpson

Mathile Coleman

Alexis Simpson

Dean of Instruction, KIPP Booker T. Washington High School

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, some style."- Dr. Maya Angelou

B.S. Organizational Development (Concentration in Education Policy)- Vanderbilt University

Nahliah Weber

Mathile Coleman

Alexis Simpson

Executive Director, Orleans Public Education Network

"Love yourself first, last, always."- Nahliah Weber

B.A. Modern Languages & B.A. Religion- Sweet Briar College

Mathile Coleman

Educator

"I am allowed to acknowledge all that makes me human. I give myself permission to weep and experience sorrow, to laugh or to cry, to make mistakes or feel failure, to grieve and to praise, and I will recognize my humaness and be submerged in all its glory."- Farah Green

B.A. Psychology- Dillard University

Kieta Mutepfa

Michele Seymour

Community Liaison, Merck

“Go forth. Do good. And help someone along the way.” - Arlene Michelle Jackson

B.A. Psychology- Fisk University

M.S.W. Social Work- Howard University

Michele Seymour

Transition Services Coordinator, Youth Empowerment Project

Associate Director, Project Butterfly NOLA

"I found god in myself and i loved her, i loved her fiercely."- Ntozake Shange

B.A. Criminal Justice- Loyola University New Orleans

Rashida Govan

Michele Seymour

Rashida Govan

Executive Director, Project Butterfly NOLA

Executive Director, New Orleans Youth Alliance

"Get in the habit of celebrating yourself skin to marrow, you are magic." -Upile Chisala

B.S. Elementary Education-Morgan State University

M.Ed. Counseling & Personnel Services- University of Maryland

Ph.D.- Educational Leadership- University of New Orleans

Illumani Johnson

Cagney Sanders-Goodly

Health Care & Business Operations Manager

" Ignite your Power, Fuel your Greatness and Launch your Genius!"

B.S. Business Management-University of N ew Orleans

M.S. Health Services Administration-Strayer University

Cagney Sanders-Goodly

Consultant & Graduate Student

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change.. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”-Angela Y. Davis

B.S. Political Science & Philosophy- University of Texas at El Paso

M.P.S. Health & Wellness Management (In Progress)- Tulane University