Meet our 2023 Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Cohort

A J Williams Consulting Group

Dr. Arlanda Williams has senior administrative responsibility for the areas of Workforce Development, which provides job training services and continuing education. A J Williams Consulting Group provides expertise in government relations. The group assists small and minority business owners in proposals, certifications, and contract management.

Prior to her appointment as Vice Chancellor at Delgado Community College, Williams worked twenty-one years in Risk Management at Terrebonne Parish School System and served 13 ½ years as the elected representative for Council District 2. Williams currently serves on the Southern University Board of Supervisors, South Central Planning Commission, Terrebonne General Medical System Board of Commissioners, the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District, Executive Board Member of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and various boards and commissions throughout the state of Louisiana. 

Serenity Mental Health Services

Ashley Clark, APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, is the founder and CEO of Serenity Mental Health Services. Ashley began her nursing career after graduating from Alcorn State University in 2006. She later attended the University of St. Francis where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing. After working several years as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, she enrolled in Chamberlain College of Nursing's Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She also completed the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at McNeese State University.  Dr. Clark opened Serenity Mental Health Services to meet the need for mental health providers in the community. Since opening in 2019, Serenity Mental Health Services has provided telehealth services to patients throughout Louisiana. Dr. Clark enjoys traveling, dining out, and spending time with her family.

Tara’s Tutoring

Tara Pierre Williams is the proud owner of Tara’s Tutoring in Luling Louisiana. Tara is the mother of three boys and has three grandchildren: two girls and one boy. She is a basketball has been a teacher for 18 years. She loves reading and writing has published a few short stories. Tara also collaborates with her granddaughter who has a YouTube channel where she reads book for smaller kids.  She is passionate about helping students and teaching kids how to be educationally sound in order to achieve their goals. Tara helps children learn in some of the most unorthodox ways. Tara’s Tutoring is designed to help kids from all kids from all diversities to be great in their own way. 

Craig’s Electrical and Generator Service

Craig Jacomine II is a former employee of Shell Norco and started Craig’s Electrical and Generator Service during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Craig’s Electrical and Generators specializes in Generac Automatic Home Standby Generators, Commercial and Industrial Generator sales and service, and portable and mobile generator sales and services. The company also provides Generac’s Clean Energy solutions with Generac's home energy products, services, and accessories.  After two major hurricanes hit Louisiana in 2020 and 2021 Craig’s Electrical and Generator Service emerged as the leader in the New Orleans area. Craig believes in training and continuing education to keep his team up to date in a competitive environment. 

Marlbrough Farms

Jamie Marlbrough, a first-generation female farm owner, owns and operates Marlbrough Farms in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. As a mother of four, Jamie understands kitchen table economics and the challenges facing families today. That is why she is committed to keeping prices of eggs, produce and anything the farm offers affordable. Jamie aspires to grow her farm to include agriculture tourism, to teach children where food comes from and provide hands-on experiences that can enable them to become farmers. She also hopes to empower children and her community with the knowledge to grow their own food to fight food insecurity. As a school board member, she is proud to be a part of the first and only school district in the state that partners with multiple businesses for internships in welding.

Blue Room Technologies

Joshua Newbins, founder of Blue Room Technologies, believes that tech is an art form that combines creativity with problem solving. This philosophy has helped him deliver innovative business solutions as a software engineer for over 10+ years. Blue Room Technologies is a continuation of Newbins’ mission of helping businesses express and enhance their company through technology. Providing digital solutions, ranging from websites to custom software, Blue Room Technologies is poised to become an industry leader with a reputation for delivering high-quality and unique client results.

Optimal Counseling Services

Ke’Arrah Jackson, MA, LPC-S and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor in Louisiana. Through her business, Optimal Counseling Services, she provides mental health counseling services to individuals seeking therapy for a variety of unique and everyday mental health concerns. Her business also provides supervision to provisionally licensed clinicians, who are seeking to be independently licensed therapists. Her goal is to broaden our support across the region, by providing more therapy services to community members which will in turn help the overall mental health climate in South Louisiana.

Nor-Joe Imports, LLC

Mark Subervielle owns Nor-Joe Imports, an importer of fine specialty European foods. Norma Webb and Joe Giglio founded the business over 30 years ago. Since the purchase, several additions have been made and new products added, however, the essence of the old-school corner grocery and deli remain and will not change. Mark is a veteran of the commercial real estate business, specifically retail real estate. This 30+ years of experience in real estate has proven useful in operating and growing Nor-Joe Imports. His education in architectural engineering and construction has also been useful in strategic planning and development of the operations.

Cajan Properties, LLC

Norman Norfleet attended Washburn University and is a 20 year plus disabled, honorably discharged Veteran of the United States Army. With over 24 years of senior leadership and logistical and transportation experience of equipment, Norman brings knowledge and hands-on leadership, strategies, and support of challenges faced by businesses in transporting and moving equipment to any destination. Norman founded CAJAN PROPERTIES LLC with a focus on providing exceptional leadership development and procurement services and support.  Norman is experienced in transportation and movement of all types of equipment while providing expertise in shipping and moving equipment to support organizational growth, sustainability, and performance awarding and negotiating local, state, federal contracts.

YASIIN, LLC

Quincy Stewart, a New Orleans native, founded Yasiin LLC in December of 2021 with goal of providing employment and mentoring individuals re-entering society after spending time in incarceration. Quincy’s company is named after his two-year old daughter, Yasiin. The business has one employee, and it has secured a subcontract and contract with the City of New Orleans to remove trash and debris. Quincy’ goal for 2023 is to buy more equipment, hire more people and get more contracts as he learns more about running a successful business. Prior to founding Yasiin LLC, Quincy spent time in the offshore oil industry and has experience in several other jobs.

T Ballard Trucking Company

Timothy Ballard founded the T Ballard Trucking Company during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020. T Ballard Trucking offers general freight transportation within the US with future expansion plans that include opening a Commercial Driver's License training academy. Timothy spent ten years in the US Army and served two tours in Iraq. Upon leaving the Army, he spent seven years as an avionics technician working with the US Air Force and global corporations including Lockheed Martin and General Atomics maintaining and supporting remotely piloted aircraft in multiple overseas locations. Timothy also volunteers with a non-profit organization called Bond, helping to build community relationships and mentoring junior high and high school students. Timothy was born and raised in Schriever, Louisiana and enjoys working out and traveling with his wife.

Akanni Beauty

 Valencia Griffin-Wallace founded Akanni Beauty after her own experience being ill prepared for her menopausal transition. She recognized the lack of representation and options in the menopausal skincare and wellness industry, particularly for Women of Color. As an accomplished author, speaker, and former show host, she has used her platform to challenge prejudices against children of addicts and survivors of domestic violence. She now uses that same passion to challenge the stigmas that surround menopause and aging. Akanni Beauty provides natural skincare and wellness products as an alternative to hormone therapy. Akanni Beauty, which means "our encounter brings wealth," represents more than just a brand. It's a movement to make natural menopausal skincare and wellness accessible to all women, while also providing education on the potential benefits of natural treatments and destigmatizing the conversation around aging and menopause.

Escape to Paradise Nail Spa

Nichole Daniels-Morton is the owner of Escape to Paradise Nail Spa LLC.  Her priority is to provide safe and best health techniques in nail and foot care in a relaxing environment. She expanded her business to include natural handmade body products- Ni'Chole Body Treats. Nichole enjoys serving as a mentor for individuals interested in business. 

Exceptional Services, LLC

Ashley Williams founded Exceptional Services Agency in 2016 to empower startups and small businesses to scale to the next level. Ashley plays a major role in helping startups and small businesses achieve their goals. This includes launching new product lines, increasing customer growth, and scaling profits to new heights. Her secret? Ashley is an expert as an "ecosystem builder." She takes a system level view of the innovation and entrepreneurial assets of a business, connects them, fills in the gaps where necessary to help your business grow and thrive. Ashley’s career as a marketing strategist and business manager launched after earning a Bachelor of Science in business management.

Trinity Tree, LLC

Cody Graver, a servant of Jesus Christ, lives in Luling Louisiana. Before starting his business Trinity Tree, LLC. in 2021, Cody Graver worked for 15 years in agriculture and forestry as a co-partner in his father’s company (Randy Graver Services). Cody finds purpose and fulfillment in fellowshipping with others through fitness, sporting activities, and going on frequent vacations. Trinity Tree provides tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, storm clean up and emergency tree services.

Learning Bridge Career Institute

Gloria Williams is founder and CEO of The Learning Bridge LLC, d/b/a the Learning Bridge Career Institute, a Healthcare Technical Training Institute, located in Houma, Louisiana. Her mission is to aid to the success of the community by providing marketable skills to individuals who are seeking to enhance their own employment opportunities. We take pride in offering a learning environment that focuses on learning styles, small classes, group projects, hands on training and career placement services. Gloria lives and works in Houma, Louisiana and has been married to Jesse Williams, Jr. for 51 years.  She has two children Dr. Yokesha Green Ed.D  and Jesse Williams, III retired HFD Captain, and she also has two grandchildren.  In 2022 she received the Athena Award through the Women’s Business Alliance for her consistent community service focused on career development and scholarships for young women who desire a second chance in life.  

Initiatives Etcetera, LLC

Adrienne Conish’s goal is to complement her natural technical savvy with a solid business foundation built on private, governmental, and entrepreneurial platforms. Adrienne founded Initiatives Etcetera, a woman, veteran, and minority owned Small Business that offers specialized support in acquisition and program management to the Department of Defense agencies. Their acquisition program management covers all aspects of contract management and administration, using practices that help achieve synergy. Hallmarks of her career are attributable to being a marketing scholar by education, naturally talented data analyst and a procurements and contracts authority by trade. Her affinity for supporting the community brings her great pride. She is a decorated combat US Army veteran. 

Cook Marine Consultants, LLC

Jeffrey L. Cook is an independent Marine Consultant and is a Graduated from SUNY Maritime College with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Transportation and Trade as well as a Master of Science degree in International Transportation Management.  Upon graduation he has dedicated is professional life to the Marine Surveying and Consulting field. After holding similar positions over many years, he became a Certified Marine Surveyor through NAMS Global and maintains relevant continuing education accordingly. In 2012 he started a local business with an international reach. Cook Marine Consultants, LLC. Provides Marine Consulting, Survey, Port Captain, Pollution Safety Advisor (PSA/MA), and Ship Cleaning services to domestic and international clientele.” 

Joyce Duncan Education Consulting

Joyce Duncan Education Consulting provides training and consulting services that assist organizations with implementing advanced practices in direct instruction, classroom and discipline management, as well as effective parenting. Joyce is determined to disrupt the 21st century educational model by connecting, collaborating, and committing to advancing education in underserved communities across Louisiana. Upon retiring after 34 years with the Jefferson Parish Public School System serving as a Principal, Title I Director, Assistant Principal, and Teacher, Joyce launched her education consulting company to assist teachers, parents, schools, school systems, non-profit organizations, and others who wish to improve student outcomes.  Joyce has received advanced trainings in education consulting and curriculum development from the Parent Leadership Training Institute, Time to Teach, and Effective Black Parenting. She is a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans and received her M.Ed. from Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana.

WHO DAT BarberShop Inc. 

A New Orleans native, Lakischa Smith opened WHO DAT BarberShop Inc in 2009. Receiving a formal education as a Registered Nurse from Delgado Community College and Charity School of Nursing, Smith had no prior experience in barbering or cosmetology. Her passion for serving others and giving back to the community led her to incorporate philanthropy in the core business values. After receiving honors and awards for the business community outreach, Lakischia is dedicated to increasing her community footprint in New Orleans.

The H.E.A.R.T Academy, LLC

Marsharae Cage, RN, BSN, Founder and CEO, The H.E.A.R.T Academy.

In her 18 years as a nurse, Marsharae has served on the frontline as a bedside nurse, as well as various roles in leadership and education. It was through that experience that she discovered a passion for healthcare education and a high demand for qualified staff in the healthcare system. The H.E.A.R.T Academy (Healthcare Education and Resource Training) was established to provide entry-level healthcare education to those individuals interested in becoming a part of a growing medical field. Licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and approved by Louisiana Department of Health, the goal is to be the gold standard of entry-level healthcare education. 

Generations Washeteria, LLC

Minority business owner and entrepreneur Patrice Jones plans to open a community-based laundromat in St. Charles Parish. Patrice aims to open Generations Washeteria later this year in Hahnville, Louisiana. Patrice, a mother of five and grandmother expects the laundromat to service up to 1,000 customers or 4,000 loads of laundry per month and will include a VIP fluff and fold service for busy commuters. In addition, the emerging business owner says she plans to add a mobile unit that will service St. Charles’ most vulnerable populations.    

KINGSGUARD Inc.

Randall Neider, Co-Founder of KINGSGUARD Inc., is a Board-Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations (CECI), a Biometric Specialist, retired Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant and graduate of Holy Cross High School - New Orleans (’97). His company, KINGSGUARD, is a resource for Background Screenings/Investigations and Fingerprinting. He strives to provide all Businesses, Organizations, and the individual Applicants with knowledge of the processes, laws, rules and regulations as well as educate them in understanding the information obtained. In doing so, his goal is to provide the foundation to help everyone reach the best decisions possible as it relates to Risk Management (i.e. Employment, Licensure, Volunteerism, Leasing, Business Opportunities, Personal Pursuits, etc.) as he believes engaging individuals in these processes can have positive Cultural, Economic and Social Impacts which will ultimately benefit their local communities.

To learn more about KINGSGUARD, Inc. visit www.KINGSGUARD.org

D&S Unique Construction, LLC

Darel Bell, Sr. has been a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish for the last 25 years.  Darel has always had a passion for woodwork and building things after taking a course in carpentry at Plaquemine High School. After several years of working in the chemical refinery industry, he decided to take a chance and pursue his passion.  Darel started D&S Unique Construction, LLC in 2012.  Darel’s business is geared towards remodels, additions, flooring, drywall, painting, trim work with a passion for older home full restorations.  D&S Unique Construction’s overall goal is to continue to beautify and restore neighborhoods one home at a time.

Gautier & Associates, LLC

Victoria Cooper founded Gautier & Associates, LLC (G&A) to provide quality and cost-effective professional services for small businesses, nonprofits, and busy professionals. G&A offers strategic solutions such as learning and development programs for staff and online project management services. G&A plans to expand its service offerings to include organizational improvement initiatives designed specifically for small businesses and nonprofits. Victoria is a visionary leader with a career that spans two decades, which started with working with youth and teens at a non-profit agency and state government to consulting. She understands the importance of learning and development programs designed to help employees reach their fullest potential while helping businesses reach their goals.  With a passion for community service, Victoria is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Junior League of Baton Rouge.  In addition, she serves as the Parliamentarian on the Jubilee Foundation’s Board of Directors.