EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER

Born and raised in Louisiana, Jack founded Below Sea Level Aid to support the community that nurtured them. Their dedication to public health began as a research associate for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project, where they focused on the People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) cycle, conducting outreach and data collection to better understand HIV risk factors and service gaps. Jack then went on to manage the largest syringe exchange program on the Gulf Coast, further deepening their commitment to harm reduction and mutual aid.

In addition to their work in public health, Jack has extensive experience as a capital post-conviction paralegal, advocating for those facing the most extreme sentences in the criminal legal system. Their passion for criminal justice reform drives their efforts to support individuals impacted by incarceration and systemic injustice. With a deep commitment to community care, Jack created Below Sea Level Aid to uplift the voices of Louisianans and fight for access to basic services in the South and rural areas.

POLICY DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER

Lauren Hall is a Juvenile Public Defender in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a Louisiana attorney,  she works to end systemic poverty with judicial justice, progressive legislative policy, and community advocacy. She has experience working with law firms and social justice nonprofits throughout the city. Her lifelong career aspirations are to protect disadvantaged communities from poverty disparities, cultural eradication, and incarceration.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Taylor’s journey into activism began in Starkville, Mississippi, where he grew up. He has been involved in social justice movements around the country before landing in New Orleans. Taylor is a freelance graphic designer devoted to helping nonprofits build mass movements for change. He brings 10 years of marketing experience to support Below Sea Level Aid’s mission to serve the community and save lives. His work with BSLA is dedicated to the memory of his dear friend, Chaz Dixon.

PROGRAMS MANAGER

Eden Artigues is a sex and relationships therapist who works with individuals, relationships, and families across the South. They provide pleasure-positive and anti-oppressive services that help people cultivate sexual and relational health practices that affirm their lived experiences.

GRANT WRITER

Originally from Connecticut, Jack is a dedicated advocate for the empowerment of marginalized communities. A recent graduate of Boston College, Jack's foundation in rhetoric, business, and the promotion of community underscores his commitment to creating positive change. Bringing this wealth of experience and fervor to his role as a grant writer, Jack is driven by the conviction that collective action is paramount in addressing societal inequities.

PREVENTION COORDINATOR/MSW INTERN

Jake is a New Orleans Transplant from Indiana with an abundance of clinical and public health knowledge. His passion for those who are struggling to be seen and cared for equally drives the motivation for social justice. His work in HIV/STI prevention and treatment has not only allowed him to educate others, but also to challenge stigmas within society. Jake prioritizes unconditional empathy, well-being, and love for all individuals.

MSW INTERN

Andrea moved to New Orleans after falling in love as a first responder after Hurricane Katrina. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to apply for grad school to fulfill her dreams of becoming a social worker. As a Coast Guard Reservist, she is currently activated to assist with oil spill cleanup in the Gulf of Mexico. When not Coast Guarding or interning with Below Sea Level, Andrea enjoys costuming, bike riding, puns and all the non-fiction. She lives in the French Quarter with her dog Cypress and cat RalphVader. 

BOARD CHAIR

Joan Jungbin Lee (she/they) is a nonprofit professional who specializes in operations and fundraising/development. She is originally from NYC & has lived in New Orleans for almost 6 years. She currently works as a Central Services & Operations Manager at Acceleraise, a consulting firm that supports Black and Brown nonprofit and education leaders. She believes that creativity and rooted community are the only ways to collective freedom.

BOARD TREASURER

Ami Truong is the Project Coordinator at Sông Community Development Corporation in New Orleans East, focusing on environmental justice, food access, and arts and cultural placemaking to build community resilience. With a background in community organizing and disaster preparedness, they empower local residents through programs that promote youth mental health, sustainable food, and creative cultural projects. Their work bridges communication gaps to foster a more inclusive and connected community.

BOARD MEMBER

Jenn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor with a decade of experience working in the New Orleans community. Beyond their clinical practice, Jenn serves as the co-founder and co-director of the nonprofit, Wellness Project New Orleans. This worker-led initiative is committed to enhancing accessibility to mental health and wellness services within the community while providing support to wellness practitioners.

BOARD MEMBER

Natalie Rupp is the Founder and Executive Director of the Trans Income Project in New Orleans, where she leverages her extensive background in public policy and economic justice to advocate for and empower the transgender community. With a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University and a diverse career-spanning role at the Foundation for Louisiana, Causal Design, USAID, and the White House, Natalie combines her expertise in program evaluation and economic analysis to address systemic inequities. Her work focuses on creating inclusive policies, securing funding, and providing holistic support services to foster financial stability and well-being for transgender individuals.