Our Staff
Executive director/co-founder
Jack Waguespack-Slooijer
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. 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. 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, Esq.
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 RESEARCH AND GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Griffin Thompson
Griffin is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Geography & Sustainable Planning and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Natural Resource Management. He enjoys opportunities to make maps that have real-world impacts and BSLA is a perfect fit for that. When Griffin isn't making maps, he can likely be found either gardening or watching pro wrestling with his cats.
Prevention coordinator/MSW Intern
Jake Tadevich
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.
Training and Community Education Lead
Clara Pierson
Clara is starting medical school at LSU, where they hope to bring the values of harm reduction, community care, and health equity into their work as a future physician. Their passion lies in creating nonjudgmental, life-saving access to care for people who use drugs and strengthening public health systems across Louisiana.