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. 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 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 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.

HARM REDUCTION SPECIALIST

Maxx is a New Orleans native with a passion for harm reduction and creating a safer and reliable community of support and resources for those who need it. He is also dedicated to advocating for our queer community, especially in the deep south. In their free time, Maxx loves making art and music, and would love to bridge the gap between the NOLA music scene and harm reduction services.

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 Supervisor

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.