Meet the Speakers
Desmond Alufohai
Division Director II, Protocol & International Affairs Division
Miami-Dade International Airport
U. Desmond Alufohai serves as Division Director II of the Protocol & International Affairs Division at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), where he leads the largest airport-based protocol office in the United States. With more than 35 years of international leadership experience, he is widely recognized for his expertise in diplomacy, global engagement, protocol, and international trade.
Before joining MDAD, Mr. Alufohai served as Senior International Trade Coordinator for Miami-Dade County’s Economic Development and International Trade Agency (2003–2019). Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles with Junior Chamber International (JCI), including Executive Director and Senior Director for Growth and Development in Africa and the Middle East (1991–2002), where he worked closely with global institutions such as the United Nations, UNICEF, WHO, and the African Union. He was instrumental in the creation of Sister Cities engagements between Miami-Dade County and the City of Dakar, Senegal; the City of Cape Town, South Africa; and the Casablanca-Settat Council, Kingdom of Morocco.
A seasoned global traveler, Mr. Alufohai has visited more than 95 countries, conducting trade missions, professional development programs, and diplomatic outreach initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria and an MBA from Anna Maria University in Paxton, Massachusetts. He is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a member of Protocol-Diplomacy International /Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), and a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington®.
His expertise extends deeply into civil society leadership. He is Chairman of the Visitors Industry Council (VIC), Founding Chairman of the Florida International Affairs Foundation (FIAF), a member of Citizens for Florida Arts & Culture, Inc. Board of Directors, and a member of the Florida Export Finance Corporation (FEFC) Board of Directors. He previously served on the Board of the World Trade Center Miami and was a founding member of the Mayor’s African Trade Task Force.
Mr. Alufohai has received numerous accolades and honors, including the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), signed by President Joe Biden; the Consular Corps of Miami “Person of the Year” Award (2023); and the Miami Magnet Award (2018). He is listed in Who’s Who in America (2024–2025) and is an inductee of the International Academy of Ceremonial and Protocol (AICP).
Mary Ambrose, LMSW
Chief Impact & Equity Officer
United Way SELA
Mary Ambrose, LMSW, serves as Chief Equity and Impact Officer at United Way of Southeast Louisiana, bringing more than 25 years of experience in community impact, nonprofit leadership, and social services. She leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships, mobilize resources, and advance equitable opportunities for individuals and families across the region.
Her work encompasses community engagement, strategic partnerships, volunteer leadership development, and investments in programs addressing critical social and economic challenges. She played an instrumental role in the Super Bowl LIX Impact 59 grant initiative, which distributed more than $3.6 million to nonprofits throughout Greater New Orleans.
A Licensed Master Social Worker, Ambrose holds a Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She also holds a Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University’s eCornell program.
Her commitment to community service has earned national recognition, including the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 NFL Inspire Change Changemaker Award.
Isabel Barrios
Principal
Greater New Orleans Community Foundation
Isabel Barrios joined the Greater New Orleans Foundation in 2009 and leads its short and long-term disaster response and recovery work. She co-designed the Foundation’s strategic framework for equitable disaster response, and coordinates with philanthropic, public, and nonprofit partners in the region to get millions of disaster recovery dollars to where they can be most impactful when disaster strikes.
In addition to being the Foundation’s Director of Disaster Recovery, Isabel is its Community Resilience Officer and works with peers in Houston, Baton Rouge and Mobile to strengthen and innovate community-level resilience in the region. Firmly rooted in New Orleans, she has worked and volunteered in its nonprofit, advocacy, and activist communities since 1996. Isabel is a founder of Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative, a community land trust, and currently serves on the board of The Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities; as well as the Volunteer Louisiana Commission. Born in Guatemala City, she has called New Orleans home since 1987.
Chris Cameron
Executive Director
Hands On New Orleans
Chris Cameron joined HandsOn New Orleans in 2012 as Executive Director. Combining core strengths in senior leadership, significant revenue generation, strategic planning and team and program development, Chris has transformed the organization. HandsOn completes 60+ community service projects each year by recruiting 5,000+ volunteers to serve low income residents. In this position, he has the privilege to work with community organizers, civic and corporate leaders as well as elected officials to address root causes of social injustice and postive pathways to vibrant neighborhoods.
He currently serves as an Affiliate Assembly member for the Points of Light Global Network and served as a Board Member on the state-wide Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (LAVOAD).
Prior to joining the organization, Chris spent 19 years in higher education student affairs administration at Loyola University New Orleans and Dillard University in roles ranging from Greek Life advisor, director of student activities and co-curricular programs and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.
Chris received his B.A. in international relations and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia, and his Master of Education from University of South Carolina.
Arielle Desse
Director of Community Relations and Industry Engagement
New Orleans & Company
Arielle Desse serves as the Director of Community Relations and Industry Engagement at New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans. In this role, she leads community outreach, advocacy initiatives, and workforce development efforts that support one of the city’s most vital economic sectors.
With more than a decade of experience in hospitality and tourism, Arielle is a dedicated advocate for the industry and the communities it impacts. She works closely with local leaders and organizations to build meaningful partnerships, develop programs that empower and elevate the workforce, and helps address quality-of-life issues that make New Orleans a better place to live, work, and visit.
Arielle holds a Master of Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Loyola University New Orleans. She is also an alumna of the Institute of Politics at Loyola University New Orleans. A proud New Orleans native, she is deeply committed to her community. She serves on the board of 18th Ward, a nonprofit focused on providing high-quality, affordable sports programming and workforce development opportunities for youth and families across the city. She also serves on the board of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Foundation, advancing efforts in environmental stewardship and litter abatement, and is an active member of the Independent Women’s Organization and Mid-South Women in Tourism.
Teala Fugitt
Case Manager Supervisor
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans
Teala Fugitt serves as Case Manager Supervisor for the Frontlines Outreach Program at Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, where her work centers on supporting individuals facing homelessness, disabilities, and other complex challenges.
Known for her compassionate, hands-on approach, Teala works directly with vulnerable members of the community, helping them navigate barriers to essential services and advocating for those whose needs might otherwise go unmet. Her dedication often extends beyond traditional case management, stepping into difficult circumstances where persistence, resourcefulness, and personal advocacy can make a critical difference.
Through her frontline experience, Teala brings a valuable perspective on the human stories behind social services and the importance of recognizing individual needs, building trust, and ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.
Adam Hawkins
Director of Outreach and Emergency Services
Hope Atlanta
Adam Hawkins serves as Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at Hope Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness. Since joining the organization in 2022, he has brought extensive experience in community outreach, homelessness services, and support for individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges.
Adam leads outreach initiatives that connect people experiencing homelessness with critical resources and pathways to stability. His work includes partnerships with MARTA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and community organizations throughout metropolitan Atlanta. Drawing on his experience working with San Francisco’s homeless community and his own lived experiences, he emphasizes compassionate engagement, relationship-building, and a holistic approach to addressing homelessness.
Through his leadership, Adam advocates for meeting individuals where they are, building trust, and connecting vulnerable populations with the services and support needed to achieve lasting stability.
Bianca Hernandez
Team Lead
The Other Ones Foundation
Bianca Hernandez is a Team Lead at The Other Ones Foundation, where she oversees case management initiatives within the Going Home Program and supports shelter operations. Her work focuses on helping individuals experiencing homelessness reconnect with support systems, access transportation to stable housing opportunities, and navigate transitions toward long-term stability. With experience in program development, staff training, and immigration services, Bianca is passionate about strengthening diversions, assistance networks and developing collaborative, person centered approaches that help individuals find a path home.
Mayté Hernandez
Director of Case Management Services
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans
Mayté Hernandez serves as Director of Case Management Services at Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans, bringing a multidisciplinary background in mental health, social services, and public administration to her work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, Mayté holds a bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, a master’s degree in Psychology from the City University of New York, and a Master of Public Administration from City College of New York, where she was a Colin Powell Graduate Fellow.
Before joining Travelers Aid, she led the development and expansion of a mental health care management program serving children and underserved communities in Upper Manhattan. She was also selected for the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Program, recognizing her potential for continued leadership and community impact.
Her experience bridges behavioral health, community-based services, and program leadership, informing her approach to strengthening case management and improving access to essential services.
Bishop Donna Hubbard
Human Trafficking Awareness Trainer, Survivor Advocate, and Founder
Woman at the Well Transition Center
Airline Ambassadors International
Bishop Donna Lynne Hubbard is a renowned Survivor Leader, Subject Matter Expert, advocate, crisis counselor, and global leader in the fight against human trafficking, criminal justice reform, and survivor empowerment. The eldest child of community activist Nayo Watkins and U.S. Army veteran Charles “Charlie” Hubbard, she was raised by civil rights leader Hollis Watkins. Her journey from survivor to leader began after enduring gang rape, addiction, organized crime, and seven years of human trafficking. Incarceration became her turning point, leading her to found the Woman at the Well Transition Center (WATWTC) upon release, which has since empowered over 10,000 women and girls affected by trafficking, incarceration, and systemic injustice.
A trusted expert in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, Bishop Hubbard has dedicated her life to holistic rehabilitation, cultural sensitivity, and family reunification for survivors. Since 2015, she has served as Director of Human Trafficking Awareness for Airline Ambassadors International and consults for government and global agencies including UNODC, ICAO, IATA, INTERPOL, the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia. A certified trainer and global Survivor Leader, she has conducted over 300 human trafficking awareness trainings for law enforcement, healthcare professionals, aviation personnel, faith leaders, and policymakers. In 2023, she was commissioned to redesign American Airlines’ human trafficking awareness training for flight crews.
Bishop Hubbard’s advocacy has earned her prestigious honors, including 2026 Outreach Ministry of the Year, PACT American Freedom Award (2024) and the Sword and Shield Award from the Attorneys General Alliance (2023). She holds BA & MS degrees in Theater Arts, Biblical Studies, and Theology, a Certified Christian Counselor and is a firefighter certified by the University of West Virginia. In 2023 Donna received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Ministry and International Women’s Studies. In 2021, Donna Lynne Hubbard became the first woman bishop consecrated in Celebration of Praise Ministries International.
A devoted mother of seven, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she celebrated 30 years of ministry in 2024. She has been employed as an American Airlines flight attendant for the past 12 years. Ms. Hubbard is a certified human trafficking awareness trainer, subject matter expert, and global lecturer. Bishop Hubbard continues to champion justice, advocate for survivors, and inspire change across the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Globe.
Bishop Donna Hubbard is not just a survivor—she is a protector of the vulnerable and a voice for the voiceless.
John Ishu
Director
Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare International Airport
John is the Director of Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare International Airport. He has been with the program for 25 years. He is responsible for not only the daily operation of the program, he also maintains and expands partnerships within the airport community including but not limited to US Customs/Border Protection, Chicago Police Department, Transportation Security Administration, over 40 airlines that serve O’Hare, and Chicago Department of Aviation.
A graduate of The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, previous to Travelers Aid Chicago, John has 9 years experience with other non-profits including an advocacy program for quality childcare and as Program Manager for a teen drop-in center.
John is a two-time nominee of O’Hare’s Wings of Vision Award and is a graduate of the Inaugural Class of US Customs/Border Protection Field Office’s Partnership Academy. Under John’s leadership, Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare has grown from a small office of 2 full-time staff and 40 volunteers to a considerably large office with 15 Social Service and Volunteer Coordination staff, as well as over 120 of the most loyal, dedicated, and consistently trained airport volunteers on the planet at 7 information desks throughout O’Hare.
Peter Lauten
Director of Partnerships
Travelers Aid International
Peter Lauten currently serves as the Director of Partnerships at Travelers Aid International (TAI), where he cultivates relationships and develops innovative travel-related assistance programs across the organization’s regional sites.
Peter began his career at TAI as Volunteer Coordinator at Washington Dulles International Airport in April 2017. He was promoted to Program Manager at the same location in September 2018, where he directed both volunteer teams and staff, notably leading the Dulles Travelers Aid program to win the 2019 “Tower of Dulles” award for outstanding community service. Peter holds a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Tulane University
Morgan McBrearty
Program Manager
Travelers Aid Philadelphia International Airport
Morgan has worked for Travelers Aid for 6 years, holding the positions of Volunteer Coordinator, Assistant Program Manager, and is now the current Program Manager of Philadelphia. She is one of the original hires to implement and develop the TAI-PHL Volunteer Program.
As program manager, she oversees the Volunteer Navigators and staff for the airport. Her goal is to ensure Travelers Aid International provides the highest standard of customer service to guests and airport employees along with growing the PHL program.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stockton University and has ten years of experience in both customer service and community engagement. With knowledge in community building, she brings a unique perspective to non-profit management alongside guest experience. She is passionate about bringing impactful change, and inspiring new forms of team building and elevating service.
Kianna Moore
Workforce Case Manager
The Other Ones Foundation
I’ve always had a soft spot for caring for others and a passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges and discover new opportunities. My journey in service began with an AmeriCorps service year, where I volunteered with the homeless community and developed a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion, connection, and support.
For the past five years, I’ve continued that commitment at TOOF, first as a Workforce Case Manager, helping individuals get back on track, overcome barriers, and work toward stability and independence. I later transitioned into the role of Going Home Case Manager, where I support individuals in reconnecting with family, rebuilding relationships, and exploring better opportunities for their future. At the heart of my work is a genuine desire to meet people where they are, remind them of their potential, and help them move toward a brighter future.
Jane Mrosko
Senior Director of Programs
Travelers Aid International
Jane Mrosko has dedicated more than 25 years to serving travelers and advancing the mission of Travelers Aid International. As Senior Director of Program Services, she oversees the development, operations, and growth of Travelers Aid’s airport programs nationwide, working closely with program leaders, volunteers, and airport partners to strengthen services and enhance the traveler experience.
Jane began her career with Travelers Aid in October 2001 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where she led volunteers and staff. Her leadership has been shaped by a deep commitment to volunteer engagement and creating welcoming environments for travelers
from all backgrounds.
Jane holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Before joining Travelers Aid, she worked in medical social work, helping immigrants and refugees navigate the healthcare system.
Throughout her career, Jane has championed the essential role of volunteers and the power of human connection in helping people navigate unfamiliar places and challenging circumstances. Her experience and dedication continue to guide Travelers Aid’s efforts to deliver meaningful, compassionate assistance to all travelers.
Donna Paramore
CEO
Travelers Aid New Orleans
Donna Paramore has been leading the Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans as Chief Executive Officer since July 2020, guiding one of the region’s longest-standing nonprofits in its mission to end homelessness. Her nearly two decades of experience in fundraising and leadership across social service organizations—including Clover New Orleans, Girl Scouts of Louisiana East, and KIPP New Orleans—equip her with a deep understanding of community needs and nonprofit impact.
Under her leadership, the organization has significantly scaled its outreach operations, growing from a smaller team to a robust 40-member staff. This includes establishing the largest outreach team of its kind in Louisiana to support vulnerable individuals directly where they are.
Donna emphasizes person-centered, compassionate support—meeting clients on the streets, guiding them into permanent supportive housing, and continuing to assist them with stability and self-sufficiency. Her leadership has garnered recognition in the community, with Travelers Aid being honored with the “Program of the Year” award by UNITY of Greater New Orleans. Donna also serves on the boards of Healthcare for the Homeless and Crescent City Community Court, further extending her commitment to advocacy and systemic solutions.
Sarah Parks, LMSW
Executive Director
Grace at the Greenlight
Sarah Parks, has been Executive Director of Grace at the Green Light since 2015. Sarah is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW) who originally hails from South Carolina. She first felt the call to work with the unhoused population of New Orleans in 2003 after spending a summer volunteering with a local transitional housing program for women and children. After receiving her Bachelors of Social Work from Winthrop University in 2006, Mrs. Parks followed her call to move to New Orleans with the goal of serving those in need. In 2022, she completed her Master’s of Social Work from the University of New England. Prior to coming to Grace at the Green Light, she worked for various social service agencies including those that serve the unhoused as well as at-risk adolescents. The call to serve and advocate for the most vulnerable of our neighbors is one that she is devoted to and she is grateful to serve through Grace at the Green Light.
Periann Pulliam
CEO
Upward Transitions
Periann Pulliam is the Chief Executive Officer of Upward Transitions, a 101-year-old social services organization in Oklahoma City. In FY25, under her leadership, the staff of 11 provided direct assistance to 4,154 individuals in 2,808 households, meeting critical needs such as housing, transportation, and legal document retrieval for identification.
She previously served as Chief Operations Officer for four years and as Director of the Travelers Aid Volunteer Program for six years at Upward Transitions. A project-oriented professional with more than 35 years of experience in business operations, development, training, marketing, and administration, she has built a career defined by versatility and impact.
Her professional journey began as Operations Coordinator for a local photofinishing company, where she managed six lab and studio locations. She later held a similar role in store operations and training for a national portrait studio franchise with 250 locations. She then transitioned into new roles as a scheduling coordinator for a computer training company and as a partner in residential real estate sales. For eight years, she worked full-time in real estate marketing and sales, and she continues to maintain her broker’s license, offering real estate advice and referrals to clients.
Brittany Richardson
Chief Human Resources Officer,
and
Board of Directors, Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans
First Line Schools
Caroline Sease
Development and Outreach
KultureCity
Caroline is a native of Montgomery, AL, and taught English at The Montgomery Academy for 25 years. Following her retirement from teaching, Caroline became Interim Executive Director for Service Dogs Alabama. During her time with Service Dogs Alabama, Caroline learned about KultureCity. Caroline and her husband John moved to Birmingham four years ago. New to Birmingham, Caroline reconnected with KultureCity as a volunteer and now serves KultureCity in Outreach and Development.
Leigh Thorpe
Chief Advancement Officer
Strongward
Leigh Thorpe serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Strongward, formerly known as SBP, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities prepare for, recover from, and build resilience against disasters.
A New Orleans native, Leigh brings a deeply personal perspective to disaster recovery. After losing her home during Hurricane Katrina, she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in rebuilding their lives and communities. Her experience connects her personally to Strongward’s mission, which began in the aftermath of Katrina and has since expanded to support disaster-affected communities nationwide.
In her leadership role, Leigh guides the organization’s advancement efforts, helping strengthen the partnerships and resources that make long-term recovery possible. Her work reflects a commitment to building resilient communities and ensuring that families receive the support they need long after immediate disaster relief efforts have ended.
Tiffany Torregano, LMSW
Case Manager, Permanent Supportive Housing
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans
Tiffany Torregano, LMSW, is a social work professional and program leader with experience in permanent supportive housing, case management, harm reduction, and behavioral health services. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2018 and her Master of Social Work in 2021.
Tiffany is currently working toward obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. She is committed to continuing her professional development and strengthening her clinical knowledge to better understand and support the populations she serves.
Tiffany began her career with Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans in 2017 as an intern before transitioning into the Permanent Supportive Housing program. There, she gained valuable experience supporting individuals experiencing housing instability and connecting them with resources to improve their quality of life. In 2023, she advanced into a leadership role and currently serves as a Lead Case Manager Supervisor for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program.
In her current role, Tiffany supervises and supports a team of case managers working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and substance use concerns. She believes in meeting people where they are, building trust, and providing support without judgment. Her approach is rooted in compassion, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and respect for each person’s dignity and independence.
Tiffany is passionate about social work, community-based services, and helping individuals overcome barriers to stability and well-being. She also values supporting the growth of her team and creating opportunities for positive change within the community. Through her work, she remains dedicated to serving others with compassion, purpose, and respect.
Adrianna Yemhatpe
Program Manager
Travelers Aid San Diego
Adrianna Yemhatpe has been with Travelers Aid Society of San Diego for nine years, now serving as the Director of Social Services. In her role, she assists in creating and implementing programs that serve San Diego’s most vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, and individuals fleeing domestic violence. In her time with TASD, she has created numerous relationships with local nonprofits and medical facilities to best support the 1,800 active clients currently enrolled to receive transportation assistance.
Adrianna is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a BA in Sociology and Black Studies.
As a San Diego native, she is happy to be back raising her two sons in the community in which she was raised.
