ADVISORY BOARD

Rep. C. Travis Johnson proudly serves as the Vice Chair of Agriculture Committee, where he is the first African American in the position, in the Louisiana Legislature. He is also the first African American to serve district 21 since reconstruction. In 2023, he was honored to be selected by ACYPL for an exchange policy trip to Germany and Poland, engaging with Ambassadors and leaders to foster international dialogue. His global perspective is further enriched by travels to countries including Ghana, Amsterdam, Jamaica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico and, among others.  Additionally, he is the founder of the Delta Economic Research & Sustainability District and played a vital role in establishing the Delta Food Network System.

Councilman Jason Hughes is a distinguished member of the New Orleans City Council and former member of the Louisiana Legislature, currently serving as Vice Chairman of the influential Committee on Appropriations, making him only the second African American to hold this position. He also leads as Chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, advocating for the interests of the Black community in Louisiana. A proud alumnus of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Southern University and A&M College, Rep. Hughes has enriched his knowledge through numerous international fellowships, including the esteemed German Marshall Fund Marshall Memorial Fellowship. His travels have taken him to over 30 countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Serbia Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, broadening his global perspective and commitment to service.

Senator Nick Charles represents the state of Maryland. Born in Washington, DC, December 16, 1982. Attended Largo High School, Largo, Maryland; Community College of the Air Force, A.A.S. (aviation management), 2009; University of the District of Columbia, B.A. (business administration), 2009. Served in U.S. Air Force, 2001-06 (60th fighter squadron; 422nd test & evaluation squadron; operation noble eagle). President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Management Consulting Group, 2015-. Member, National Contract Management Association. Past president, Forest Spring Community Association. Member, Prince George's County Young Democrats; American Legion Post no. 275, Glenarden; Pythagoras Lodge no. 9, Prince Hall Masons; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Member, Freedom Way Missionary Baptist Church, Capitol Heights, Maryland.

Yohannis Job J.D.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration -Marketing from Huston-Tillotson University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This comprehensive educational background, combined with his hands-on experience in higher education leadership, equips him with a unique perspective on developing and implementing dynamic enrollment strategies that resonate with diverse student populations while meeting Benedict College’s enrollment goals.

Rep. El-Mahdi Holly El-Mahdi Holly has proudly called Henry County home since 2003. Raised in Georgia by his father, a Christian minister and businessman, and his mother, a local college professor, El-Mahdi was taught the importance of serving his community at a very early age. After being awarded the National Youth Service Award from President Bill Clinton for his efforts mentoring young teens, El-Mahdi pursued and received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College. He went on to earn a Masters of Public Administration from University of West Georgia with a specialized concentration in strategic planning and management of public service organizations. El-Mahdi has enjoyed an extensive career working for local and national charitable organizations to better advocate for social justice, build interfaith community networks, provide job training programs and to protect youth and young adults from the dangers of sex trafficking. For over five years, El-Mahdi served as a senior law clerk and criminal warrant officer supporting responsible law enforcement and the judiciary.

Rene Lapeyrolerie  Chief Officer with City of New Orleans, she brings extensive experience from her work with global engineering firms, offering a unique perspective on infrastructure projects. Her tenure at the Louisiana Department of Transportation allowed her to focus on critical areas such as airports, waterways, and railroad stations. Furthermore, her role as Staff for the New Orleans Sewerage Board has significantly enhanced her expertise in infrastructure management. With this diverse background, Rene is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern infrastructure development.