Who We Are
Our
Story
The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in March 2007 in memory of Dinerral Shavers — an educator, musician, entrepreneur, and community leader whose life and legacy continue to inspire change in New Orleans.
Hear From Our Founder
Nakita Shavers — Our Story
Founder and Executive Director Nakita Shavers shares the story of DSEF, the legacy of her brother Dinerral, and the mission that drives everything we do.
Our History
Born from Loss. Built on Love.
The Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in March 2007 in memory of Dinerral Shavers — an educator, musician, entrepreneur, and Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff's deputy who was tragically killed in December 2006.
Established to honor Dinerral's legacy of service, leadership, and community impact, DSEF is committed to promoting youth empowerment, community development, and enhanced educational opportunities throughout the city of New Orleans.
Dinerral's story has been featured in 48 Hours Mystery, CNN's One Crime at a Time, Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke and If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise, and Season 2 of HBO's Treme.
What Drives Us
Mission, Vision & Purpose
Our Mission
Our Mission
To honor and preserve Dinerral Shavers' legacy by creating pathways to opportunity for the youth of New Orleans through education, empowerment, and community engagement. We are committed to giving back to our city through service, sponsoring community-based initiatives, and leading anti-violence efforts that foster safer neighborhoods.
Our Vision
Our Vision
To help build a stronger community, a safer city, and greater opportunities for the youth of New Orleans — where music, art, and education are used as powerful tools to inspire growth, preserve culture, and unify communities while celebrating the unique and inimitable spirit of New Orleans.
Our Purpose
Our Purpose
To serve as a transformative force within the New Orleans community by creating life-changing opportunities that empower youth and foster a genuine appreciation for the city's rich culture. Through scholarships, education, arts, music, and cultural enrichment, DSEF is committed to inspiring growth and countering the culture of violence.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Sisterhood
Service
Respect
Integrity
Compassion
Leadership
Accountability
Education
A Note From Our Founder
Nakita A. Shavers
My name is Nakita Shavers and I am the founder and executive director of the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF), and creator and program director of Girls Initiative for Reproducing Leaders in Society (GIRLS NOLA). Following the brutal 2006 murder of my brother, Dinerral Shavers, I founded the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund.
Over the past 18 years, I have created and implemented programs and initiatives that I believed were important to the uplifting and progression of our great city. Through vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her community, Nakita continues to inspire change and invest in the future of New Orleans — one young leader at a time.
This may have started out as a vision given to me by God, but I credit our mentees and our GIRLS NOLA team for inspiring its constant evolution. With your continuous support and donations, I know that we can make these dreams a reality for young women and girls in New Orleans.
What We Do
Our Programs & Initiatives
Five programs dedicated to empowering New Orleans youth through education, arts, mentorship, and community service.
G.I.R.L.S. NOLA
Free mentorship and empowerment program for young women and girls in New Orleans
🎺Music & Cultural Education
Preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans through arts and education
🎒Back to School Extravaganza
Annual free school supply giveaway and community celebration for New Orleans families
🩷The Pink Drive
Combating period poverty by distributing hygiene products to girls across New Orleans
🤝Operation Giveback
Year-round community service initiatives including Feed the Homeless and Adopt-A-Family
📄2024 Annual Report
See the full impact of DSEF's work in our 2024 Girls NOLA Annual Report
Join Our Mission
Support DSEF Today
Your donation helps DSEF honor Dinerral's legacy by opening doors of opportunity for New Orleans youth. Every dollar goes directly to free programs that change lives.