The People Behind DSEF
Meet Our
Team
Dedicated leaders, educators, and community builders committed to opening doors for New Orleans youth.
Our Staff
The DSEF Team
Nakita Shavers
Founder & Executive Director
Nakita Shavers is a proud New Orleans native whose life's work is rooted in advocacy, education, and empowering the next generation of leaders. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF) and Co-Founder of Silence Is Violence. A graduate of Florida A&M University and Walden University, she completed executive education at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. 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.
Keishell McCollum
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Keishell McCollum serves as the Mentorship Program Coordinator for DSEF, devoting countless hours mentoring young girls throughout the City of New Orleans. Her passion for uplifting and guiding young women is evident in the meaningful relationships she builds and the positive impact she continues to make. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice and is actively pursuing a second degree.
Jasmine Moore
PR & Communications Coordinator
Jasmine Moore serves as the PR and Communications Coordinator for the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund, helping to share the story of DSEF and its programs with the New Orleans community and beyond.
Quinette Collins
Sexual Health Program Coordinator & Instructor
Quinette Collins serves as Sexual Health Program Coordinator and Instructor for GIRLS NOLA, educating young women and girls about Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.
Gabrielle Freels
Sexual Health Program Instructor
Gabrielle Freels serves as a Sexual Health Program Instructor for GIRLS NOLA, supporting young women and girls with health education and empowerment.
Governance & Leadership
Board of Directors
A distinguished group of leaders from law, medicine, music, education, and culture guiding DSEF's mission.
Matt Sakakeeny, PhD
Music & Culture — Tulane University
Associate Professor of Music at Tulane University whose work relates music to structures of inequality in New Orleans. Author of Roll With It: Brass Bands in the Streets of New Orleans and board member of The Roots of Music afterschool program.
Gian Durand, Esq.
Law, Nonprofit & Entrepreneurship
A New Orleans native, attorney, nonprofit founder and executive director, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur. Holds a BA from Xavier University in Political Science and a JD from Loyola University.
Richard G. Perque, Esq.
Civil Law & Mediation
A qualified civil law mediator and attorney who opened his practice in New Orleans to serve a greater population of southeastern Louisiana.
Alvarez Huntley
Music, Culture & Community
Founding member and leader of the Hot 8 Brass Band, culture bearer, and international ambassador for the City of New Orleans — inspiring the next generation of musicians for over 20 years.
Dr. Aimee Aysenne
Medicine & Health Equity — Tulane
Vice Chair of Neurosciences at Tulane University School of Medicine and founder of the HEARD Center — advancing diversity and equity in medicine and neurocritical care.
Danielle Allen
Education & Youth Leadership
Accomplished educator with over 25 years at McDonogh 35 Senior High School. Jobs for America's Graduates Specialist, Assistant Athletic Director, and Head Cheer Coach committed to student growth through athletics and leadership.
Get Involved
Join Our Mission
Whether you want to volunteer, partner, or donate — there's a place for you in the DSEF community.
Contact Us