Sally Buras, President
As a Unitarian Universalist, issues of racial and social justice have been a passion of Sally’s over the last several years, leading her to find opportunities for learning, personal growth and activism. She currently serves on the Racial Healing Committee of the Women’s Center for Healing and Transformation in Abita Springs, chairs the Membership Committee and also serves on the Board of the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center and served in the past on the board of The Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal. She is mother to an ever challenging 19 year old son, has 3 dogs and a cat...all who make sure she laughs frequently.
Christian Bolden
Dr. Christian Bolden earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Central Florida and Masters in Applied Sociology from Texas State University-San Marcos. His current research interests include reconciling interpretations of gang behaviors and processes with viewpoints of actual gang members, examining the social network dynamics of deviant populations, investigating the future of criminal innovation, navigating racial/ethnic dynamics in criminology, and human trafficking. Dr. Bolden was recently selected as the “Futurist in Residence” for the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit Futures Working Group. His recent work can be found in Criminal Justice Review, Deviant Behavior, and the Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology.
Serena Deutch
Since moving to New Orleans three years ago, Serena has sought ways to use her connection to Judaism to become involved in the local community. Deutch says, “organizing around Jewish values is how I hope to contribute most moving forward.” She has volunteered with VOTE, Louisiana Books 2 Prisoners, Glass Half Full, and the Louisiana Democratic Party, in addition to getting involved with the Orleans Legacy Project.
For two years, she lived in the Moishe House, an intentional community for young Jews which hosts multiple monthly events to engage local young people in social, cultural, and service-oriented activities. Deutch is excited to bring her passion for community engagement along with marketing and event planning experience to the St. Charles Center Faith + Action. She writes, “I hope to explore more ways to take action from a lens of faith-based social justice work, specifically continuing my interest in criminal justice reform and racial equity work.”
Syed Ali
Syed is originally from Pakistan and took a Master's Degree in Chemical Technology and then another Master's in Chemical Engineering before migrating to USA from England. He came to New Orleans in 1973 to start working as a Process Engineer with American Cyanamid Company and moved up the ranks, working in several areas with various responsibilities eventually becoming a Director and member of the Leadership Team. American Cyanamid divested its Chemical Division in 1993 and the local company became Cytec Industries and then Cytec Industries divested its Building Blocks Division and we became Cornerstone Chemical Company in 2011. Syed got involved with community service in late 80's helping and supporting others and has been now President of the Pakistan Community Association of Greater New Orleans for several years. Syed is married with four married children and recently retired from Cornerstone Chemical Company.
Ryan Harvey
Ryan Harvey is a Senior Software Engineer for MBTA. He has also taught Computer Science courses at the University level and leads the Code for New Orleans, the local brigade of Code for America. He is a happy husband and father of two wonderful kids and a number of pets and resides in Mandeville, LA. Ryan and his family are members of St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church.
Ron Bechet
Bechet was born in New Orleans, LA, and currently lives and works in New Orleans, as well. He completed his BFA at University of New Orleans in Louisiana, and received an MFA from Yale University School of Art in New Haven, Connecticut. Xavier University of Louisiana Department of Art has enlisted him as Chairman for over a decade, and, in addition, Bechet has served as Acting Chairman for the Department of Fine Arts & Philosophy at Southern University at New Orleans for many years.
Bechet's work can be found in the collections of the New Orleans Museum of Art, The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Museum, The Tulane School of Law, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, LA. His work was featured in an exhibition called Crevasse 22 in conjunction with Prospect.3 in early 2015. He is also involved in community outreach as one of the founding members of the Porch Cultural Arts Organization, and as a co-director of the Home New Orleans Project.
Blair DuQuesnay,
Treasurer
Blair duQuesnay, CFA, CFP is an investment advisor at Ritholtz Wealth Management. She specializes in working with the firm’s high-net-worth clients and families and is also a member of RWM’s investment committee. Blair writes about personal finance and issues pertaining to women on her blog, The Belle Curve.
Blair is a CFA Charterholder and a Past President of the CFA Society of Louisiana. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she is the co-chair of the Restorative Justice Committee. She is currently the Treasurer of the board for Cafe Reconcile and is excited to have recently joined the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action board.
She lives in the Fontainebleau neighborhood with her husband, Henry Clay, and two young children.
Becky Meriwether
Becky is a retired family physician and epidemiologist who spent most of her career in public health followed by some time in academic medicine and research and finished her career working in disability medicine. She is a member of the St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church which she represents on the Board and currently serves as the Chair of the Community Engagement Team and on the Leadership Team and Trustees of the Church. She devotes her time to a variety of social justice issues with a focus on criminal and racial justice and is convener of the Orleans Legacy Project which is working to erect historical markers to memorialize people of color lynched in Orleans Parish during Jim Crow. She enjoys listening to storytelling and spending time with her grandchildren and husband.