The Center Staff
Paige Davis, Executive Director
As Executive Director of the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action, Paige Davis (she/her) brings a deeply personal commitment to the intersection of faith and social justice, informed by her lived experience, community work, and nonprofit leadership.
After settling in New Orleans 14 years ago, she worked across human services and education institutions, where she was introduced to anti-racism and restorative justice practices. She holds a Bachelor degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration, further grounding her work in the theory and strategy needed to lead sustainable change. She is also a proud alumna of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s 2023 Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) cohort, where she deepened her commitment to equitable giving and inclusive leadership.
Her personal journey - coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, raising her biological and adopted children, and redefining her understanding of justice and faith - has shaped her commitment to empathy, accountability, and transformation. As a board member of PFLAG New Orleans, she has helped support, educate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, emphasizing patience, inclusion, and continuous growth.
Emily Rhodes, Director of Programs and Community Engagement
Emily Rhodes (she/her) brings over twenty years of experience in direct client service, program management, advocacy, and community development. She believes that those closest to a challenge are best equipped to address it and has consistently worked in collaboration to create more equitable systems for those most impacted. Emily’s approach is both reparative and restorative, recognizing how intersecting layers of identity shape our experiences.
A New Orleans resident since 2006 and member of St. Roch Community Church since 2007, Emily’s past work has spanned affordable housing, criminal justice reform, community engagement, reentry support, workforce development, organizational management, and strengthening social support systems. She holds a Master of Arts in Justice & Advocacy from Fuller Theological Seminary, which has deepened her understanding of the contextual, theological, and psychological dimensions of her identity and work. Emily values the privilege of collaborating with community members to advance a more just New Orleans and beyond, finding joy in the shared journey towards a better future.
Sam Finkel, Administrative and Communications Intern
Sam Finkel (he/him) is a senior at Tulane University majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with a deep commitment to criminal justice and civil rights. His work includes hands-on experience in criminal justice reform through the Nassau County Peer Diversion Court on Long Island, where he supported efforts to divert young people away from the traditional court system.
This past summer, Sam worked with the Queens District Attorney’s Office in the Hate Crimes Bureau, gaining valuable insight into prosecutorial processes, community safety, and the legal frameworks that protect vulnerable communities.
After graduating, Sam plans to attend law school to pursue a career centered on advancing justice and reform. We’re thrilled to welcome Sam to the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action team.