Our Team

Dr. Chandra Richardson

Executive Director

Dr. Chandra Richardson is a dynamic leader and dedicated advocate for educational and community empowerment. She hails from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 15 years of experience in higher education and a decade of impactful service in non-profit and community leadership, Chandra has established herself as a transformative force in her community.

Chandra’s passion for education began early in her career when she recognized the profound impact that access to quality education can have on individuals and their families. Throughout her tenure in higher education, she has held various roles that have allowed her to mentor students, develop innovative programs, and forge partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented populations. 

Jan Martino

Programs - Lakeshore

Jan is a native New Orleanian whose education was impacted by the Sisters of St. Joseph from first grade through high school. After graduating from Loyola University, Jan taught in the secondary school sector for 5 years at Archbishop Shaw High School.

She has been in the direct selling industry for 40 years and has served as Assistant Director for People Program from 2008 to 2021.

Jan has been married for 47 years and has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. She is committed to the Congregation of St. Joseph’s charism of unity and inclusive love. The People Program community is forever in her heart.

Phyllis Waiters

Programs - Westbank

Phyllis serves as People Program’s Westbank Coordinator — engaging students, instructors and the community where she has lived for the last 15 years.

Prior to People Program, she worked in the customer service field for both banking and communications for over 40+ years. She is known for her expertise in presenting to groups, which is enhanced by her friendly nature.

Phyllis has a deep appreciation for community service and volunteerism. After her initial retirement, she decided to make “service to others” a major part of her Christian life.

Originally from Charlotte, N.C., she has 3 daughters, and 2 granddaughters. She is thrilled and ecstatic to be a part of People Program’s family!

Helen Young

Chair 2023-2026

Chair
Helen Young

Helen Read Young is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has enjoyed a career in non-profit fundraising and development that began at Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2001 as the Director of Alumnae, Development and the Capital Campaign. From there, Helen served as the Director of Advancement for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans for almost 10 years, before returning to Sacred Heart as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Capital Campaign until 2019.

Board of Directors

Meg Cahill

Vice Chair • 2023-2026

Danette Murret

Treasurer • 2023-2026

Toni Newton

Secretary • 2023-2026

Anna Arshad

2023-2026

Kim B. Hypolite

2021-2024

John Jackson

2024-2027

Carolyn Johnson

2023-2026

Vernon Riley

2024-2027

Ann Sayas

2023-2026

Pat Smith

2021 -2024