Urban League of Greater New Orleans

The Team

Sherdren Burnside
Site Director
A native of New Orleans, Sherdren Burnside served as Director of Education K-16 Initiative at the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. There, she led the revitalization of the organization's summer program and pioneered the partnership with College Track. Prior to returning to New Orleans, Burnside served on the design and implementation team for the Castlemont Business and Information Technology School in Oakland, CA. As an instructional leader, Burnside mentored teachers in the conversion process from a large comprehensive high school to a small autonomous school, and steered initiatives in technology integration through her work with the Urban Dreams Technology Grant and the New Technology Foundation. Ms. Burnside received her BA in English and Political Science from Loyola University, New Orleans, and her Masters degree in English Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. Burnside resides in Harvey with her husband, Robert and their three children Robert, Jr., Alexis, and Bethany.

Antoinette James
Academic Affairs Director
Antoinette joined the Urban League College Track Program in May 2008 and comes with 14 years of experience as an educator with the Jefferson Parish Public School System. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1994 and its currently working on her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Phoenix. Antoinette’s 14-year tenure was at John Ehret High School where she also sponsored the African American Studies Club and the School Chorus. She understands the challenges of getting into college and/or obtaining a college degree and is dedicated to helping the Urban League College Track’s youth in achieving their goals of becoming college graduates.

Lauren Pigeon
Student Life and College Affairs Coordinator
Lauren was raised in Durham, North Carolina. She just recently moved to New Orleans after she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She received a degree in Psychology and Sociology. She is currently a Literacy AmeriCorps member and will be completing a year of service with the Urban League College Track Program. In the future, she hopes to continue to work with youth programs and attend graduate school.

Tom D’Angelo
ELA Workshop
I was born and raised in Chicago. I have a BFA in poetics from the New College of California in San Francisco and MFA in Writing from the Art Institute of Chicago. Currently I am taking nursing school pre reqs at Delgado and am planning to attend an accelerated Nursing program in 2009/2010. My first book, Thomas The Twin, was released December 2007 and I am working on a second: You Know a Secret. I worked with Young Chicago Authors in Chicago and taught writing workshops at The Drop Zone there as well.

Reuben Woodard
Math Workshop
Reuben is a native New Orleanian. He attended St. Augustine High School. He then went on to Dillard and Tulane Universities where he earned a B.A. in Biology. He is 53 years old and has been teaching math for 10 years. He is married with four kids. He has been an entrepreneur for 25 years and has been involved with a host of micro-businesses. Also he is a former Army Reserve Officer. His hobbies include cooking and family gatherings.

Torrence Taylor
Dance Workshop
Torrence is a native of New Orleans. He has danced for as long as he can remember. He’s into Hip Hop, Modern, African, and Liturgical dancing. He is now currently dancing with several groups; The Lula Elzy, New Orleans Dance theatre, Bamboula 2008, Spirit in Motion, and Footprints Liturgical Dance Ministry. His motto is “If you can walk, you can dance.”

Michael Wong
Visual Arts Workshop
I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA and studied art at Georgia State University where I graduated with a B.A. in Studio Art focusing in Sculpture. My personal creations often reflect a confluence of highly technical, abstract, sculptural influence with flavors of underground urban art. Most of my creations revolve around some social commentary idea that I have been challenged in by being a Christian, and wanting to live a life that represents TRUTH, GRACE, LOVE, COMPASSION and JUSTICE. I see art as a method of communication, and a tool to help others think beyond the face value of many aspects of life. My favorite artists are Sam Maloof, and Bansky.

Addie Citchens
Tutor
Originally from Clarksdale, MS, I graduated from Jackson State University with a degree in English. I am currently finishing up my MFA in fiction at Florida State University. I am interested in writing novels and teaching creative writing in the near future. My favorite writers are Jamaica Kincaid, Sherman Alexie, U. Sam Oeur, Du Fu, and Alice Walter.

Jessica Edwards
Hi, I'm Jessica Edwards from Jacksonville, Fl. I am a senior at Xavier University of Louisiana. My major is Chemistry Pre- Pharmacy with a minor in Biology and Secondary Education. My future goals are to become a Pharmacist but in the mean time, I would like to teach High School Chemistry or Biology.

Tammie Scott
My name is Tammie Scott. I am a native of New Orleans. I have a bachelor of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. I have taught in the New Orleans Parish Schools for five years, and seven years in the Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas. Also, I have worked in group homes and behavioral hospitals. Being an advocate for children is a rewarding job. I am currently working for the Urban League College Track Program and I enjoy tutoring the students. Someday I would like to build several schools for children at risk, rehabilitation centers, and recreation parks for urban neighborhoods. “Remember without children there is no future.”