PRESS RELEASE
Date: Monday, July 3, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kimberly K. Gallow, Founder
(337) 224-2711
(New Orleans, LA – July 3, 2023), The Kimberly K. Gallow Foundation announces the Let Her Rise program speakers for the 3rd cohort. The Let Her Rise Program is a spiritually-led mentoring program dedicated to young women who are graduating seniors in high school and plan to attend a two or four year college or university in Louisiana.
Four young women who recently graduated from Louisiana high schools have been selected for this program from Alexandria and Shreveport, Louisiana. Participants will engage in a six-week virtual program that focuses on college readiness, how to achieve and maintain academic success, and how to maintain a social and spiritual life while in school. They have also been assigned with mentors within their desired professions who will assist with this transformational program. One of the participants will be awarded a scholarship to assist with started their first year of college.
The program speakers for this year are Niara Woods, Tiberlee Barnum, Myan Wright, Kawana Tolliver, Calvary D. Sampson, The College Krewe, Let Her Rise Alumna, and Britney A. Green. All speakers have a passion for developing women into leaders through education and have informed, influenced, and inspired other women in their communities.
"We are thankful for our speakers and mentors as they invest their time, energy, effort, and resources to ensure these young women have an holistic understanding of how to effectively transition from high school to college," says Founder, Kimberly K. Gallow.
Niara Woods, M.Ed is a communications and higher education professional. A native of New Orleans, Woods graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications and Public Relations, Master of Education from the University of New Orleans, and is a current doctoral student in Educational Administration at the University of New Orleans. She is the Director of Marketing and Communications/Sports Information Director for Southern University of New Orleans. Niara has spent the past few years working directly with both high school and college students previously serving in roles at St. Katherine Drexel Preparatory School, St. Augustine High School, Dillard University, and Xavier University.
Tiberlee Barnum, JD is a proud graduate from Southern University Law Center and LSU-Shreveport (Bachelor of Arts and Sociology and Master of Business Administration). Tiberlee's vast knowledge of project management, government compliance, and contract analysis and management well suits her to inform, influence, and inspire youth and women who desire to create solid foundations centered around education. A native of Natchitoches, she has been an avid support of the foundation by serving as a Let Her Rise mentor previously.
Myan Wright, M.Ed is a proud native of New Orleans and graduate of Dillard University (B.S) and the University of Holy Cross (M.Ed). She currently serves as a mentor for the KKG Foundation's College Krewe and believes that given the ever changing demands of the workforce, it is important to prepare students to function and engage in society at high levels. She is committed to helping students overcome barriers and remove obstacles to ensure access and successful completion of their degree programs. Myan currently serves as an Academic Advisory at Dillard University.
Kawana Tolliver, M.Ed is a native of Lafayette, graduating from South Louisiana Community College, Grambling State (B.S), Liberty University (M.Ed) and is a current doctoral student at Hampton University (Ph.D). She is passionate about women in politics, international relations and Black politics. During her time in college, there was little to no assistance upon her transition to college. She is passionate about helping first-generation students as she is one. She also enjoys being that person now that she needed throughout her college experience for current and prospective college students. She focuses her work on always pushing students to their fullest potential while ensuring that they create and maintain that exceptional growth mindset as an Academic Advisor at Dillard University.
Calvary D. Sampson, LPC is a Millennial Therapist and owner of Calvary De'Rosa Counseling and Consulting, where she supports adolescents and young adults with mental health and overall well-being. Emphasizing the importance of impact, transformation, and education, Calvary De’Rosa understands both personally and professionally the transitions that teens and millennials face. Being a millennial and first-generation college student, she has used her career to fulfill her desire of working to eliminate the stigma around mental health. An on-going support of our mission, Calvary has previously served as a speaker for the Let Her Rise Program.
The College Krewe is a collective of undergraduate college women in New Orleans who desire to create community. Serving the Univ of New Orleans, Xavier (LA), Southern NO, Loyola (LA), Tulane, Delgado, Dillard, Holy Cross, and Nunez, we desire to inform, influence, and inspire our women in education, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Britney Green, JD is a native of Mansfield, LA and is a graduate of Mansfield High School. After graduating from high school, Britney joined the United States Marines headquartered in Arlington, VA, where she was meritoriously promoted to every rank, culminating in the rank of Sergeant, and was named Marine of the Year. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL and Florida International University Law School in Miami. After law school she worked in insurance defense in Miami and taught law at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She returned to Louisiana in 2008 where she became the Assistant District Attorney. As a prosecutor, Britney handled hundreds of felony cases, including those involving homicides, sexual assaults, and domestic violence. She also worked as trial and appellate counsel on capital murder litigation. Currently, Britney is a partner in a Shreveport, Louisiana law firm and a certified mediator. Britney founded Bonfire Leadership in 2006, as a means of mentoring and developing fellow law students. Bonfire Leadership then expanded to reach professionals in various other disciplines, as well as students of all ages. As a keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and skills coach, Britney illuminates the areas of leadership, team-building, diversity, and crisis management.