Adrian Madriz was born in New Orleans and raised in Miami. He attended the University of Michigan where he majored in Political Science and Film. He is currently working as a Ministry Coordinator for UNO's Episcopal Chaplaincy. He heard about WELL when he came to New Orleans and had an awesome conversation with Brittany Whittenberg over ice cream. He works closely with WELL UNO, and his Chaplaincy has organized a fundraiser on WELL's behalf. If Adrian could go anywhere it would be to the Greek Isles, and if he could do anything he would be a professional race car driver. At the top of his list of people he would like to meet is President Obama. Adrian has had the chance to meet him twice already, and would like to actually sit down with him for just 30 minutes.
Dylan Sharpe Served from Nov. 2011-March 2012
Dylan is a Junior studying Biology at the University of New Orleans. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama Dylan is an unashamed male feminist. He is currently serving as the Secretary and Treasurer for the UNO Chapter of W.E.L.L. and will be serving on the Y.E.L.L. project. If he could go anywhere it would be to CBGB’s in the late 70’s.
Jessie Nieblas
Jessie Nieblas is a newcomer to New Orleans, and a Masters in Public Health candidate at Tulane University. A southern California native, she received her BA in Women's Studies from UC Santa Barbara in 2008, and then moved away from the beach to Washington, DC. Jessie is a reproductive justice advocate who worked for Catholics for Choice, as well as volunteered as a casemanager and event planner for the DC Abortion Fund, a clinic escort, and an online hotline counselor with RAINN. After only a few months in NOLA, she has completely fallen for the city, and looks forward to working with WELL and other community groups. Jessie's goal for her time here is to find the best vegan Southern food around, and will happily take recommendations!
Angela Jo Strohm Director of "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, A Prayer" Served from Nov. 2011-March 2012
Angela Jo Strohm moved from Chicago, IL in October of 2011. She left a budding career, a city she loves, and a family of friends to begin a new life in a city she believes in. She joined W.E.L.L. shortly after arriving in New Orleans. Although she has only been a member for a few short months she hopes to help grow and grow with W.E.L.L. When asked “If you could do anything, what would you do?” Angela Jo’s response is “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ it’s a matter of ‘when’”. That being said, she will one day open an establishment in New Orleans which is completely dedicated to all art.
Daya Naef Served from Nov. 2011-March 2012
Daya Naef is an example of a modern Renaissance woman. She has a diverse educational and professional background. She has worked in real estate/construction, archaeology, environmental studies and the legal profession. She has studied law, theology, anthropology, fine art and art history, theater; and alternative medicine/holistic practices. Daya currently paints, sculpts and acts, is a member of several local non-profit boards and works with community art programs, including the design team for a New Orleans women’s Mardi Gras Krewe. Daya also works at AHA! Affordable Healing Arts in the New Orleans Healing Center, assisting others in life enrichment through creative processes and PSYCH-K practice and workshops. Daya lives in New Orleans with husband Bob and her two black cats, 3 and 4. She enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking.
Elishia McAlister Served from Nov. 2011-March 2012