John Landrum
Provided photo
In 1986, it was easy to be pessimistic about New Orleans.
The oil industry was downsizing and relocating personnel to Texas and California. A small group of professionals refused to be passive, and they began meeting and discussing possibilities. Many had worked in the campaigns of the recent mayoral election and didn’t want to lose the sense of purpose they had felt in the campaigns.
After months of discussion, the vision solidified into a civic group that would give young New Orleanians a forum to lead projects benefiting the city. This was an alternative to traditional civic groups, where they would have had to wait to gain seniority. And the focus was primarily on projects, rather than issues and advocacy. Project focus played to the energy of the group and was inherently inclusive. This was the origin of the Young Leadership Council, now celebrating 40 years.
Under this umbrella, members led the effort to light the Mississippi River Bridge. They created the New Orleans Sports Foundation. Volunteer-driven programs like RECREATE brought thousands of young professionals into our neighborhoods for sports and mentorship with youth. The original “Proud to Call It Home” city image campaign saw bumper stickers on cars all over town.
John Landrum
Provided photo
In the 2000s, the Young Leadership Council became deeply associated with activating downtown New Orleans and creating community programs that remain part of the city’s fabric today:
In partnership with the Arts Council of New Orleans’ public art program, the YLC created the Festival of Fins, the largest public art display in the city’s history. More than 150 artists designed and painted over 200 fiberglass fish that appeared throughout the New Orleans metro area.
In post-Katrina New Orleans, young professionals moved here from across the country to help rebuild the city, and the YLC became an integral assembly ground connecting them with lifelong locals to strengthen the city’s talent base, civic engagement and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
YLC took over the Wednesdays at the Square downtown concert series and turned it into one of the city’s signature live music and public gathering events, drawing over 6,000 people a week.
The launch of professional development and workforce initiatives like Power Ties and the Leadership Development Series engaged hundreds of young professionals in building careers and supporting industry in New Orleans.
These were big achievements. Just as big has been the YLC’s influence on nurturing future generations of leaders. Some projects faltered. That was part of the attraction: The YLC created a safe place to try small initiatives and learn, in a way that wouldn’t make sense at a law firm or large corporation. As a result, YLC alumni found leadership roles in business, the professions, nonprofits and local government.
Mayor Helena Moreno tapped YLC alumni as deputy mayors and top aides in her administration, including Joe Giarrusso, Kevin Ferguson, Alyssa Wenck Rambeau and Sayde Finkel, among others. Newly elected City Council member Aimee McCarron is also a YLC alum.
With a current membership of 750, the Young Leadership Council celebrates its 40th birthday this month. Forty years after its birth, we are again in a time when it’s tempting to be pessimistic or passive. The Young Leadership Council sets a powerful alternative example of positive commitment and an opportunity to leave your mark on New Orleans.