Liz Shephard
CEO & FOUNDER
Liz Shephard is the CEO of LifeCity, L3C, a for-benefit company. Liz created LifeCity to help build a more equitable and sustainable economy in New Orleans, but is now bringing these tools to communities all over the country. In May of 2017, LifeCity won the SBA's state-wide Sustainable Business Champion Award and Liz was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Business Women of the year in 2015 in New Orleans (CityBusiness). Trained as both a facilitator and LEED Green associate, Liz and her company help businesses maximize both social and environmental impact while growing profits. Liz holds a B.A. in Psychology and Environmental Studies from Carleton College, where she graduated with Honors and Distinction. Outside of work, Liz plays in a band, Mid City Soul, enjoys runs on the greenway, and her spiritual practice in meditation and contemplative prayer.
Jourdan D. Bazley
Project Manager
Jourdan D. Bazley serves as the Project Manager for LifeCity to coordinate efforts to build an impactful community. She oversees campaign and partner events, the local Love Your City initiative and community engagement. In the past, she produced the first ever Love Your City podcast, where impact and economic theory are discussed and broken down to help communities better understand the power of local impact. Born in New Orleans, LA, her roots spread to Texas, where she grew up and obtained her B.S in Mass Communications and Electronic Media with a minor in Theatre from Texas State University in 2018. After serving as the Production Director for the college radio station, KTSW 89.9 she relocated from Texas to New Orleans where she worked in the film industry, in both the Production and Camera Departments on various TV shows, movies and commercials. Passionate about multimedia, Jourdan also works on various projects through her video production company, Wise World Cinema, LLC, where she continues to delve into life’s stories through documentary and short film format.
Jake Lipsman
Director of Impact Research and Analysis
Jake Lipsman tells the story of LifeCity and its clients through data-driven impact analyses. Jake’s work synthesizes leading research on impact with qualitative and quantitative data to highlight the ways in which LifeCity and its clients strive to build an economy that works for good. Jake first became engaged in environmental work in New Orleans during his undergraduate studies at Tulane University. He left New Orleans to pursue his Ph.D. specializing in environmental sociology before returning to complete his dissertation research investigating the role of local communities and local knowledge in shaping Louisiana’s coastal master plan. Jake has published articles in several academic journals challenging assumptions about our current economic system’s ability to deliver desirable and just social outcomes for economically and ecologically vulnerable groups. Jake believes strongly that building an economy around equity and environmental justice is critical to resolving our major social issues, including climate change.
Caitlin Rostampour
Sustainability Consultant
As a sustainability consultant with LifeCity, Caitlin works to build more sustainable value chains both locally and globally. She works closely with our manufacturing clients to implement sustainable business practices that support growth and longevity. Prior to her move to Louisiana, Caitlin earned a M.S. from Florida State University where she studied oceanography and social and sustainable enterprise. She is passionate about our oceans and specializes in helping businesses work to reduce their oceanic and environmental impact. With a background in science, communications, and operations, Caitlin has dedicated her career to supporting brands in their efforts to build a more sustainable future for everyone.
De’Auan McClaine
CONTENT CREATOR
De'Auan McClaine is a multimedia artist and scholar born and raised in Kansas City, KS that currently resides in New Orleans, LA. De'Auan looks to use his artistic talents in music, film, and other aspects of media to eventually fund the solutions to the problems that have oppressed African-Americans and other minorities for hundreds of years. In De'Auan's spare time he reads, plays 2k, and edits videos like his life depends on it. With the support of his loving family, friends, and mentors, De'Auan looks to make his dreams and aspirations come true with every opportunity that's given to him.
Andres Peña
Director of Operations
Andres Peña is responsible for the organization’s overall operations. With an M.B.A from the Universidad de los Andes, Andres accrued over 10 years experience managing projects and assisting young companies into operational and financial sustainability before deciding to focus on development initiatives throughout his native Colombia. Driven by developing equitable and sustainable communities worldwide, Andrés completed an M.Sc. in Development Economics and International Development from Tulane University. Today, with a career built around the idea of doing business for good, Andres is a passionate believer of merging the demands of the business world with the needs of their communities, and in New Orleans’ potential to become a hub for development initiatives on a global scale.
David Schaffer
research intern
David Schaffer is a senior at Tulane University with a major in finance and a specialization in energy. He has spent the last four years in New Orleans, and he is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the city he calls home. In his role as a research intern, David plays a pivotal role in compiling data and insights essential for creating impact reports and supporting the broader research initiatives of LifeCity. Beyond his responsibilities at LifeCity, he demonstrates his commitment to the community by volunteering with Court Watch NOLA, an organization dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable judicial system for all residents of the New Orleans area. David's eagerness to collaborate with the LifeCity team and his aspiration to gain valuable insights into sustainable practices make him a valuable addition to the organization.
Lucy Bishop
Sustainability Consultant Intern
Lucy Bishop is a senior at Tulane University pursuing a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies. As the Sustainability Consultant Intern, Lucy supports Love Your City and LifeCity’s overall initiative to strengthen social and environmental impact for local New Orlean’s businesses. Lucy is extremely passionate about sustainable development and the importance of community-based solutions. Aside from her responsibilities at LifeCity, Lucy volunteers for various local urban farms, such as Recirculating Farms, a non-profit aimed at cultivating an equitable food system. Having spent the last four years in New Orleans, she not only loves the city, but is excited about its sustainable development potential.
Durell Barnes
Special Projects Coordinator
Born and raised in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Durell’s commitment for the bettering of his city’s culture and communities began at Warren Easton Senior High School. Upon graduating in 2005, he evacuated while personally experiencing the economic, social, and environmental losses from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Returning to a devastated city, he studied Earth Science Education at the University of New Orleans and devoted his free time to The Academia Society, Inc. While serving in this capacity, Durell sought to uplift the spirits and hope of the people of New Orleans, by feeding those in need of shelter and partnering up with the local Habitat for Humanity to rebuild and restore neighborhoods. Today, Durell strives to make a social impact in New Orleans through mentoring and servicing those working in the hospitality industry and advocating for emergency preparedness and greener lifestyle choices. Durell is proud to utilize his powerful communications skills to connect people and businesses to sustainable resources in our community as an Account Manager at LifeCity.