LIFECITY

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. Suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2018, Liz is passionate about spreading awareness about TBIs and disability in the workplace.

Liz@mylifecity.com, (813) 417-392.

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. 

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.

Visual Storyteller
SanChavis Torns is the Visual Storyteller for Life City. SanChavis holds an Associate in Entertainment Technology from Baton Rouge Community College, a Bachelors in Theater from Louisiana State University. During those studies, he gained practical experience working on various film sets in multiple roles. He also holds dual M.F.A.s in Film Production and Screenwriting from the University of New Orleans. While there, he worked for a non-profit organization called Shotgun Cinema as an Archivist, Projectionist, and Cinema Technician at different film festivals throughout the South. He would also commute back to his hometown of Baton Rouge every weekend because he loved to climb and teach at the local rock-climbing gym. When not working to tell stories, he enjoys taking them in through sports, video games, and movies. Influenced by a childhood tradition of weekly VHS viewings where his mother would ask about the message of each film, SanChavis developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and film. Now, he’s ready to grow as a professional filmmaker and help contribute positively to the community around him.

Sustainability Associate
Emma is a Sustainability Associate at LifeCity, helping local businesses and organizations improve their impact on the community. She graduated with a B.A. from Tulane University in Environmental Studies and Communication with a minor in Political Science and a Geographic Information Systems Certificate. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Emma is committed to advocating for sustainability and environmental justice in the South. While at Tulane, Emma advocated for the university to divest its more than $2 billion endowment from the fossil fuel industry and led collaborative efforts to address food insecurity on campus and in the local community. In her free time, Emma enjoys live music, cooking, and learning to crochet.

Sustainability Communications Intern

As the Sustainability Communications Intern at LifeCity, Molly supports organizations in building stronger communities and healthier ecosystems. She graduated from Tulane University with a B.S. in Environmental Biology, and honors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. While at Tulane, Molly completed a thesis exploring the phytoremediation potential of Bald Cypress trees in mitigating heavy metal pollution across Louisiana. Her research experience spans public health, coastal restoration, marine biogeochemistry, community engagement, and environmental health policy — bringing a systems-level perspective to sustainability initiatives.

Deeply committed to community engagement and environmental justice, Molly is passionate about creating solutions that foster both ecological resilience and human well-being. She is especially inspired by the vibrant culture and spirit of New Orleans, and is grateful for the warm embrace this city has shown her.

Outside of work, Molly enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her loved ones-especially her cat!

Renewable Energy Intern

Born and raised in New Orleans, Jai’shawn is a computer information systems major. She has two minors: one in Cybersecurity and one in Renewable Energy. Jai’shawn loves exploring the city to find new places she hasn’t been. She has five years of sales experience. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Sustainability Consultant Intern

Chandi Sexton is a junior at Tulane University studying Business Management and Environmental Studies. Born and raised in San Francisco, she developed a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Chandi is passionate about advocating for climate policy reform and educating others about ways they can help protect the planet. Her previous work includes assisting with the rehabilitation and care of marine mammals, as well as contributing to research on the cognitive brain health of pinnipeds. At LifeCity, she continues to apply her academic background and hands-on experience to help local businesses increase their sustainability-driven initiatives and promote environmentally responsible solutions. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her dog, and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.