Community STATS:

• Ben Franklin HS Parent

• The Willows HS Parent

• Xavier University of Louisiana Alumna 

• Sarah T. Reed Olympian Alumna from N.O. East

• Educator: K-12 STEM and Undergrad/Grad Laboratory Science

• Former Youth Basketball Coach, Joe Brown Park (NORDC)

• Tulane Greenwave MAT Candidate, Secondary Chemistry

Shelia Bishop is a published researcher who recalls, “As a young girl growing up in New Orleans East, I loved science and discovery. I also enjoyed drawing and creative writing—but we didn’t have a place to go for STEM recreation.”

She reflects, “If I’d had a fun place for science exploration or a mentor to guide me toward a career in science, what a difference that would have made.” That realization led her to found STEM Heads—to be that guiding hand for the next generation.

Today, STEM Heads is growing into a vibrant community of mentors dedicated to supporting young people along their journeys. Through this work, Bishop aims to address long-standing gaps in access and opportunity for youth in the Greater New Orleans area, while contributing to the revitalization of the N.O. East community.

As a research biochemist, engineer, and youth coach, Bishop is committed to using her expertise to help shape a brighter future. She believes that meaningful change starts within the community and that our future depends on collective action.

Her mission is to:

• Inspire youth involvement in STEM fields

• Empower the New Orleans East community

• Foster accountability within the community

• Cultivate the future of science

• Encourage self-accountability

Deidrick Vallet

LAB & MATERIALS MANAGER, STEM Heads

Mr. Deidrick Vallet is well versed in management and team building in corporate America as well as at home. He is the parent of two college-age daughters, is highly invested in his daughters' future, and is committed to providing them with a means to attain success. He extends the same level of commitment to the young people in our community.

Dr. Angela Holmes

BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads

Dr. Angela Holmes, a trained Neuroscientist, enjoys her role as Diversity and Disparities Program Officer (Health Science Administrator) at The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She:

• Is an Agile and flexible business consultant with more than 10 years of experience supporting the education, government, and healthcare industries

• Has strong project and programmatic management skills with expertise in the study of human behavior and science administration

• Is a strategic and analytical thinker with a proven track record of designing, developing and implementing programs

• Has exceptional internal and external relationship building skills to effectively communicate across diverse sets of stakeholders, and

• Is a passionate collaborator who offers creative solutions and is able to adapt to changing environments and be a positive influence on organization culture

Dr. Yacara Jackson

BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads

Dr. Yacara Jackson is a long-time physician, caregiver, and entrepreneur. She is the mother of a high schooler who loves STEM, playing music, and learning new things. Dr. Jackson encourages her daughter to pursue her interests in STEAM, and supports activities that help luminate her path to success. As a mother, she desires a bright future for her daughter and girls like her.

Charles Allen III

BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads

Charles Allen Jr. is the Community Engagement Director for the Gulf Coast at the National Audubon Society where the entire focus of his work on diversity, equity and inclusion by enhancing Audubon’s reach to underserved communities in the Gulf Coast region. He is also a devoted member and church minister in the Lower 9th ward community of New Orleans. 

Jarenee Ross

BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads

Jarenée, a mechanical engineering student at the University of New Orleans, is a dynamic and accomplished individual making remarkable strides in her field. She serves as a Production Coordinator with Boeing on the NASA Space Launch System program, where her expertise and dedication contribute to advancing space exploration. Additionally, Jarenée is a devoted member of the STEM Heads board, further showcasing her commitment to inspiring and empowering future innovators. Balancing her academic excellence with leadership and professional impact, she is a shining example of the next generation of engineering leaders.