City of Monroe, LA

Director of Programs and Participant Services

A native of Monroe, LA and spent a large part of her adult life in Atlanta, GA. She graduated/attended Southern University, Northeast Louisiana University and Grambling State University with degrees in Pre-Med, Biology and Master of Public Administration respectfully. She has a very diverse work background. Her work experience range from manufacturing to research and development to human resources to the non-profit. Juanita worked as a Research and Development Analyst for 15 years. She also worked as a Human Resources Professional in Corporate America.

Currently, Juanita oversees the day to day operations of NOVA of Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana as the Director of Programs and Participants Services. With the experience she received in Corporate America, it has set the stage for her position with NOVA. NOVA is a job intermediary that identified and connects the workforce needs of employers with training entities and with residents of Northeast Louisiana seeking living wage employment and benefits. Under Juanita leadership, NOVA has served more than 1,000 low to moderate income individuals and placed more than 60% in living wage job with benefits.

Juanita is very active in her community and church. She serves on the Workforce Development Taskforce, Ouachita 101 committee and Leadership Ouachita Council for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She is a Graduate of Leadership Ouachita and the Delta Regional Authority Executive Leadership Institute.  She attends Zion Traveler Baptist Church where she serves as the Co-Director of the Youth Department, Treasurer of the Choir, President of the Missionary Society and Co-Director of the Vacation Bible School. She is a member of Junior League of Monroe.  She’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority where she serves as the Director of the Cinderella Guidance Clinic. Juanita serves on the Board of Directors for the Extra Mile where she is the secretary and the Board of Directors for Strauss Little Theater.

Juanita is the mother of one son and grandmother of two.

Juanita believes that if you can educate a person and put them to work….. This will set the foundation for an Economically Sound Community……