about us
Community members and workers founded the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina as a response to the intertwined crises of workers’ rights and racial justice. Today, NOWCRJ remains a membership-based organization where Black, Brown, and immigrant workers build grassroots campaigns and hold institutions accountable. Members are supported by our diverse team of staff.
our team
Lisa Cooks
Executive Director
With over a decade at the Workers' Center for Racial Justice, Lisa brings deep experience in financial leadership and campaign strategy. As Executive Director, she believes collective, collaborative power creates lasting change.
"I never stopped believing in the strength of collective and collaborative power. That belief still drives me today."
Jordan Bridges
Organizing Director
Jordan is a proud New Orleans native (from the BESTbank) who loves music and storytelling. Coming up in New Orleans with his three brothers, he always enjoyed exploring vibrant cultural spaces and connecting with his community. His passion is empowering workers and creating meaningful change by addressing systemic challenges, all while fostering genuine relationships! Don’t hesitate to reach out and stay in touch!
Matt Olson
Director of Research & Policy
Matt is a mixed methods researcher, political organizer, educator, and policy analyst who has lived in New Orleans for two decades. His formative political experience came through participation in post-Katrina New Orleans' Right to Return, anti-police brutality, and racial justice movements. His formal education is in journalism, history and cultural anthropology. He lives with his incredible partner and two children where fish, gardening, music, laughter, soccer, and books happily co-exist.
Magali Ortiz
Organizer
Originally from Mexico, Magali was raised across Latin America and has lived all over. She has worked as an organizer in several US cities and is passionate about building a strong labor movement in the South and combatting capitalist systems. She leads outreach efforts, develops campaigns, and would love to see you at our monthly Community Meetings and other events!
“If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.”
Sahara Jama
Research & Organizing Coordinator
Sahara is the proud daughter of Somali immigrants and began organizing as a teenager after facing policy brutality in her neighborhood of South Minneapolis. Her perspectives are informed by her working class background and family's experience with America's immigration and carceral systems. As the Research & Organizing Coordinator, she acts as a bridge between the two departments, translating research findings into practical strategies that benefit organizing on the ground.
Nykia Johnson
Operations Coordinator
Being in New Orleans since she was 10 years old, Nykia considers herself a New Orleans native! She has always had a heart for helping others and is always ready to step in wherever support is needed. Whether she's ordering supplies, keeping finances organized, or making sure the office runs smoothly, she approaches every task with care and dedication. No matter what our organization needs, Nykia is always ready to lend a helping hand.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Coalition Partners
Big Easy Budget Coalition (BEBC)
We work with other local stakeholders and organizations to ensure New Orleans' budget reflects the needs of workers and communities.
Temp Worker Advocacy Coalition (TWAC)
Alongside other worker centers and labor rights groups from across the country, we’re building power to win stronger protections and greater dignity for temporary and precarious workers.
National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH)
We can help you understand and fight for your rights.We’re part of a national network advancing safe, healthy workplaces through worker-led organizing and advocacy.