Meet the Authors

October Ambrose is the CEO and Founder of Art of Career, LLC, a career development and advisory firm dedicated to helping professionals design intentional, purpose-driven careers. A Master Career Coach Professional, human resources executive, and former healthcare operational leader, she is a recognized thought leader in organizational development and workforce strategy.

October holds professional certifications including SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), and the Principles of Practice Management Certificate (PPMC) from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Through Art of Career LLC, she helps professionals build meaningful careers with clarity and confidence.

Auriel Bouie, MBA, is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in Retail Technology, combining a strong foundation in computer science with strategic business insight to drive revenue growth, cost efficiency, and operational excellence across Fortune 500 retailers. Known for her analytical mindset and commitment to developing high-performing teams, she leads with both precision and purpose. Beyond her corporate success, Auriel is passionate about empowering the next generation of STEM leaders, mentoring young professionals and women in navigating careers with confidence, authenticity, and intention. A proud New Orleans native, she enjoys traveling, long walks, and cheering on the Saints.

LaShawn Davis-Johnson is a strategic executive, public speaker, and advocate dedicated to reshaping conversations around leadership, self-worth, and access. As Director of Tax Operations at a national payroll company, she leads complex strategy with analytical precision, integrity, and a people-first approach, rising from frontline customer service to executive leadership over a thirteen-year career. A proud New Orleans native and first-generation college graduate, LaShawn draws on her lived experiences to inform her work and is currently pursuing her MBA while continuing her leadership development. As a wife and mother of two, she is passionate about advancing financial literacy for youth, fostering mentorship among professionals, and redefining authentic leadership—encouraging others to move beyond survival and lead from a place of wholeness.

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, affectionately known as “Shiggs,” is a bestselling author, accomplished speaker, facilitator, and certified Executive & Leadership Transitions Coach with 30 years of experience in higher education. She specializes in guiding aspiring executives and leaders through successful transitions, emphasizing people, values, and leading with heart. As the founder of ShiggsB Coaching, LLC, she leverages her expertise in leadership, communication, and energy to create transformative experiences for her clients. Shelia holds a Managerial MBA from the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville, an MSEd in Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University–Bloomington, and a BS in Mass Communication/Political Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite is a leader, entrepreneur, innovator, bestselling author, educator, and mental health consultant whose 30-year career in higher education has been defined by purpose and possibility. Known for transforming complex challenges into opportunities for growth, her leadership has expanded access, strengthened institutional systems, and fostered professional development for students, faculty, and staff. Grounded in the belief that education should open doors, not close them, she is committed to removing barriers, building support structures, and empowering individuals to thrive—demonstrating that when people are supported, communities flourish and futures are transformed.

Danneka S. Mitchell, JD, is Director of Strategic Initiatives at KIPP New Orleans Schools, an adjunct professor at Bard Early College, and owner of Signed and Sealed, LLC, where she supports business startups and operational strategy for schools and organizations. With over 14 years in public education, she leverages her background in law and business to strengthen school operations, financial systems, and strategic planning, building on her experience as a school administrator at Algiers Charter Schools. A proud New Orleans native and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Danneka holds dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of New Orleans, a law degree from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center as an Ernest N. Morial Scholar, and a master’s from Yale University; she is also a devoted mother and a passionate advocate for ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.

Nia Mitchell-Williams is an elected School Board Member in her hometown. A national school leadership coach, mentor, consultant, strategic planner, and executive coach, she brings more than two decades of experience in education, with a proven record of strengthening academic outcomes. Nia has served as a school turnaround specialist, supporting schools with some of the most complex student needs, and she is known for strong organizational leadership and fiscal accountability. She holds a B.S. from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Holy Cross. A proud business owner and community advocate, she is also a Louisiana Certified School Board Member, a devoted mother, and an engaged faith leader.

Monica Pierre is a keynote speaker, a 3-time Emmy Award winning reporter and producer, award-winning author, and transformational storyteller who ignites audiences through the power of character-driven monologues.

She is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Mass Communication department at Xavier University, of Louisiana in New Orleans, and founder of the Story Maker Academy. Monica specializes in helping leaders and entrepreneurs move beyond fear, doubt and inaction. Her signature presentation style combines theatrical storytelling with practical and actionable steps that result in change and transformation.

Shirah Ray is a speaker, moderator, entrepreneur, and style expert committed to empowering women to lead with purpose and show up in style. As the founder of David Lee’s, one of Louisiana’s longest-running Black-owned fashion brands, Shirah has spent over 15 years helping women transform not just how they dress, but how they see themselves. Her platform is rooted in one bold belief: fashion is her ministry.  A sought-after voice on branding, style, and self-worth, Shirah has been featured on WWLTV, WDSU-TV, Black Enterprise, the Sisaundra Show, and more. She is a monthly style contributor on Great Day Louisiana and a featured voice across national and local media platforms.

Dr. Chanise Reese-Queen brings over 20 years of expertise in professional development, education, accreditation, strategic initiatives, and training within academic, nonprofit, and healthcare settings. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in public health, and a bachelor’s degree in human relations.

She is passionate about empowering others, especially women, through her “Own Your Awesomeness” workshop. Dr. Reese-Queen is an avid reader and Zumba instructor, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Are you interested in joining the next Relentless Pursuit book project? Contact drronickabriscoe@gmail.com for more info! 

Ebony Allen, LCSW-BACS, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor with nearly two decades of experience in adolescent and family therapy, specializing in crisis response, school-based interventions, and bio-psycho-social evaluations. As the founder of SOFT Nola and Brook Haven Counseling and Consulting Services, she creates safe spaces for mental health support, DEI education, and community healing in New Orleans.

Dr. Jawan Brown Alexander, CEO of Maroon, Inc., leverages her expertise in education, advocacy, and leadership to empower underrepresented groups through impactful professional learning opportunities. A sought-after speaker and panelist, she holds advanced degrees in leadership, is a Harvard Leadership Institute alumna, and recently joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Dr. Dorothy Doolittle is a nationally recognized education leader and consultant, specializing in designing sustainable systems that elevate educator effectiveness and student achievement. Raised in rural Arkansas, she has transformed challenges into opportunities, leading multi-million-dollar initiatives and coaching leaders to implement impactful instructional frameworks that drive systemic change.

Aaron Harrison is an educator and co-founder of the Legacy Foundation for Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women and cultivating future leaders in New Orleans. With nearly 13 years of experience in K-12 education, she is committed to shaping young minds through teaching, mentoring, and community engagement.

Dominique Luster is an archivist, entrepreneur, and advocate who founded The Luster Company to amplify the stories of marginalized communities through archival consulting and cultural heritage work. A dynamic speaker and bourbon connoisseur, her 2018 TEDx Talk on the transformative power of archives gained international recognition, leading to features on podcasts like Archives in Context and Brave Women at Work.

LaShon Ormond is an author, advocate, and entrepreneur whose work intersects education, youth empowerment, and storytelling, inspiring young people to pursue limitless possibilities beyond labels. When she’s not developing impactful workshops and community programs, she volunteers with Black Girls Code and collaborates with South African illustrator Frank Lunar on children’s books.

Monica Pierre is a storytelling strategist and Assistant Professor of Practice in Mass Communication at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she equips students for careers in multimedia storytelling. A seasoned journalist, she has produced and hosted radio and television talk shows and reported on significant events, including the historic coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Chanise Reese-Queen is an academic leader and Executive Director of Professional Development and Education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she leverages over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, education, and strategic planning. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, she mentors women in embracing their potential, fosters accessible learning opportunities, and encourages personal and professional growth through resume revision, career coaching, and her vibrant book club.

The authors are available for media appearances, print features, book club discussions, podcast interviews, panel discussions, speaking engagements, and virtual or in-person workshops. They can also participate in community events, book signings, expert roundtables, and educational sessions. For bookings and inquiries, contact Pierre Principle Communications.

Phone: 504-231-9837

Website: www.pierreprinciple.com

Email: monica@pierreprinciple.com