OUR TEAM
FFLIC’s work is to lift up directly impacted people of all backgrounds- particularly those facing discrimination and marginalization- and ensure they have a voice in decisions that most affect their lives. Our intergenerational team is entirely made up of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), with over 65% bringing firsthand experience of the prison industrial complex. This is by design—our work is rooted in the belief that those most affected by injustice must lead the fight for change. Many were former FFLIC members who developed their leadership before joining as staff. Because we believe Toi Derricotte’s quote that,
“Joy is an act of resistance”
We have included some fun facts about our team members below.
OUR STAFF
Gina B. Womack
Executive Director and Co-Founder
gbwomack@fflic.org
“I’m a lifelong learner and adventure seeker.”
Gina Womack is the co‑founder and long‑time leader of FFLIC, bringing more than 25 years of experience fighting for families whose children have been impacted by youth incarceration. Her vision, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of parent‑led advocacy helped transform FFLIC into a statewide force for justice. Gina has spent her career building networks, shifting narratives, and ensuring that families most affected by harmful systems shape the solutions. She is a lifelong learner and adventurer who meets challenges with courage and leads with compassion. As a mother of three, and grandmother of 2; Gina draws inspiration from her own family as well as the countless families she has supported throughout FFLIC’s history.
Sonji A. Hart
Finance and Operations Director
sonjih@fflic.org
“At my 5th grade Halloween party I dressed up as Elvis and performed ‘Hounddog!’” #CrowdRoared
As Finance and Operations Director, Sonji brings more than three decades of experience in financial management, human resources, and nonprofit operations. A long‑time champion for children and families, Sonji has supported youth justice organizations in New Orleans for nearly two decades, contributing her expertise to ensure that programs and staff have the strong infrastructure needed to thrive. Her work at FFLIC includes fiscal oversight, operational leadership, staff development, and support for fund development—roles she carries out with deep care for the communities the organization serves. Sonji’s dedication to justice is rooted in her early experiences working with the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, where she first witnessed the inequities facing youth in the state. Today, she continues to push for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for every child and family.
Florentina Staigers Cruz
Communications Director
fcruz@fflic.org
“I took judo, horseback riding, and riflery classes in college.”
As Communications Director, Florentina brings nearly two decades of experience in racial equity, immigrants’ rights, women’s rights, and youth justice. She weaves strategy, storytelling, and community wisdom to strengthen movements and uplift the voices of families most affected by harmful systems. Her work spans coalition building, organizational development, and public policy, from founding a women’s advocacy organization in Cameroon to leading statewide equity initiatives in Ohio. Florentina is also a writer, facilitator, and mindfulness practitioner who integrates healing‑centered approaches into her communications work. She is committed to helping families access what they need to thrive and to shifting narratives toward justice, joy, and community power.
Antonio P. Travis
Leadership Development Manager
Atravis@fflic.org
“I acted in a movie called “Enough” and now I think I’m the next Denzel.”
As Leadership Development Manager, Antonio brings more than a decade of experience building youth leadership and creating spaces where young people feel heard and supported. A New Orleans native, Antonio began organizing with FFLIC as a high school student and has since dedicated his career to uplifting youth voices. He later founded Black Man Rising, a mentorship program for young men that reflects his commitment to community care and personal growth. Antonio has held roles in education as a Dean of Students and has served as a consultant and youth coach, earning recognition such as the Up2Us Regional Coach of the Year Award. Through compassion, consistency, and restorative approaches, he helps young people cultivate confidence and agency.
Cameron D. Dumas
Leadership Development Coordinator
CDumas@fflic.org
“I love to shoot pool.”
As Leadership Development Coordinator, Cameron works to build strong youth leaders rooted in justice and community care. She entered youth justice work through independent study at Southeastern University, where she explored youth intervention and became committed to challenging unfair systems. Cameron now brings years of experience as a youth advocate, including service on the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board’s Youth Advisory Board. With a background in criminal justice and a passion for helping young people find their voice, she focuses on developing leadership skills and creating space for youth to step into their power. Cameron approaches organizing with patience, relatability, and a genuine desire to make change alongside the communities most impacted.
Jennifer Landry
Lafayette Chapter Lead
JLandry@fflic.org
“I can talk without moving my lips.” – Jennifer
As Lafayette Chapter Organizer, Jennifer brings dedication, creativity, and lived commitment to uplifting youth and families. Her journey with FFLIC began years before joining the staff, when she and her husband became members after witnessing the organization’s impact in Lake Charles. Motivated by the need for stronger youth support systems in her community, Jennifer helped establish the Lafayette chapter and has been a vital force in its growth ever since. She has extensive experience in community organizing, including her work with ROHLA and as Executive Director and Cofounder of Speaking 2 Inspire Thru Experience, where she leads motivational programming and a youth mentorship initiative. Jennifer is also a published author and trained herbalist who approaches her work with empathy, purpose, and a desire to help families heal and thrive.
Chandra Grayson
Office Manager
cgrayson@fflic.org
“In first grade I got in trouble for giggling too much.”
Chandra Grayson brings more than 10 years of experience supporting youth and families through advocacy, administrative work, and community engagement. She first learned about FFLIC in 2008 and was drawn to the power of parents and caregivers fighting for their children’s rights. With a background as a receptionist, administrative assistant, and youth advocate, Chandra approaches her work with organization, compassion, and a strong belief in the importance of family voice. She is proud to use her gifts to uplift others, build connections, and help youth navigate challenging systems. Her passion for community, travel, and personal growth enriches the warmth she brings to FFLIC.
BOARD MEMBERS
Lynette Adams, J.D.
Board Chair
As Board Chair, Lynette Adams brings more than three decades of experience advancing equity for youth and families. Her career spans public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership, including over twenty years with the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Families in Need of Services Program.
Lynette first connected with FFLIC in 2012 and has been a steady champion of community‑driven youth justice ever since, focusing on diversion, early intervention, and keeping young people connected to meaningful support.
Known for building consensus and navigating complex systems, she volunteers with local youth programs and contributes to community advisory efforts across New Orleans. Lynette brings warmth, steadiness, and deep expertise to FFLIC’s governance and long‑term vision.
Eddie Brown
Eddie Brown is the founder and CEO of BPR Media & Communications, a New Orleans‑based public relations agency specializing in historic, cultural, and community‑focused communications. With more than 20 years of experience, Eddie has helped nonprofits, public institutions, and community organizations share their stories, increase visibility, and engage the public through both traditional and digital media. His work centers on preserving cultural legacy, uplifting local communities, and amplifying voices often left out of mainstream narratives. Known for his generosity and passion for mentoring young people, Eddie is frequently invited to speak to youth groups and support emerging leaders. His strategic communications expertise, deep ties to Louisiana communities, and commitment to justice strengthen FFLIC’s ability to shift narratives and build public support for youth and families.
Ejim Dike
Ejim Dike is a human rights advocate and strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing racial, gender, and economic justice. She specializes in helping organizations integrate human rights frameworks into their programs, operations, and leadership practices. Ejim has worked with national and global institutions—including the Ford Foundation, Ms. Foundation, the Carter Center, and the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity—to strengthen equity‑centered systems change. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the US Human Rights Network, where she supported more than 300 member organizations in advancing rights‑based advocacy. Her work has been featured at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and she has taught at several universities, including Hunter College and Sarah Lawrence. As a board member, Ejim brings deep strategic insight and a global perspective rooted in community power, academic rigor, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Tonya McClary
Tonya McClary is a pastor, lawyer, organizer, and nationally recognized leader in police oversight and transformative justice. She currently serves as the first permanent Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission, where she works to strengthen accountability, transparency, and community trust. Tonya previously held key oversight roles in Dallas and New Orleans, helping build new departments, establish use‑of‑force review systems, and shape best practices adopted nationwide. Her career also includes decades as a public defender in offices across the country, where she advocated for people facing the harshest impacts of the legal system. Tonya’s visionary work has taken her around the world to train, lecture, and collaborate with international partners, including the United Nations. She brings expansive expertise, deep compassion, and a commitment to healing and justice to her service on FFLIC’s board.
Ashley Shelton
Treasurer
As Board Treasurer, Ashley Shelton brings decades of experience in movement building, civic engagement, and nonprofit leadership. She serves as Executive Director of the Power Coalition, a statewide organization that strengthens civic participation and builds community‑driven advocacy across Louisiana. Ashley’s leadership has shaped major coordinated campaigns and supported the development of statewide civic infrastructure that amplifies the voices of impacted communities. Her previous roles include Vice President of Programs at the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation and Director of Grantmaking at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, where she supported rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A respected leader and strategist, Ashley has been recognized through national fellowships and appointments that reflect her commitment to justice and equity. She brings financial insight, strategic clarity, and a deep belief in people‑powered change to FFLIC’s board. board.