Our Current Board Directors:
Emmajane Logan
Director of Internal Community Engagement & Board Moderator
Greetings everyone, my name is Emmajane Logan (she/her). Originally from CT, my musical upbringing and studying jazz music is what originally attracted me to this wonderful place. Since then I have worked at many of the fabulous restaurants of this city and have had the pleasure of meeting people from many different walks of life. I enjoy makings things, tending to my garden, and occasionally dancing in the streets!
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie's board?
I have always been drawn to the calm and centering qualities of the pottery and ceramic arts. I also am a strong believer that we are all artists within. I am grateful to be apart of welcoming, accepting, and equitable community of Byrdie's and am excited to work with the board and community to continue to help carry out the mission.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
It's hard for me to choose a single vessel, that is why I would say I most relate with raw clay. The soft earth waiting to be shaped and brimming with possibility. In my moveable state I can be fragile yet strong and can continue to to be shaped and shaped into various forms. I can be a vessel that is practical or purely an art form. This is how I view myself, still forming but capable of being molded by learning and creativity. Infinite, yet grounded in becoming.
Jamie Jamerson
Director of Health & Safety
Hey! I'm Jamie (They/Them) - aerospace engineer by day, artist by night. I dabble with clay, painting, fire dancing, and aerial arts! I'm constantly doing, creating, connecting, and looking to learn new things.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board?
I believe all should have access to a supportive space that allows them to explore their relationship between self and creativity. I am excited to help nurture that type of space at Byrdie's, and I'm looking forward to the ways that I may also grow alongside the community.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
I would be a rounded cup form, perfect for cozying up with a warm beverage. That cozy and warm vibe is what I hope to emotionally share with others.
Nia Crisostomo
Director of Events & Programming
Hiiiiii! My name is Nia and I’m so excited to be Byrdie’s 2026-2028 Director of Events & Programming — born & raised in Long Beach, CA, I entered the ceramics world through classes at St. Elmo Village, and my philosophy has always been “Ceramics is for Everybody.” I enjoy walking through the city, trying new restaurants, talking to people, yoga, and generally just getting out in nature. When I'm not doing that, I'm in my house with my cat, Pogi, a/c blasting.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board?
In this role, I’m looking to grow our programming beyond Byrdie’s walls and into the community around us, building offerings that reflect the people who made this neighborhood what it is. If you’ve ever felt like this world wasn’t built with you in mind, I need you to know: it was, it is, and there’s a seat for you at the wheel. If you see me around, don’t be a stranger — come tell me what you want to see more of, and let’s build it together.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
A Sumerian storage or water vessel from Ancient Mesopotamia! Form and function!
Maddy Kolker
Director of External Community Engagement
Maddy (they/them) is so excited to be a part of such an intentional creative community as Byrdie’s! They work as a therapist and a medical clown. On their down time they enjoy sketching their friends, playing the flute, and petting their dog Luna.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board?
As a board member at Byrdies, I look forward to facilitating connections between values aligned communities throughout New Orleans. I hope to be a part of using creativity and art as a collective movement towards living in a more just world.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
I’d be a little espresso cup with because I’m small and full of notes!
Melanie Skye Powers
Director of Equity & Justice
I'm Melanie Skye Powers (she/her). I spend as much time as I can playing guitar, tending to my plants, exploring ceramics and fashion design, and traveling. I share my life with my sweet dog Wookie and have a small consulting firm where we help grant makers and grant seekers have the impact they intend.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board?
I grew up a mile away on Independence St. and I'm excited to pour back into the neighborhood that made me. I started taking classes at Byrdie's in 2021 and found solace in clay during a difficult time; and I never stopped. For anyone else who may think ceramics is not a space for them, I want to help make Byrdie's feel unquestioningly welcome.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
If I were a ceramic vessel I would be the "BAD" shelf I made recently because it's mildly functional with clean edges, and it looks cool.
Nicholas Porter
Director of Growth & Development
Howdy Y'all! My name is Nicholas but I also go by Nick. I'm originally from Texas but moved to New Orleans in 2019 to attend UNO where I recently graduated with my master's. I love tending to my plants, reading, and creating pottery. My other hobbies also include sketching and dabbling with pastels and paints.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board? I'm excited to work with an organization that is actively trying to put back into their community. I'm really hopeful in seeing how I can use my skills to further propel Byrdie's mission.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
I think I would be a hefty round pot full of all types of mini pots. I'm not sure why but I think it would be stunning.
Rena Harris
Director of Finance
Rena Harris (she/her) is a CPA with more than 15 years experience working for public companies in internal audit and accounting in the financial services industry. My expertise includes ensuring financial internal controls are in place.
What are you excited about as you begin your work on the Byrdie’s Board?
I am looking forward to connecting with people through art and being able to use my financial knowledge to further Byrdie’s values and goals.
If you were a ceramic vessel, what would you be and why?
I would be an ultra modern black or gray rectangle vessel. I am someone who can go with the flow or adapt easily. Black or gray can be neutral colors therefore they adapt to the surroundings.
Past Board Members have included:
Zoe Swartz
Chelsea Heller
Sarah Lazar
Danny Aloush
Lauren Rouatt
Ali Rex
Glynnis Ritchie
Harley King
Rabeetah Hasnain
Andrea McPherson
Kayla Daaz
Koda Sokol
Monica Pazmino-Cevallos
Alyx Darensbourg
Liz Douglass
Ryan McMahon
Rachael Hudson
Jessica Johnson
