Ann is a New Orleans native and Culture Bearer whose commitment to service began at age 14 with the American Red Cross, eventually leading her to serve as a Candy Striper at the New Orleans V.A. Hospital.

Ann previously served as the Program Manager for No Dream Deferred NOLA’s Theatre Company and as a Facilitator for Equity and Justice for Institutional Change (E.J.I.C.). In collaboration with Le Musée de f.p.c. – a house museum honoring the legacy of New Orleans’ Free People of Color—she provided vital tools and EDI analysis to help organizations cultivate meaningful cultural shifts.

An alumna of the University of New Orleans with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Theatre, Ann is a versatile Playwright, Filmmaker, and Sensitivity Editor. Her historical and creative contributions include:

• Cultural Guardian Acting Company: Writing character monologues for icons like Henriette DeLille, Edmond Dédé, Macon Bolling Allen, and Fatima.

• Audio Works: Writing for Writer’s Lounge, a podcast/audio series produced by Cicada Radio.

Ann has partnered with NAMI (2013, 2023) to produce a play and short film exploring the impact of parental mental illness. Drawing from her own lived experience, she empowers survivors to navigate their mental health journeys. She currently leads STAR’s Healing Through Words creative writing workshop, providing a nurturing space for participants to harness the transformative power of storytelling.

Email: ann.elder@star.ngo