Dylan Bardell
Dylan Bardell was born in 1994 and is a native of LaPlace, Louisiana. He cites attending and graduating from Hampton University as one of the most transformational experiences in his life. He lives by the words of hard work and diligence and that began in his time at the HBCU. A former lacrosse player, he also believes that everything is collective & that everyone is a part of the team. That comes through in his work with McDonalds where he enjoys creating fun environments for his colleagues and fostering team building. In and out of work he is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he is currently active in the Kenner Metropolitan Alumni Chapter. He is especially proud of their work with youth to teach them financial literacy. He is looking forward to helping to create a better future for kids and provide them with a sense of community in addition to teaching them life skills. A hobbyist sneakerhead, you can find him hand detailing his car every Sunday.
Kyle Bardell
Kyle Bardell is from LaPlace, Louisiana. A graduate of Jesuit High School in New Orleans with a B.S. in Accounting from The American University Kogod School of Business in Washington D.C., Kyle cites education as one of his most influential life experiences. Whether as a student tutor, a published writer, or a performer of the arts, Kyle is intentional about building community and mentoring the next generation. Now a General Manager in his family’s franchise of McDonald’s stores throughout the Metropolitan New Orleans Area, he continues to stand firm in improving himself and his peers through empathy and humility. Mr. Kyle Bardell is a passionate advocate of emotional and bilingual learning at an early age and wants NOLA youth to have access to role models in all areas of life. He is inspired to change the narrative and transform New Orleans into the “Hollywood of the South” by expanding the local offering of performing arts and theatre opportunities for youths, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in business and entrepreneurship. If Kyle could have any superpower, he would choose consistency.
Caryn Rodgers-Battiste
In October of 2006, Caryn joined Bright Moments. In her current role as COO, Mrs. Rodgers-Battiste is responsible for servicing some of the firm’s largest accounts. Her duties include overall operations coordination, management, and supervision of all staff and client accounts. An experienced outreach coordinator and event planner, Caryn enjoys creating, developing, and producing successful events from start to finish.
In 1995, Caryn joined Lundy Enterprises LLC/Pizza Hut – owner of over 50 Pizza Hut franchises in Louisiana – as a Marketing Associate. Within 3 years, she was promoted to Director of Marketing. As Director of Marketing, she was responsible for National and Local Marketing, Donations, and Sponsorships for over 60 Pizza Hut Restaurants, which generated over $30 Million in sales. For 8 years, she served as Co-op treasurer for the Pizza Hut Southeast Region (New Or leans DMA). Ms. Rodgers-Battiste also assisted in the development of the Lundy Foundation’s “Have a Ball” Free Tennis Camp, which existed for over 11 years in New Orleans and the Baton Rouge metro areas and offered tennis lessons to over 500 children between the ages of seven and thirteen.
Caryn Rodgers-Battiste has been acknowledged by Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans with the 2013 President’s Award, YWCA Role Model, Gambit 40 under 40, Spotlighted in the Times-Picayune segment “Living Well,” Metropolitan Leadership Forum, and the USTA for Best Summer Education program.
Caryn attended the University of Louisiana (at Lafayette) where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She served as Chair of Crimestoppers and at the end of her term, she was honored with Emeritus. A fellow of Dr. Norman Francis Leadership Institute class of 2014- 2015. A member of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation Board. On the board of Boys Hope, Girls Hope, Audubon Nature Institute Board. Caryn is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has been affiliated with the United Negro College Fund, Contemporary Art Center, No/Aids Task Force, Adams & Reese LLP Women Executive Network, and Children’s Hospital. She has been a member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church for over 28 years and currently serves in the Women’s Ministry Staff as Director of Logistics.
LaBaron Joseph Fisher
LaBaron Joseph Fisher is a native of St. John Parish, Louisiana. After graduating from East St. John High School in 1982, Fisher attended Nicholls State University, “Harvard on the Bayou”, from 1982 to1984 before he joined the army for the beginning of what would become 21 years of service. When asked about his childhood education, LaBaron would tell you that, “school was a great place to go.” In fact, he believes that the morally conscious, God-fearing man he is today is the product of “good teachers and great parenting”. As a member of the Foundation, Mr. Fisher is motivated by the message that improving education for individuals pursuing a better life is a worthy investment. He hopes to shed light and create tangible solutions for issues such as the lack of funding for teachers and early development programs, as well as spark a revival in the heart of the education, remembering a time when the community invested in struggling students and were willing to go “the extra mile.” In addition to being the husband of Bianca Fisher, the father of 3 daughters, and the grandfather of one granddaughter, Mr. Fisher currently works at the New Orleans VA Medical Center and is an active member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. A direct and fun-loving man, he enjoys spending time with his girls, watching the Saints and driving corvettes. If you took a trip to his office white board it would say: “when you judge someone without knowing them, you don’t define them. You define yourself.”
Nicole Joseph Grover
Nicole Joseph Grover is a native of Reserve, Louisiana. While working at McDonalds to put herself through Nicholls State University, she discovered a passion for true equity, inclusion and service to others. After earning her degree, she and has been an IT Functional Analytics Professional with DuPont for over 30 years. She is a firm believer in meeting people where they are and plans to do just that with the Bardell Foundation. She is looking forward to raising awareness of opportunities and helping to position people to take that awareness and turn it into life changing and sustained benefit. With a warm and affable disposition, Nicole lives by the motto of, “try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” A people person, she enjoys jazzercize and spending time with her friends and family. Especially movies and walks with her husband, 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
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