Squeeze The Juice

A Nieux conversation series, "Squeeze the Juice," is sparking excitement across generations. Designed as an "off the record" platform, it offers a rare opportunity for the city's emerging changemakers to sit down with the current titans of industry, culture, and public service. This series is not just about networking—it's an intimate exchange of wisdom, a transfer of hard-earned insights from the leading lights to the hands of those poised to shape the future. Featuring the top 50 influential figures of New Orleans, from renowned chefs and musicians to tech innovators and social activists, "Squeeze the Juice" promises to be a conduit for inspiration, mentorship, and groundbreaking ideas that will propel the city into its next golden age.

Season Two

  • Sally Forman is a distinguished civic leader whose impact has been felt for over four decades across various community and organizational spheres. With a career marked by dedication and service, Sally has contributed significantly to the betterment of society through her active participation in numerous organizations. Her leadership skills and commitment to civic duty have made her a respected figure in community development and engagement.

    One of the most notable chapters in Sally's career was her tenure as the Director of Communications for the City of New Orleans from 2004 to 2006. Serving in this critical role during Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, Sally was at the forefront of crisis communication. Her efforts during this tumultuous period were instrumental in managing the flow of information between the city government, its residents, and the broader national and international communities. Sally's work during Hurricane Katrina involved not only addressing the immediate challenges posed by the disaster but also contributing to the narrative of resilience and recovery that defined New Orleans in its aftermath.

    Her deep involvement in the response to Hurricane Katrina provides a unique perspective on New Orleans' social, economic, and cultural landscape before and during the catastrophe. Sally's experiences during this time underscore the city's vulnerabilities to natural disasters, the complexities of emergency management, and the strength of community solidarity in times of crisis.

    In a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, Sally is currently pursuing a degree in Blockchain Technology. This new academic venture highlights her forward-thinking approach and her desire to remain at the cutting edge of technological and societal advancements. By diving into the world of blockchain, Sally aims to explore its potential applications in civic engagement, public administration, and beyond, further extending her impact on society through innovation.

    Sally Forman's career is a remarkable blend of leadership, resilience, and innovation. From her critical role during one of the most challenging periods in New Orleans' history to her current academic pursuits, Sally continues to exemplify what it means to be a dedicated civic leader and an agent of change.

Season One

  • Ti Martin is the celebrated co-proprietor of Commander's Palace, the venerable New Orleans establishment that's much more than a restaurant—it's a culinary institution. A scion of a storied hospitality dynasty, Ti has deftly steered Commander's Palace to new heights, melding the authenticity of its Creole roots with a progressive vision that keeps the establishment at the cutting edge of the culinary world. 

     Her tenure has seen the restaurant not only continue its legacy of excellence but also serve as the proving ground for some of the finest chefs in the industry. Ti's approach to business is infused with the spirit of New Orleans itself—resilient, vibrant, and imbued with a sense of community. She upholds a tradition of Southern hospitality that turns guests into family and meals into memories.

      Beyond the kitchen, Ti's influence extends into the broader culinary narrative of New Orleans, as she continues to foster innovation while honoring the rich tapestry of the city's gastronomic history. In Ti Martin, one finds the quintessential ambassador of New Orleans' legendary dining scene, ensuring that Commander's Palace remains a cornerstone of the city’s identity.

  • Melissa Sawyer, originally from Canada, embarked on a transformative journey that led her to New Orleans, where she has made significant contributions through her work in education and youth empowerment. She first arrived in New Orleans as a teacher with Teach for America, a role that saw her educating students at Booker T. Washington High School for two years​​​​.

    Driven by a passion for youth advocacy and social entrepreneurship, Melissa furthered her academic pursuits by earning a Master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, after completing her B.A. at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec​​​​. Her educational background has played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.

    Melissa's most notable contribution is her co-founding and leadership of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). As the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of YEP, Melissa has been instrumental in developing and overseeing several local programs aimed at empowering young people in New Orleans. One such initiative under YEP is the "New Orleans Providing Literacy to All Youth" program, which underscores her commitment to education and community development​​​​.

    Her journey from a Teach for America educator to a leader in non-profit and youth advocacy in New Orleans is a testament to her dedication and impact in the field of youth empowerment. Melissa Sawyer's story stands as an inspiration, showcasing how commitment to education and community service can lead to meaningful change in society.

  • Squeeze The Juice #3, Bill Hines(#305), Managing Partner at Jones Walker

    We are going to squeeze the juicy insights out of Bill Hines (#305). We plan to tell alot of stories from the last 25 years. The conversation is off the record. No recordings.

    ➡︎Managing Partner at Jones Walker

    ➡︎Chairman of many civic boards. See list here.

    ➡︎ Bill Hines' LinkedIn

  • Squeeze The Juice #4, Aimee Quirk(#240), CEO Ochsner Ventures, We are going to squeeze the juicy insights about Aimee's time as Head of Economic Development for the City of New Orleans and leading the start up of Innovation Ochsner and Ochsner Ventures.

    ➡︎ Aimee Quirk, CEO Innovation Oschner

    ➡︎Launched in 2022, Ochsner Ventures fosters new collaborations, invests in emerging companies and develops diversified businesses to support the mission of Ochsner Health and positively impact the communities we serve.

  • This week we are squeezing the juice of one of the most insightful business leaders and an important personal mentor, David Guidry, CEO Guico Machine Works. Guidry is a successful businessman, a leader of his community who is on the boards of almost a dozen corporations and nonprofit organizations. Orange juice, Vodka, Scotch and Cigars served.

  • This week we are squeezing the juice out of Clancy DuBos the political editor/columnist for Gambit weekly newspaper in New Orleans. He also is the on-air political commentator for WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans and a licensed attorney in Louisiana.

    ➡︎ Clancy DuBos is the political editor/columnist for Gambit weekly newspaper in New Orleans. He also is the on-air political commentator for WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans and a licensed attorney in Louisiana. As a journalist, Clancy has earned awards from the Press Club of New Orleans, the Louisiana Press Association, the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, and the Associated Press Association of Louisiana and Mississippi.

    ➡︎ Clancy DuBos, the Prolific Political Pundit

    ➡︎ Clancy DuBos - Political Analyst-WWLTV

    ➡︎Times-Picayune Editorials