18 Mar NOLA: The Biggest Secret in America

Upon receiving the phone call from the doctor telling me that my husband had cancer, I immediately called my friend Kim, a breast cancer survivor.

“Welcome to The ‘C’ Club, she said. “I wish everyone could belong. It will change your life in the greatest way. You’ll never be the same.”

Like many of us who have faced such fear, whether it be cancer, financial ruin, or a hurricane know exactly what she means. It does change your life forever. You become acutely aware of what’s important and what’s not. You quit scratching to the top for the fanciest car or the largest house. You slow down. You choose a career that fulfills you. You take time for your family. You live each day as if it could be your last.

Imagine an entire body of people going through this same catastrophe together. Imagine all class structures immediately on the same level, all struggling to survive. Imagine a whole town passionately working to rebuild the place they call home.

Yep, these people down here in New Orleans party hard. But they also are working hard to rebuild their city. They want the world to know that they are trying their very best to fix the crime, the educational issues and the work opportunities.

They also want the world to know that they need help. They desperately need web developers here to help write the code for their new ideas. They need engineers that can help them put their ecosystem back in place, the right way. They need scientists and film producers, teachers and shop owners to support the children and neighbors. And they are welcoming them with open arms. 

I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the city’s top leaders, artists, entrepreneurs. I’ve heard it and felt it firsthand. This is the place to be. This place is on fire. New Orleans is the next greatest opportunity if you’re open to it.

Call me. Write me. I can’t wait to share the good news of what I’ve learned this past week.

Yep, in my opinion, I think New Orleans is the best kept secret in America right now.