Published: July 23, 2025
At Jericho Road, we know that strong teams build strong communities. This summer, we’re excited to introduce two new members of our extended family, each bringing their own talents and passion to support our mission. Please join us in welcoming Vanessa and Chanté to the Jericho Road team.
Meet Our New Director of Finance and Operations, Vanessa “V” Caliste-Swafford
Join us in welcoming Vanessa “V” Caliste-Swafford, Jericho Road’s new Director of Finance and Operations. Vanessa brings more than 20 years of experience across a diverse range of accounting and finance disciplines. Her background includes serving as Senior Accountant for the Orleans Parish School Board, Finance Director at the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, and Legal Budget and Finance Manager at the New Orleans City Attorney’s Office.
In addition to her public sector work, Vanessa holds extensive nonprofit leadership experience and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Odyssey House Louisiana. She is a proud graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge and earned her master’s degree from Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business. Her leadership will help support Jericho Road’s continued growth and financial sustainability as we work to expand our impact across Southeast Louisiana.
We are excited to welcome Vanessa to our team and look forward to her leadership in strengthening Jericho Road’s finance and operations.
Meet Our Summer Intern, Chanté Davis
Please join us in welcoming Chanté Davis, Jericho Road’s newest Development Associate intern. A senior at Duke University majoring in marine science and conservation, Chanté is a New Orleans native with a passion for community engagement. She brings experience in nonprofit communications, public relations, event planning, fundraising, and outreach.
Chanté has worked with national organizations including Lonely Whale, Captain Planet Foundation, and Sunrise Movement, as well as local nonprofits like Common Ground Relief and CRCL. She also brings international experience from her work with Love the Oceans in Inhambane, Mozambique. Chanté is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her commitment to environmental justice and community engagement makes her a natural fit for Jericho Road’s work in housing and neighborhood revitalization.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring swamps and bayous around the city. We are excited to welcome Chanté to Jericho Road for the summer.