Roishetta Sibley Ozane, MA, MS, has built a reputation as a resilient leader and tireless advocate, dedicating her career to uplifting vulnerable communities and advancing environmental justice. As chief executive officer of Vessel Project of Louisiana, she has played a pivotal role in addressing urgent needs while also pursuing long-term solutions. Her responsibilities include providing cash assistance, food, childcare support, and emergency aid, often making herself available at all hours to ensure no request for help goes unanswered. Beyond crisis response, she actively fights for clean air and water, attends city council meetings, hosts town halls and leads voter registration drives. Her commitment to empowering communities is reflected in her ability to bring people together across sectors to achieve meaningful progress.
Ms. Ozane’s academic background has been central to her professional growth. She is pursuing doctoral coursework in criminal justice at Walden University. She earned a Master of Science in criminal justice and law enforcement administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral sciences, both from McNeese State University. She also completed an Associate of Arts in business administration and management from Strayer University in Washington, District of Columbia. These achievements gave her a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy and program management, equipping her with the tools to navigate complex challenges in community development and environmental work.
Ms. Ozane’s contributions have earned her recognition from multiple organizations. She was named a hometown hero by Essence magazine, honored as Listener of the Year by Climate Listening Project, and selected as Louisiana Organizer of the Month by Louisiana Lefty and Bayou Brief. She has also been chosen as a She Leads Fellow by Power Coalition of Equity and Justice, affirming her role as both a local and national leader in advocacy.
At the Vessel Project, Ms. Ozane’s leadership has been marked by a balance of compassion and strategy. She works side by side with residents to identify pressing needs while building systems that promote long-term resilience. She hosts regular town halls to ensure that citizens remain informed and engaged, collaborates with local volunteers and professionals to expand services, and advocates for policies that prioritize environmental and social equity. Her efforts highlight her belief that community empowerment begins with access to resources and the ability to participate in decision-making.
Ms. Ozane’s dedication to environmental justice extended to her work as Gulf Fossil Finance coordinator with Texas Campaign for the Environment, where she co-founded the Gulf Fossil Finance Hub. The initiative was designed to challenge banks and insurance companies to divest from polluting industries and reinvest in communities. Under her guidance, the hub supported residents in opening credit union accounts, arranged meetings with major corporations and secured donations from organizations such as Patagonia. The project demonstrated her ability to merge local activism with broader financial advocacy, creating pathways for community wealth and environmental accountability.
Ms. Ozane also co-founded FellaShip Breakfast, an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement, and served as organizing director at Healthy Gulf, where she mobilized grassroots campaigns around critical Gulf Coast environmental issues. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as a teaching assistant with Calcasieu Parish School Board, supporting children with special needs through individualized education programs. Her time in the classroom deepened her commitment to advocacy for underserved youth and families. She also gained experience as a community outreach specialist at Delta Health Center, connecting individuals with essential health resources.
In addition to her leadership roles, Ms. Ozane’s influence is further recognized through active participation in professional and civic organizations. She is a fellow with Women’s Earth Alliance and a member of Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Association of University Women, Junior League of Lake Charles and McNeese Black Alumni. She has volunteered with the American Red Cross since 2005, contributed staff support to Oasis, A Haven for Women and Children and coordinated youth programs through AmeriCorps VISTA. Her service extends to regional and national coalitions, including Gulf South for a Green New Deal and the Hive Fund.
Ms. Ozane’s commitment has been tested and proven during times of disaster. Following Hurricanes Laura and Delta and Winter Storm Uri, she organized emergency relief for hundreds of displaced residents. Through crowdsourcing and donations, she secured temporary housing and worked with FEMA to transition families into permanent homes. These efforts underscore her ability to combine rapid response with sustainable solutions.
Looking to the future, Ms. Ozane aims to create a community resilience hub powered by renewable energy that will serve as a shelter, warming center, and resource space during crises. She also intends to complete her doctorate and launch a consulting firm to guide young minority single mothers in establishing organizations and pursuing higher education.