Faith Gremillion
Faith Gremillion is a passionate educator, community advocate, and proud graduate
of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly NLU), where she earned her bachelor鈥檚
degree in elementary education. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to obtain
double master鈥檚 degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as Supervision and
Administration, equipping her to make a profound impact in the field of education.
With 32 years of experience as both a teacher and administrator, Faith has dedicated
her career to empowering educators and inspiring a love of learning in children. As
the driving force behind the Northeast Louisiana Teacher Symposium, she works tirelessly
to support and encourage teachers to remain in the workforce while fostering a strong
sense of community. In just 2 years, the NELA Symposium has impacted over 300 teachers
and 4000+students. Faith plans to grow the symposium to 5 states within 3 years.
Currently, Faith serves as Project Director for the St. Christopher educational nonprofit,
where she is working toward establishing a Montessori-inspired micro-school in Northeast
Louisiana, reflecting her passion for creating nurturing and innovative educational
spaces for children.
Faith is a member of the Monroe听Garden Club, Crossroads Garden Club, former board
member of the Junior League of Monroe and a past member of the Cancer Foundation League.
An entrepreneur as well, along with her husband, Joe, she owns Twin City Granite and
a bespoke stationery business,听The Persnickety Fox. Her most cherished roles, however,
are that of wife and mother, which she holds closest to her heart.
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Gaundhi Hays
Gaundhi Hays is a native of Bastrop, Louisiana and a graduate of the Grambling State
University. She has been employed by New Vision Learning Academy for 24 years as an
educator. She tries to make sure that each one of her students feel special and leaves
her classroom with essentials that lead them to becoming successful and productive
individuals!
She is an active member of the Zeta Phi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc. and serves as the Sergeant at Arms and on the Undergraduate Committee for the
Theta Zeta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at University of Louisiana
at Monroe.听 She also serves on multiple committees and has held several positions
within her chapter.听
Currently, Gaundhi is the executive director of the Miss Monroe Pageant, an official
prelim of the Miss Louisiana and Miss America pageants. Through her position, She
has had the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of young ladies and serve as
a coach and mentor. She is the creator and executive director of the Radiant Rose
Pageant for little girls and young ladies. She is also the owner of Radiant Productions,
LLC which specializes in etiquette/image consulting as well as event coordinating.
Gaundhi has served as the coordinator of the Annual D.A.R.E. Children Fashion Show
for the Monroe Police Department and the co-coordinator and emcee of the Mu Tau chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Annual All Male Fashion Show and assisted the gentlemen
with their annual Daddy Daughter dance. She also serves on the board of directors
for the Jones Center of Arts and Academic Excellence, serves on the District 34's
Educational Advisory Council created by Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews, and is an
active member of the Junior League of Monroe.听
Gaundhi has received the following recognitions:听 Named the Monroe News-Star Newspaper鈥檚
Young Professional under 40 of the week and Delta鈥檚 Business Magazine鈥檚 Young Professional
under 40 of the Month. She also received the Mu Tau chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc. service award in 2012 and was named Citizen of the Year by the Mu Tau chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 2015. In 2020, Gaundhi received the B.D. Robinson
Unity Award from the city of Monroe.
Gaundhi is a former plus size model and has been in the pageant industry for 42 years.
She was the first plus size model to become president of the Black Dynasty Modeling
Troupe at Grambling State University. She has held several titles: Miss Sensational
Lady, the first plus size pageant held at Grambling State University, Miss Plus Northern
Louisiana, Miss Plus Louisiana, and Miss US Sophisticate Plus, a national title. She
was also first runner-up in the Miss Plus Global America pageant and the Miss Plus
USA pageant. Her favorite title by far, is being the mom of her twenty-one year old
son, Thai.
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Anna Redding
Anna Redding is an Assistant Principal at George Welch Elementary in Ouachita Parish,
a dedicated educational leader, and speaker. With seventeen years of experience in
education, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, focusing on
fostering a positive school culture and cultivating strong relationships within the
school community.
Anna earned her Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Louisiana Monroe
in 2006, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching from Louisiana Tech University in
2007. She later completed her Master鈥檚 + 30, during which she earned her certification
in Educational Leadership, further enhancing her ability to guide and support educators
and students alike.
Anna credits her professional growth to the influential educators who inspired and
challenged her to lead with purpose. Passionate about mentorship, she is committed
to supporting and encouraging teachers beyond her school, recognizing that not every
educator has access to the same resources and opportunities for professional development.
From the early days of her career, Anna has shared her insights with others, beginning
as a second-year teacher. She continues to engage with educators through school, district,
and state-level conferences, educational podcasts, and social media, amplifying her
message of empowerment and growth for teachers everywhere.
Outside of her professional life, Anna enjoys making memories with her three children,
chauffeuring them around as their "Uber driver," and persuading her husband to let
her travel. She also serves children at her church, enjoys weekly Chick-fil-A outings,
and takes great pride in being the devoted "dog mom" to her beloved pet, Teddy.
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