Annie Phoenix, Ph.D., Joins Jesuit Social Research Institute as Executive Director

In April, Annie Phoenix, Ph.D., joined Loyola University New Orleans as the new executive director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute (JSRI).

Annie specializes in supporting social justice organizations to identify needs, design programs, and secure funding. Annie founded Rosewater Advisors, where was the lead consultant, offering partnership support, training, coaching, and fundraising/grantsmanship services. Annie also co-founded Operation Restoration, a nonprofit organization that supports currently and formerly incarcerated women. She led efforts to establish a College in Prison program in partnership with Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, and she is an experienced advocate who has written and helped pass multiple laws in Louisiana and supported federal legislation to restore the Pell grant for incarcerated students.

Annie received her Ph.D. in Sociology from Tulane University’s City, Culture, and Community program in 2021. Her dissertation was a critical policy analysis of efforts to remove criminal history questions from college applications in five states. Annie is passionate about JSRI’s Catholic, faith-centered mission. She has worked closely with Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She is thrilled to be in a position where she will get to integrate her faith into her work for social justice. She is a mother to a sweet, independent, 18-month-old daughter, Rosemary, who brings joy to her life on a daily basis and gives even greater purpose to her work. 

Annie shared her resolve to take on the challenge of her latest role, "More than any of my past experiences or titles, I am a builder, and JSRI provides a strong legacy and foundation for future possibilities. In the coming months, I will be sharing more of our plans and visions for JSRI’s continued contributions to our community."

Learn more about Annie by listening to her interview on "AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast" here. You can reach Annie via email at alphoeni@hongjiuchina.com or phone at (504) 864-7746.