Betsy Lopez (LA '10, M.S. *18)

Betsy Lopez is a two-time alumna (BA, 10 and MS, 18) and former Newcomb Institute staff member. As a Louisiana resident and a member of the undergraduate class the year following Hurricane Katrina, she experienced the unprecedented change of the community not only as a student but as a life-long resident of the Gulf Coast. Her time as an undergraduate further shaped her passion for community development, and she credits what is now the Newcomb College Institute as supporting her personal growth. As an undergraduate, Betsy helped start and later served as the President of the Service Fraternity, was a Public Service Fellow, and was involved in several Newcomb organizations. After working in the non-profit field to support the revitalization of the recovery school system and foster care system, she was thrilled to return “home” to work at the Newcomb College Institute, where she found the spirit of Newcomb strong. Her personal and professional path led her to her current work, supporting communities with mitigating, planning, responding, and recovering from disasters. She is also an electroforming jewelry artist and enjoys being a part of the New Orleans art community.