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Nikhil Sharma

Founder

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dr. Nikhil Sharma is a physician, social impact entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of AlignUs and The Aligned Foundation. With over 14 years of experience working in hospitals across the New Orleans region, his medical work has primarily focused on liver failure, especially cases related to alcohol-related liver disease and fatty liver disease, both of which are deeply linked to addiction and poor mental health. His experience in the healthcare system led him to a deeper realization: many chronic illnesses and crises like addiction are rooted in mental and emotional dysregulation, lack of community, and unaddressed trauma. This inspired him to create initiatives that go beyond the hospital setting—centering on preventative health, mindfulness, and community empowerment.

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Kevin Drummond

Chief Development Officer

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Neruda

Kevin Drummond is a seasoned entrepreneur and business development specialist with over a decade of entrepreneurial success. Rooted in his Jamaican heritage and inspired by his grandfather, Hector “Sonny” Small, founder of Jamaica’s first national bus system—Uncle Sonny’s Transportation, Kevin carries forward a legacy of connection, innovation and service. As the first of his generation to expand entrepreneurial opportunities across the U.S., Nigeria, Jamaica, Europe and the U.K., Kevin embodies the resilience and vision of his ancestors. For the past five years, he has specialized in forging strategic partnerships and building exponential growth models that deliver measurable results for businesses and communities alike. Beyond business, Kevin is committed to uplifting others—empowering individuals, strengthening communities and creating opportunities that transform lives. His gift lies in connecting people, aligning visions and turning ideas into impact.

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Noel Chacha

Executive Director

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”  — James Baldwin

Noel Chacha is an educator, consultant, and coach with experience spanning middle school, high school, higher education, and adult learning. For more than six years, Noel has served as an Education Consultant, specializing in designing equitable and inclusive learning spaces that honor the diverse needs of all learners. His work empowers individuals to understand and define themselves, while equipping them with the confidence and courage to speak truth to power. Before being called to the field of education, Noel worked in Media and Communications, where he documented the work of successful non-profit organizations around the world. Through storytelling, he amplified their impact, revealed their challenges, and highlighted the supports necessary for their success. This background deeply informs his educational philosophy, blending narrative, advocacy, and transformative practice. Guided by the motto “our differences make us stronger,” Noel is continually inspired to nurture future generations, support local organizations, and strengthen individuals so that they, in turn, can strengthen their communities. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to equity, empowerment, and the belief that education is both a personal and collective path to liberation.

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Jessica Noel Kaun

Marketing Director

“Those who hear not the music think the dancer mad.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

With over 20 years of experience as a marketing and brand development specialist, Jessica has built a career helping organizations tell their story, grow their impact, and connect with the communities they serve. Beyond her professional expertise, she has always carried a deep passion for helping others—especially our youth—believing that investing in young people creates ripples of change for generations to come. Jessica is honored to be part of The Aligned Foundation’s mission and purpose, bringing both her creative expertise and her heart for service to support programs that strengthen minds, heal hearts, and build brighter futures.

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Aligned Foundation Mission

The Aligned Foundation empowers communities by fostering partnerships, building alliances, and implementing practices and programs that strengthen the mind, heal the heart, and nourish the body of individuals.

Aligned Foundation Vision

At the Aligned Foundation, we recognize that no human being has a choice as to where, when, to whom, or what circumstances they are born into! Anchored in acknowledging the inherent dignity of all people, and that communities thrive through equal access to holistic wellness and education, we help individuals nurture hope and see new possibilities through mindfulness learning, cultivating social capital, and developing tools to guide their reinvestment in uplifting their communities.

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Liberatory Consciousness

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” – James Baldwin.

With intentionality and hope, we nurture our awareness of the systems perpetuating oppression and accept that the journey to sustainable, equitable change is daunting and with many obstacles – We will not be deterred! 

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Community

“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too” –Paulo Coelho

Through mindfulness, gratitude, and wellness initiatives, we foster environments where individuals are empowered to help their communities thrive. 

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Holistic Health

“Our rope's strength is in each woven strand's health.” – Bantu Proverb

We see the whole person by prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being in all our programs and initiatives.

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Inclusivity

“Our differences make us stronger”

We see and welcome everyone! We recognize and value each person's unique story,

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Accessibility

“The only Disability is when people cannot see human potential.” – Debra Ruh

People move through and interact with the world is so many different ways. We are driven by ensuring all individuals regardless of their physical, developmental, or neurological difference,  have access to resources and equitable opportunities for personal growth and communal impact

Aligned Foundation Values

Get Involved

Donate: Your support fuels our research efforts and helps us continue developing life-changing health programs. Every dollar makes a difference—donate today to help us create a healthier future.

 

Join the Conversation: We are always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to collaborate with us. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, public health advocate, or community member, reach out to us and find out how you can contribute to this exciting project.

 

Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about the importance of public health in our community. Share our mission, get involved, and help us grow our impact.

 

Learn More: Want to dive deeper into our public health research? Contact us to find out more about the studies we’re conducting and how our work is shaping the future of health in New Orleans.

 

Together, we’re building healthier communities and a brighter tomorrow. Join us on this journey and make a lasting impact today!

Teamwork

Every Contribution Creates Change

The Aligned Foundation drives real impact, with donations directly funding programs that promote wellness, empowerment, and education. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives, we provide mindfulness education, social support, and wellness programs that nurture the mind, heal the heart, and nourish the body.

 

Your support helps us expand access, equity, and opportunity, ensuring individuals and communities have the foundation to thrive.

 

Make a difference and donate today!

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