Building Stronger Communities Together
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and expanding opportunity across rural Louisiana and beyond.
Our Purpose
The formal mission and legal foundation of Betterment of Rural Lives
This organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
This corporation is organized exclusively for the purpose of furthering the common good and general welfare of distressed people and communities and for bringing about civic betterments, economic, and social improvements.
The corporation (Pursuant to the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statue – Title 12, Chapter 1, 2 and 3) shall encourage activities and programs calculated to better living conditions and bring relief to the poor in the state of Louisiana, the nation, and throughout the world.
The corporation shall not be empowered to participate or intervene in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide every decision we make
Compassion First
We serve with dignity, empathy, and respect for every individual and family we encounter.
Community-Powered
Solutions are built with the people we serve, ensuring programs meet real needs.
Equity & Access
Everyone deserves opportunity and wellness, regardless of their zip code or circumstances.
Sustainable Impact
We create change that lasts, building capacity within communities for long-term success.
Our Leadership
Meet the dedicated team bringing our mission to life
Kenya Iverson
Director, President & Founder
Kenya Iverson is a dedicated Council member for District 1 in Ringgold, LA, located in Bienville Parish. She currently serves as the Access Service Manager and Project Coordinator at LSU Health Shreveport Medical Library.
In addition to her library responsibilities, Kenya is a Trustee on the Bienville Parish Library Board and the founder and President of Betterment of Rural Lives. She is also a licensed Funeral Director and actively involved in community service as the First Vice President of the Ringgold branch of the NAACP and Vice President of the Bienville Parish 4-H Board.
Kenya holds a Master of Science in Human Resources (2020) and a Master of Business Administration (2022) from Strayer University. She earned her undergraduate degrees from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2001 and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2002.
Her professional affiliations include serving on the LaSSAL Executive Board and as the President of the Louisiana Library Association for 2023-24. She is also the Secretary of the Louisiana Library Association and the Chair of the DEI Ad-Hoc Committee for the South-Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association (2023-2025).
Board of Directors & Officers
SHERRY HOWARD
Treasurer, Director
MARVA MOORE-WASHINGTON
Director, Vice-President
MIYA DOUGLAS
Secretary, Director
CREOLA SHEPPARD
Officer
EMILY HORAN
Officer
GWEN SORRELL
Officer
BAOCHAU TRUONG
Officer
LASHONDA ROBERSON
Officer
Get In Touch
Interested in partnering with us or volunteering? We'd love to hear from you.