Meet the First 504GOOD Fellow...

Behind the Scenes of The Inaugural 504GOOD Fellowship Award

By Tim Williamson

On Thursday June 12th, Lindsey Roussel and I walked into the Pontchartrain Hotel with a $5,000 check, a WIIW hat, and a quiet mission: to surprise someone who has been quietly transforming New Orleans - someone about to become the very first 504GOOD Fellow.

Awarding the 504GOOD Fellowship was a collective effort, organized alongside the person’s board members who helped set the stage for an unforgettable surprise.

We slid into a table at Silver Whistle Cafe next to our unsuspecting honoree. When he stepped away to grab a coffee, we placed the WIIW hat on the table. That’s when Board Chair, Ryan Berger, leaned over and asked with a grin:

“Do you know what the Nieux Society is?”

“No,” he replied.

Ryan dove into a valiant effort to explain Nieux Society—Web3, blockchain, crypto, AI… the whole buzzword buffet. (Note to self: time for a messaging refresh!)

I jumped in with the updated version:

“Nieux Society is a collective of 1,008 forward thinkers exploring what’s next—launching bold ideas into the world to inspire and elevate New Orleans.”

And that was the reason we were there: to honor someone who is making a real impact in New Orleans.

Introducing the 504GOOD Fellowship

504GOOD is how the Nieux Society gives back to the city we love. The 504GOOD Fellowship honors remarkable leaders whose work uplifts neighborhoods, transforms lives, and shapes the future of New Orleans—one bold act at a time.

Each 504GOOD Fellow receives:

• $5,000– No-Strings Grant for the individual to use in any way they determine.

• Nieux Society Membership – Connecting them to a global collective of entrepreneurs, artists, creators, mavericks and scholars.

• Private Recognition Dinner – A curated event with folks aligned with his goals for support and connections.

• Yearlong Visibility – Featured in Nieux Society’s newsletters, storytelling, and programming throughout the year.
  

Drumroll…And the Inaugural Fellow Is…

Lowrey Crews, Founder & CEO of The 18th Ward.

Lindsey read the following words to Lowery that made it official:

“The 504GOOD Fellowship exists to uplift those doing the everyday, extraordinary work of making New Orleans better. We’re proud to name Lowrey Crews, Founder & CEO of The 18th Ward, as our inaugural 504GOOD Fellow.

Lowrey is using the power of sports to do something far greater than organize games - he’s building bridges. By creating neighborhood-based leagues and mentorship programs, he’s working to connect young people across the city, foster new friendships, and strengthen the social fabric of New Orleans.

His mission is simple but transformative: make sure every kid in every zip code feels like they belong, have a team behind them, and are part of something bigger.

With growing partnerships and national recognition, Lowrey is proving that community change doesn’t have to start in the boardroom - it can start on a basketball court, a soccer field, or wherever people come together with purpose.

Lowrey represents what 504GOOD stands for: local leadership, authentic impact, and the deep belief that connection is the heart of change.”

Join us in celebrating Lowrey - and the many unsung heroes helping to make New Orleans a better place.

• Learn more about The 18th Ward

• Lowrey Crews: LinkedIn

• Podcast: “The 18th Ward” with Lowrey Crews

• Video: Hoda and Jenna surprise coach of The 18th Ward in New Orleans

• Video: League Organizer Lowery Crews shares his story on why his organization jumped at the chance to partner with MLS GO!

• New Orleans civic groups get nearly $2M to start new youth recreation programs

Gratitude + What’s Next

We received 24 inspiring nominations from across the Nieux Society Collective. We’re just getting started. The board has refined our process and ready for more. We will announce more Fellowships throughout the year. If you have a nomination, send them here.

Special thanks to the 504GOOD Board of Directors:

• Tim Williamson, Chairman

• Lindsey Roussel, Vice Chair

• Adam Wood, Secretary

• Josienne Goodrow, Treasurer

• Michael Mimeles, Board Member

504Good is a project created by NieuxCo to serve as a platform for Nieux Society to make a difference in the New Orleans community.

About NieuxCo: Founded in January 2022, NieuxCo builds and backs ventures that spark human connection and creativity. NieuxCo’s platform blends technology, real estate, and entrepreneurship: The Nieux (our home base); Nieux Society; Nieux Media; 504GOOD. For more information: https://www.nieux.com