Zenia Smith – Founder & President

Born and raised in New Orleans, Zenia Smith has lived and breathed a life of service and community. From cheering on parades along St. Charles Avenue as a child to marching as a proud Xavier Prep flag girl, her love for the culture runs deep.

A trailblazer with a passion for people, Zenia has worn many crowns—rider, float lieutenant, and history-maker as the first African American Queen of a major Superkrewe (Nyx 2017). Through every experience, she carried one mission: to create space for women to be celebrated, empowered, and seen.

As a 20-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department, Zenia understands the intersection of safety, community, and celebration. In 2018, she founded the Krewe of Nefertiti Foundation as a movement—not just to parade, but to serve. Under her leadership, the Krewe made history in 2020 as the first to roll through New Orleans East in over 30 years, reigniting joy and pride in one of the city’s most underrepresented communities.

Zenia leads with heart, purpose, and unapologetic flair. Through the Nefertiti Foundation, she continues to uplift women, serve her city, and celebrate culture—one act of kindness (and one sequin) at a time.