Kristen M. Dufauchard

Storyteller • Strategist • Connector

Kristen Dufauchard is the dynamic Founder and CEO of aKrewe NOLA Consulting and current Director of Marketing and Communications at French Quarter Festivals, Inc., where she develops comprehensive strategies that celebrate and preserve New Orleans' rich cultural heritage while generating over $300M in economic impact.

With over a decade of experience in marketing, brand experience, and event strategy, Kristen specializes in creating immersive cultural experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Her expertise spans mission-based marketing in higher education, cultural institutions, and corporate environments, consistently aligning organizational objectives with authentic audience engagement.

At aKrewe NOLA Consulting, Kristen has orchestrated 15 high-impact events and counting, engaging over 2,500 attendees and securing $50K in strategic sponsorships by developing compelling brand alignment opportunities. Her innovative approach to community-building has created a thriving network of more than 2,000 members—predominantly Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, women, and their allies—who collaborate and elevate each other's businesses.

Throughout her career at prestigious institutions including Nielsen, New York University, Lone Star College, and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Kristen has demonstrated exceptional crisis communications, audience development, and mission amplification skills. She built and led NYU's communications department while spearheading crisis strategy during COVID-19, created scalable marketing systems that increased engagement across platforms, and executed award-winning digital campaigns that delivered measurable results.

Recognized as a 2024 Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Fellow, 2024 Advertising Club of New York Rockstar, and recipient of multiple leadership awards, Kristen isn't just building a business—she's cultivating a movement that champions inclusivity, diversity, and cultural preservation while leaving an indelible mark on the communities she serves.