Meet The Founders

The women behind it all. These three ladies have deep Louisiana roots and they have a love for Mardi Gras. They come with more than 18 years of experience in building a Mardi Gras Krewe and even more passion for impacting their community!

Stephanie LaFleur was born in jazzy New Orleans and raised in Lafayette La, so Mardi Gras runs through her blood! She has been a Houston resident since 2012 and has always had a burning desire to bring her roots to the great state of Texas!

Raised in the restaurant industry, Stephanie has been a cake artist and Cajun food caterer since she was 16 years old. Bringing the authentic Cajun cuisine creativity to KREWE de HOU!

Shes a mom of 3 amazing young adults, Logan, Connor & Lauren. Her most favorite thing to do is travel the world and camping with her husband Mark. She's always down for a good time!

Sarah Derouen has been a photographer for  more than 10 years. She has a passion for making people feel confident in their skin! 

Since 2006,  she has been heavily involved with a Louisiana Mardi Gras krewe, she was Queen in 2014 and recently became Head of Communications. She has been attending balls since she was  17 years old.  With that said, she brings lots of experience to KREWE de HOU and is said to be event made! 

She was born and raised in Lafayette, LA, but in summer 2023, she became a Houston resident. She is a wife to Kyle Derouen and mom to Kaden and Marley. When she’s not working her passions, she’s enjoying quality time with her husband and kids. Sarah enjoys working out, playing golf and staying active to keep her health and youth.  

Laiez a lay bon temp rouler. 

Meghan Du Plessis, has been peeling crawfish since before crawfish were cool!  

Meghan is a marketing director for a Houston-based oil and gas company, bringing more than 20 years of marketing and public relations  experience to the KREWE.  
Her family is from Houma, LA and she’s been attending Mardi Gras’ as long as she can remember.  A Houston native, with Cajun roots!   She’s been peeling crawfish longer than crawfish have been cool.
When she’s not working her “desk” job she enjoys traveling the world with her husband, and their 15- and 17-year-old kids.  Their  most recent adventure explored Cape Town and spotting four of the big five at Pilanesberg National Park.  Meghan enjoys a good glass of wine, but she doesn’t mind a bad glass of wine as well.  She cherishes the memories made with her friends and family and  that is what inspires Meghan to live her best life.

Pictured Top: Madison Marr.I am on my way to achieving a PH.D. in the Occupational Therapy field. I would be the first in my family to enter the health field and get an advanced degree. I love helping others and improving their lives, which I aim to achieve as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I am also in training to become certified in American Sign Language to communicate with Deaf children and families who may need to be in Occupational Therapy. I currently am a student interpreter at my church and volunteer at many things within and outside the church. This year, I am a senior in high school; however, I attend the Celina campus of Collin College every morning for my classes. In August of 2024, I will be attending the Honors College at Abilene Christian University!

Pictured Bottom: Hello! My name is Neani Dansby. I am an 18 year old young woman who enjoys daily yoga, reading, nature, and volunteering. I also love learning Spanish, and I plan to become fluent in the language, culture and history. I am the current Vice President of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, a national organization devoted to promoting careers that directly benefit the community, and I am also a member of the National Honor Society. My current career interests involve environmental sciences, nutrition, nonprofit services, and animal rescue. As I am navigating this new and often scary journey of becoming an adult, I am truly grateful for my best friend, my family, and my local volunteer group for helping me flourish into who I am today. I aim to be an inspiration to those who are unsure of how their actions as an individual will impact the world. I wish to be living proof that devoting oneself to the wellbeing of others is the most enriching lifestyle one can possibly pursue. Thank you to all of the scholarship creators for your time and consideration when reviewing my applications!