Helena Moreno, the first Hispanic person to be elected as mayor of New Orleans, was sworn in on Monday, Jan. 12. 

In her first speech as mayor, Moreno expressed hope for the future of New Orleans. 

“We must have deep, real, sincere faith on what New Orleans can be, because that type of faith calls us to action. It calls us to be all in for New Orleans,” she said.

Moreno, who campaigned on promises such as smoother streets, crime reduction, and affordability, said “We can’t keep doing things the same and expect a different result. It’s time for a new direction for New Orleans, a new direction to realize that New Orleans that we all want, one that is rich with culture and also opportunity.”

Former Vice-President Kamala Harris swore in the new mayor. 

Harris, who referred to Moreno as a “dear friend,” referred to her as “a dedicated public servant who believes in the dignity of all working families.”

At the end of the ceremony, New Orleans musician Dawn Richard sang her song, “All In,” which served as the theme of Moreno’s inauguration.