Queen Nandi III Dr. Zeta Lyn Hayes-Gabriel

Her Majesty Dr. Zeta Lyn Hayes-Gabriel, PD, BCNP, CNMT

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The 3rd Reigning Queen of the Krewe of Nandi "The Complete Nandi Woman: Honor the Crown. Elevate the Sisterhood. Build the Legacy."

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Her Majesty Dr. Zeta Lyn Hayes-Gabriel stands as a radiant example of professional excellence, spiritual conviction, cultural legacy, and unwavering service. As the 3rd Queen of the Krewe of Nandi, her reign is a deeply personal, generational celebration of womanhood, community, and empowerment, rooted in faith, fortified by family, and inspired by the vibrant traditions of New Orleans.

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She has been married to Michael D. Gabriel for 25 years and is a devoted stepmother to Daishaun Gabriel, blending her roles as wife, stepmother, and community leader with grace and purpose.

 

A Legacy Rooted in Culture and Family

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Born to Alexander N. Hayes, Sr. and Greta Turbinton Hayes Richard, Zeta is a proud daughter of the Tremé community, just a block away from the historic New Orleans parade routes. Mardi Gras is in her bloodline—an annual family reunion, a cultural inheritance, and a lifelong celebration. Her earliest memories include marching in parades as an Eaglette and Majorette at McDonogh #35 Senior High School, where her grace and rhythm brought joy to every step. Mardi Gras meant truck rides with her father through the French Quarter, catching the Zulu and truck parades, and tossing beads with cousins from the front porch.

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This is not her first royal title. Zeta’s inaugural reign came in nursery school, complete with a float lovingly designed by her father and decorated by her uncle Harold. Her very first reign as a young queen was lovingly supported by her grandmother Pearl, who crafted and hand-beaded her dress—a treasured creation that reflected the family’s tradition of elegance, artistry, and generational pride. Today, she proudly wears the crown again, honoring their memory and celebrating a legacy of joy, leadership, and cultural pride that has shaped her from childhood.

 

Academic and Professional Distinction

 

Zeta’s pursuit of excellence in science and medicine is nothing short of extraordinary. She is a Board-Certified Nuclear Pharmacist and Nuclear Medicine Technologist, licensed to practice pharmacy in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Her educational journey includes:

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• McDonogh #35 Senior High School, Class of 1979

• St. Mary’s Dominican College, B.S. in Chemistry & Biology, 1983

• Alton Ochsner School of Allied Health Sciences, Nuclear Medicine Technology, 1984

• Xavier University College of Pharmacy, B.S. in 1990, She also earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree that same year, certified by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

 

With over 35 years of service at Cardinal Health Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions, Zeta has held the role of Managing Nuclear Pharmacist and has served as Chief Nuclear Pharmacist under contract for Ochsner Health Systems across Louisiana and Mississippi for eight years.

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Her commitment to education and mentorship is evident in her roles as Adjunct Professor at Xavier University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and William Carey College of Pharmacy in Mississippi. She also serves on the Delgado Community College Nuclear Medicine Technology Boardand trains future nuclear pharmacists and radiology residents from Tulane, LSU, and Ochsner.

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Faith and Service at Her Core

 

Zeta is a lifelong and faithful member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, where she has served for 28 years as a Catechism Instructor, nurturing young minds in faith, purpose, and service. In recognition of her spiritual leadership, she was awarded the Order of St. Louis Medallion by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

 

She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,where she serves the Rho Pi Omega Chapter as Parliamentarian, helping guide initiatives that uplift women and children in need across the region.

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Within the Krewe of Nandi, she is an active and beloved member, serving on the Community Service Committee, Coronation Committee, and as a proud part of the Niah Tribe,helping shape the very heart of the organization’s values and impact.

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The Crown and the Calling: A Platform for Empowerment

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Zeta reigns not only with elegance but with intention. Her platform, “The Complete Nandi Woman: Empowering Women for the Future,” is a clarion call to uplift, educate, and equip women to thrive across generations. Her initiatives include:

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• A Women’s Health Fair to promote wellness, screenings, and holistic self-care

• A Women’s Wealth Fair offering financial literacy, investing, and entrepreneurship resources

• Future Preparedness Seminars covering wills, insurance, estate planning, and legacy-building

 

These dynamic efforts embody the Krewe of Nandi’s guiding motto: “Love Her. Cherish Her. Empower Her.” Zeta lives these words daily, mentoring others, serving the community, and building spaces where women are celebrated and supported.

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Inspiration, Legacy, and Leadership

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Zeta draws daily inspiration from the legacy of Barack and Michelle Obama, adopting their mantra, “When they go low, we go high.” Her life is rooted in scripture:

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• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

• Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Outside of her professional and community endeavors, Zeta enjoys music, travel, and spending time with family. Her late cousin, composed music for the iconic Wild Magnolias,embedding music into the fabric of her family's Mardi Gras history.

 

A Reign to Remember

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As the 3rd Queen of the Krewe of Nandi, Her Majesty Zeta Lyn Hayes-Gabriel brings with her not only a crown, but a vision. A vision of women fully equipped mind, body, and soulto live purposefully, plan wisely, and celebrate boldly. Her reign is not just ceremonial it is transformational, drawing on the strength of generations and illuminating a path for those yet to come. In her leadership, Zeta does not simply wear the crown, she lifts others to wear theirs too.