Strengthening Leadership Across Louisiana: Executive Leadership Workshop Recap

On February 3, 2026, Louisiana CASA welcomed executive leaders from every local CASA program across the state to Baton Rouge for our annual Executive Leadership Workshop. Hosted at Red Stick Social, this full-day gathering brought together statewide leadership for connection, collaboration, and strategic conversation focused on advancing CASA’s mission.

Designed to strengthen leadership at every level, the workshop featured inspiring speakers, timely updates from state partners, and facilitated discussions that encouraged shared learning and alignment across the CASA network. One of the most powerful aspects of this year’s workshop was the presence of leadership from all local CASA programs statewide. Having executive leaders together in one room created space for meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and relationship-building, reinforcing the strength of CASA as a unified statewide network.

Session Highlights

The day began with an inspiring keynote from Jacquise “JT” Terry, Campus Pastor and leader of the Healing Place Church Dream Center. In this session, JT challenged leaders to think beyond titles and lead with intention, authenticity, and heart. His message centered on impact-driven leadership and the responsibility leaders carry to serve with purpose, setting a strong and motivating tone for the day.

CASA leaders then joined Rebecca Harris, Louisiana DCFS Secretary, and Haley Williams, Louisiana DCFS Deputy Secretary, for an open discussion about Louisiana’s child welfare system. This session created space for dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration, allowing local programs to hear updates directly from DCFS leadership and engage in meaningful conversation around system-level work.

Jolie Williamson, Director of Children’s Programs and Executive Director of the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet, shared updates from the Governor’s Office on statewide initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children and families. Her presentation highlighted cross-agency collaboration and the importance of aligning efforts to support Louisiana’s most vulnerable children.

The workshop concluded with statewide updates and a facilitated roundtable discussion led by Louisiana CASA Executive Director Amanda Moody, Storm Ehlers, Deputy Judicial Administrator with the Louisiana Supreme Court, and Mohannad Kalboneh with the Louisiana Supreme Court CASA Assistance Program. This session encouraged open conversation, questions, and shared insights among local program leaders, fostering collaboration and alignment across the network.

Moving Forward Together

By the end of the day, participants left informed, energized, and better equipped to lead their programs and advocate for children across Louisiana. The conversations and connections made during the workshop will continue to shape statewide collaboration and strengthen local advocacy efforts in the year ahead.

Louisiana CASA extends sincere thanks to all who attended, shared their perspectives, and contributed to a productive and engaging day. Your leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our collective impact.