Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Today marks two years with Leah Taylor, BRAF’s director of civic leadership! 🎉

Through her work, Leah helps strengthen partnerships and support civic leadership efforts that serve communities across the Capital Region.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at BRAF, Leah shared: "Working with people—our team, colleagues at the Foundation, and our partners—and understanding what it truly means to collaborate and work in partnership with the leaders and communities on the front lines of social change across the Capital Region. I don't take that lightly and count it a privilege and blessing to do the work I'm able to do."

Leah brings thoughtfulness, purpose and care to her work each day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Southeast Louisiana, and finding inspiration through art, music, film and books by artists and writers of color.

Congratulations, Leah! We are grateful to have you on the team! 💙

Tracy White of Cox Communications, Kellie Duhon of Louisiana Blue, and Jan Ross of the Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation joined our Development Fellows last week for a session on Corporate Philanthropy and Foundations.

Together, they shared insight into how corporations and foundations approach giving, build meaningful partnerships, and support nonprofit work across the community. Their perspectives offered fellows a deeper understanding of the funding landscape and the relationship-building skills essential to effective fundraising.

Thank you to our presenters for investing your time and experience in our Fellows!

Learn more about the professional fellowships and services offered through the Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence at braf.org/nonprofits.

Today, we are proud to celebrate Debbie Pickell, BRAF’s chief financial officer, on 28 years with the Foundation! 🎉

For nearly three decades, Debbie has played an important role in supporting BRAF’s work behind the scenes, helping steward the financial operations that make the Foundation’s community impact possible.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at BRAF, Debbie shared:
“It’s rewarding to look back over the past 28 years and see the lasting impact of the many projects and initiatives BRAF has helped make possible. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues and generous donors who truly care about making our community better.”

When she is not working, Debbie enjoys traveling with her family to visit state capitols, with only four left to complete all 50 states! She is also an avid reader and a member of the Downtown Library’s book club. In the evenings, she enjoys unwinding by the fire pit with her husband.

Congratulations, Debbie, and thank you for 28 years of service to our community!

Celebrating 9 years with Sarah Gardner, BRAF’s vice president of communications! 🎉

Sarah leads the Foundation’s communications with creativity, care and a deep understanding of BRAF’s mission. Through storytelling, strategy and a strong sense of voice, she helps share the people, partnerships and initiatives shaping the Capital Region.

Around BRAF, Sarah is a positive presence known for her creative mind, thoughtfulness and steady leadership. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, concerts, sports, reading, napping and spending time with animals. She also enjoys gardening, although her current foster dog has turned the yard into more of an obstacle course than a garden.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at BRAF, Sarah shared:
“I really enjoy working at BRAF because I know that each and every day, someone in our office has made a positive difference in someone else’s life. BRAF is full of good people doing important, impactful work. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Thank you, Sarah, for all you do to lift up the work happening across our community. Congratulations on 9 years! 💙