Louisiana First Lady Donna Hutto Edwards has long been active in her community, supporting various civic organizations, schools and church groups. Early in her marriage, she worked with military families whose loved ones were being deployed while now Gov. John Bel served as an Army Infantry Airborne Ranger.
As first lady, she advocates for teachers, public education, music, art and movement education. An entrepreneur and children’s book author, she has published A Bandit in the Mansion series and will soon release the inspirational scripture and prayer desk calendar, God’s Daily Grace. It was her deep commitment to serving her community and the state of Louisiana that led to the launch of her blog, Loving Louisiana and the Louisiana First Foundation in 2017.
The Louisiana First Foundation supports three causes dear to her heart. Teach MAM (Music, Art and Movement) is an initiative that encourages Louisiana schools to include the three disciplines as part of their core curriculum. Louisiana Fosters helps connect foster children and parents with local, government and faith leaders, and it’s through this platform that she started the statewide campaign, “One Church, One Family, One Child.” Lastly, human sex trafficking prevention and awareness is something she is very passionate about.
She also hosts Virtual School Visits with the First Lady that enables her to interact with students in every corner of the state. First Lady Edwards has also made it her mission to restore and preserve the history and beauty of the Governor’s Mansion and gardens, making it a place that the people of Louisiana are proud to call their own. You can learn more by visiting LouisianaFirstFoundation.com. It’s a resource for teachers, children, parents and everyone interested in learning more about Louisiana.