LESLIE LACY : Executive Director

Leslie Lacy is the Founder and Executive Director of Fostering Hope Louisiana. She established the nonprofit organization in 2020 to address the mental health needs of children in foster care. Leslie’s legal experience includes representing parents and children in Child in Need of Care cases (CINC).


She enhanced her advocacy for children by obtaining certifications in family and divorce mediation, juvenile mediation, and the National Association of Counsel for Children’s Child Welfare Law Specialist certification. Leslie has substantial experience training Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and achieved several clients’ permanency determination from the Supreme Court of Louisiana.

  • Education and Certifications

    • NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist

    • Juvenile Mediation

    • Family and Divorce Mediation 

    • Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law, Louisiana State University

    • Washington Semester Program, American University 

    • Bachelor of Arts, International Affairs, Lafayette College

    • The Governor’s Academy

  • Professional Affiliations

    • Co-Treasurer, Inter Civic Council of Greater Baton Rouge

    • Member, Louisiana Alliance

    • Member, National Association of Counsel for Children

    • Member, Louisiana State Bar Association

  • Civic Involvement

    • Board of Trustees, The Governor’s Academy

    • Educator, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Outstanding Legal Advocate for 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. JAMES

FRUGE'

BOARD MEMBER

"A beautiful smile can positively impact many aspects of a person's life. I almost always see immediate changes in their confidence and self-esteem once treatment is started. That's the opportunity I want to offer these children."

Cleveland
wester

BOARD MEMBER

"We can help children smile and feel confident about themselves. We’ve got this one chance."

DR. BETTYE
MASHACK

BOARD MEMBER

"What a joy it is to be a part of this process of giving a child a gift that can last a lifetime!"

SHARON
NORWOOD

BOARD MEMBER

"I am committed to the betterment of foster children and their foster care experience, which is also the mission of FHL; that’s why I’m here."

Judge CURTIS

CALLOWAY (ret)

BOARD MEMBER

"We are helping children who would not otherwise get help. Success is supporting one child at a time."

ROB
DELENA

BOARD MEMBER

"I’ve loved FHL’s mission ever since I heard it. I want to do everything possible to bridge gaps and make a difference."

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