A Partnership with Louisiana’s Office of the Governor, the Lamar Foundation,
Louisiana State University, Southern University and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation

The Governor’s Fellows Program in Louisiana Government is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, and earn three hours of academic credit through LSU’s Department of Public Administration.

Each Fellow is assigned to a cabinet-level agency in Baton Rouge. Fellows will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by collaborating with agency leaders on existing projects, observing firsthand the Governor’s leadership strategies and learning how state policies are developed. 

Fellows will also participate in a weekly speaker series, regular academic courses scheduled by LSU, and trips through Louisiana designed to enhance their overall experience and understanding of state government and current affairs.   

Requirements for Participation:

  • The fellowships are open to students attending a Louisiana institution and Louisiana residents enrolled in out-of-state accredited institutions.
  • Good academic standing
  • Demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service, volunteerism and political involvement
  • Ethical standards, including professional discretion and adherence to confidentialities
  • Strong commitment to personal growth, good government and nonpartisanship
  • Fellows are expected to participate in all Fellow’s activities throughout the duration of the program. This includes LSU classes & course work, activities with Fellows Cohort, between 20-40 hours of work within assigned executive agencies per week, and other opportunities that may arise.
  • Failure to adhere to the above requirements may result in removal from the Fellowship and loss of the stipend.

Classification Requirements:

  • Undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year
  • Graduate students who have completed at least one year of their degree program (e.g., MPA, JD, MSW, etc.);
  • In addition to graduate and undergraduate students, students who have completed at least one academic year at a two-year college and are at least 21 years of age may apply for the Fellows Program

Benefits to participating Fellows:

  • Student housing on LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge. (participants are encouraged to stay on campus)
  • Three hours of course credit offered through Louisiana State University’s Department of Public Administration
  • Up to a $1,500 stipend for additional expenses

Alexander Engstrom
Alexander Engstrom
Department of Economic Development

Alexander Engstrom is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a Junior at The Louisiana Scholars College on the campus of Northwestern State University. Alex is pursuing a double major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and Humanities and Social Thought. He has previously worked as a House Page for Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman. Alex is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha (Health and Safety), Student Government Association (Speaker of the Senate), and Founder of “Demons in Government” at Northwestern State University. In his spare time, Alex enjoys reading old books. After graduating college, he plans to pursue a Masters in Homeland Security followed by a career in public service.

Dana Bailey
Dana Bailey
Department of Children and Family Services

Dana Bailey is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a rising Senior double majoring in Social Work and Public Administration at Southern University in New Orleans. Dana is a first-generation college student serving a second term as President of the Student Government Association. She previously served as an Inaugural President of the Knight Ambassadors and currently serves as a student member on the Southern University Board of Supervisors. Dana is active in many organizations, including Student Government Association, SGA Chief Justice, Editor in Chief and Managing News Editor of the SUNO Observer, President of the Student of Social Work, spring 23 Inductee of the Xi Phi Chapter of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, and Inductee of the Delta Psi Chapter of Nu Phi Omicron Music and Service Fraternity. She is also a member of The National Association of Black Social Workers and has been a scholar with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund since 2022. After graduation, Dana plans to attend law school.

Pierce Bewley
Pierce Bewley
Louisiana Department of Health

Pierce Bewley is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a Sophomore at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, pursuing a Business major and a minor in Religion with a focus on Christianity. Pierce worked at Ochsner’s STAR Summer Scholars Program in New Orleans, Louisiana, and an intern with Hellman Yates law firm in Charleston, South Carolina. He volunteered with Friends of New Orleans Public Library, a non-profit organization supporting teens with cancer and participated in the Covenant House New Orleans sleepout, a non-profit organization that provides aid to the homes and trafficked. In his free time, Pierce enjoys reading, golf, tennis, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and working on his grandparent’s farm. Pierce plans to attend grad school a pursue a career in health administration and hospital management. A long-term goal of his is to invest and expand in his family’s restaurant business.

Caleb Rashad Jones
Caleb Rashad Jones
Louisiana Department of Health

Caleb Rashad Jones is a native of Plaquemine, Louisiana. He recently graduated from the University of Lafayette, with a degree in political science and a minor in history. He previously worked as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation State Farms Communications Intern, Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center Undergraduate Research, US House of Representatives, Louisiana District 2 Leadership Seminar, Center for Planning Excellence Model Solar Ordinance Intern, Dudley DeBosier Intern, and as an 18th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court’s Office Intern. Rashad volunteered at Step-up Louisiana Community Organizer, Black Male Leadership Association Member, AmeriCorps Collegiate Service Member, and Executive Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi-Kappa XI Chapter. In his spare time, Rashad enjoys competitive chess, golf, and political philosophy. He plans to attend law school.

Daimon Choate
Daimon Choate
Department of Transportation and Development

Daimon Choate is a native of Pecan Island, Louisiana. He is a Senior at Louisiana State University, and a member of the Louisiana State University Ogden’s Honors College. Daimon is majoring in Psychology with a pre-law focus. He participated in the Senior Citizen Outreach Program through Project 225 at Louisiana State University and volunteered for the Baton Rouge senior citizen community by attending events for the residents of Oak Park Plaza. Daimon also worked as a legal intern at Murphy Law Firm. During his spare time, Daimon enjoys cooking, traveling, music and socializing with friends and family. After graduating college, he plans to attend law school.

George Dial
George Dial
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

George Dial is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a Senior at Louisiana State University, where he majors in Coastal Environmental Science. George is a Team leader in the Marine Corps Reserves in an infantry platoon. He has worked at an environmental law firm and loves working to improve Louisiana and making a difference to save Louisiana’s deteriorating coastal environment. George is an Executive Board Member at Louisiana State University Pre-Law Society. He served on the Member Review Board and was a Co-Rush Chair of Tau Kappa Epsilon. In his free time, George enjoys running, most recently in the Louisiana Marathon, and reading about military history. After graduating college, he plans to attend law school.

Kori Toliver
Kori Toliver
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Kori Toliver is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a 2024 Graduate of Southern University A&M College with a dual degree in Mass Communications and Criminal Justice. Kori previously worked as a Chanel Retail Marketing Specialist and was also an Intern Law Clerk at a law firm in New Orleans. She has volunteered for the Institute for Human Development, a non-profit organization. Kori was also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists at Southern University, a member of Southern University NAACP, a member of the Southern University Criminal Justice Club, and a member of the Southern University Mass Comm Club. Kori plans to pursue a Master’s of Social Sciences in Government and enroll in law school in the Fall of 2025.

Coleman Goodman
Coleman Goodman
Louisiana Workforce Commission

Coleman Goodman is a native of DeQuincy, Louisiana. He is a Senior at Louisiana State University, where he majors in Political Communication with minors in Political Science and Business Administration. Cole worked as a student worker in the Louisiana Senate documents and records office. He currently serves in student government as the Manship School college council president, a member of the public relations committee of the student philanthropy council, and previously served as the marketing director of Phi Alpha Delta law and politics fraternity, and a member of Geaux vote LSU. In his spare time, Cole enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. After graduating college, he plans to pursue a career in public policy and governmental affairs.

Gabrielle Joffrion
Gabrielle Joffrion
Department of Energy and Natural Resources

Gabrielle Joffrion is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is a rising Senior at Mount St. Mary’s University, where she majors in Political Science and minors in Criminal Justice and History. Gabrielle is a member of the Division 1 swim team at the Mount where she has been named to the MAAC’s All-Academic Team three times. She has been named to either the Dean or President’s list every semester and also named as a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. Gabrielle served as an Intern to United States Senator John Kennedy and most recently served as Vice President of the Turning Point USA chapter at her university, and a Junior Mountaineer Peer Mentor for underprivileged students in Fredrick, Maryland. After graduation, Gabrielle plans to attend law school.

Lillian Noland
Lillian Noland
Department of Energy and Natural Resources

Lillian Noland is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is currently a rising Senior at Louisiana State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Energy. Lily’s professional experience includes interning for the Speaker of the House under Schexnayder and DeVillier. Additionally, she was selected as the intern for the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. Lily is an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha, where she has served as the Alumnae-Collegiate Coordinator and Assistant Treasurer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and is the founder and president of an all-women’s book club affiliated with LSU. Upon graduation, Lily aspires to pursue a career in public policy or policy advisement, with a particular focus on environmental and energy issues.

Isaac Kim
Isaac Kim
Department of Administration

Isaac Kim is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. He is a Junior at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Government. Isaac has worked as a Congressional Intern at the Office of Speaker Mike Johnson in Washington, D.C. and works as an Orchestra Manager at the Georgetown University Orchestra. He also plays in the First Baptist Church of Lafayette’s orchestra. In his spare time, Isaac enjoys playing trumpet and piano, reading, going to the gym, and watching soccer. After graduating college, he plans to attend law school.

Ashton Lee
Ashton Lee
Louisiana National Guard

Ashton Lee is a native of Loranger, Louisiana. He is a Junior at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is majoring in Political Science and Educational Studies with a minor in Religion and Politics. Ashton has worked as an Admissions Intern at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University. He served as Vice President of Engagement in WashU’s Student Union, an Interfaith Fellow, SIR Global Studies Society, and competed on the WashU Mock Trial Team. In his spare time, Ashton enjoys traveling, watching television series and films, and keeping up with elections at all levels. After graduating college, he plans to attain a Master’s in Public Policy and pursue a career in policy development and political consulting.

Vanessa Valadez Luevano
Vanessa Valadez Luevano
Board of Regents

Vanessa Luevano is a native of Houma, Louisiana. She is a Senior at Nicholls State University, where she majors in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. Vanessa founded and owned Taqueria Primos in Labadieville, Louisiana. She translates for a local Hispanic community and also the mass communication department at Nicholls State University and the Salvation Army. Vanessa is the President of Co-ed Latino Interest Fraternity Alpha Psi Lambda, previously Associate Member Educator. In her spare time, she enjoys pottery, reading, and movies. After graduating college, Vanessa plans to attend law school, and pursue government work, and diplomacy.

Darian McCorvey
Darian McCorvey
Louisiana State Police

Darian McCorvey is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana. She is a Graduate Student at Louisiana State University, pursuing a Master’s in History, Early Reconstruction Period. She previously worked as a legal assistant at the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office. Darian has volunteered with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) and St. Landry-Evangeline Sunrise Rotary of Opelousas. In her spare time, Darian enjoys traveling, pickleball, and watching House of the Dragon. After graduate school, Darian plans to become a college professor and/or political analyst.

Maximo Valobra
Maximo Valobra
Department of Revenue

Maximo Valobra is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a Junior at Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business, in Dallas, Texas, where he is pursuing a major in Finance and a minor in Italian. Maximo has worked for Louisiana’s Senator John Kennedy in Washington, D.C. He has also volunteered for Children Cancer Research fundraisers as well as Second Harvest. Maximo served as Social Chair of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Southern Methodist University. His hobbies include soccer, car racing, and skiing. After graduating college, Maximo plans to work in Commercial Real Estate.

Jaden York
Jaden York
Governor's Office of Disability Affairs

Jaden York is a native of Saint Gabriel, Louisiana. He is a Sophomore at Southern University and majoring in Political Science. Jaden previously worked as SULC Chancellor’s Office Intern and as an apprentice of John Bel Edwards Admin Indian Affairs. His volunteer work includes City of Saint Gabriel Youth Advisor, Emergency Medical Responder Certification, SGA Freshman Class Chief-of-Staff, Mr. National African American Association of Honors Programs, Collegiate 100, Vacation Bible School Teacher, a Keynote Speaker at Jaguar Success Academy Ceremony, and has spoken to Woodlawn Middle School Students. Jaden enjoys working out, painting, and reading. After graduating college, he plans to attend law school.

Kelly Sullivan
Kelly Sullivan
Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Kelly Sullivan was born in New Orleans, and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana. Kelly, a rising senior at Louisiana State University, is studying Political Science on the Pre-Law track with a minor in philosophy. Kelly is an involved student on campus, as the President of College Republicans of LSU and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Previous to the fellowship program, traveled the American south working for various successful campaigns, including Governor Landry's campaign in 2023. Following the program, she plans to continue working with GOHSEP and hopes to further her education in law school.

For questions or further information, please email GovernorsFellows@la.gov.