↳ The Game Changer
Louisiana Kids Matter Campaign
Julie Talbot
Deputy Director, Political Development
Raised in a rural community in north Louisiana, Julie comes from a family deeply rooted in public education — both of her parents were teachers at the school she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade. Inspired by a commitment to public service, she began her career in Washington, D.C., serving six years on the staff of U.S. Congressman Jim McCrery before working for Louisiana Governor Mike Foster. These formative experiences shaped her understanding of public policy, governance, and principled leadership.
After relocating to New Orleans with her husband, Kirk Talbot, and started their own family Julie continued her commitment to education and community engagement through roles in school development and nonprofit leadership at her two children’s school. She later served as Director of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s nonprofit foundation, where she focused on expanding career pathways for Louisiana students and strengthening connections between education and workforce opportunity.
For the past four years, Julie has led a Student Tuition Organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity. Under her leadership, the program grew from providing 20 scholarships annually to more than 580 scholarships in a single year — dramatically increasing access and choice for Louisiana families.
A lifelong advocate for educational opportunity, Julie is passionate about empowering families and strengthening communities. Her deep Louisiana roots, combined with her experience in public service, political strategy, and nonprofit growth, position her to make a significant impact in Louisiana.
More about Julie Talbot
I aspire to be like Coach Kim Mulkey. Here's why:
I aspire to be like Kim Mulkey because of her relentless competitiveness, unwavering confidence, and ability to build championship-level teams. She leads with passion and holds high standards, Her boldness and belief in herself show me the importance of standing firm in who you are, working hard for what you want, and leading with both intensity and purpose. Also love her "flashy" style.
Why I love my job:
I love my job because I get to be part of something bigger than myself. Louisiana is on the cutting edge of educational change, and that’s incredibly energizing. For years, our state has been listed last in education—but instead of accepting that narrative, we are rewriting it. Being part of a movement that is determined to lift Louisiana from the bottom to the top of the scale fills me with purpose and pride. Every effort, every initiative, and every small win feels meaningful because it contributes to lasting change for students, families, and communities across the state.
My connection to public schools:
As a proud graduate of a small rural public school, my connection to public education runs deep. My parents, grandparents, and siblings all served as educators in our community, instilling in me a profound respect for the role schools play in shaping lives. I was involved in nearly every aspect of school life — serving as class president, playing multiple sports, and participating in every club offered. That experience, rooted in community, opportunity, and commitment, helped shape the person I am today.
What I’m bad at:
Keeping a straight face. I do love to smile and now the "laugh" lines are really starting to show.
The image that represents why I work at 50CAN:
I chose this image of two of my most charismatic kindergartners. It captures the heart of why I do this work—real students with bright futures ahead of them. Their curiosity and joy remind me that every policy decision and campaign effort ultimately impacts children like them. This photo grounds my work at 50CAN in what matters most: creating better opportunities for kids from the very start of their educational journey.
Get to know Julie Talbot's Coworkers
