MEET LUZ RANDOLPH, ED.D.
Occupation: Senior Vice President and Executive Director
Organization: City Year Baton Rouge
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
I was recruited to work at a higher education institution in Baton Rouge. Since then, I fell in love with the people, the culture and BR’s potential.
Tell us more about your involvement in Baton Rouge (job or organizations).
I am fortunate to lead an organization that closely aligns with my core values – City Year Baton Rouge. City Year Baton Rouge is a youth development organization fueled by young people tutoring and mentoring students to increase success in our schools and our community. The future of Baton Rouge and our great state lies with our young people. Because of my role, I’ve had the great opportunity to get involved with Leadership Baton Rouge Class of 2023 (BEST CLASS EVER!), ChangeMakers Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, Humanities Amped, and as a mentor for the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC).
What is your favorite thing about Baton Rouge?
Everyone speaks about BR’s food, and they should, but for me, it has been about the warmth and embrace of the people. I have not felt like an outsider since I arrived, with the exception of how I say Boudin. There is something about Baton Rouge and its people that draws people in.
How are young professionals like yourself shaping Baton Rouge, especially being a member of the Hispanic community in the Capital Region?
As an Afro-Latina, I take great pride in focusing on the people and our needs. A need by one demographic is felt by all. So, I am focused on making sure that I lend my voice and slight privilege to the causes that will help advance our Baton Rouge community and Louisiana.
What changes have you seen in inclusivity for Hispanic people across the BR Area? What changes would you like to see?
The rapid growth of the Hispanic community has made our leaders take notice. While some conversations are happening about the resources and support needed, I am looking forward to creating opportunities and avenues. For example, understanding that the Hispanic population is growing, creating a Hispanic Advisory Council where our mayor can receive real-time concerns from the community and advise on how to remedy such concerns possibly is beneficial.
What resources do you think Hispanic business owners in the Capital Region should utilize?
BRAC and the Hispanic Chamber .
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
· Place to eat: Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant
· Place to hang out: Either Main Lobby or Red Stick Social
· Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: The rooftop at Tsunami to get a great view of the bridge or the rooftop of Chimes by LSU
· Place to people watch: Downtown
· Place to network: Any of the BRAC, Leadership BR, or Forum 225 events or Myra Richardson’s Power Hours
· Way to give back: I give back in time, talent, and/or treasure. Giving back is about what aligns with your philanthropic dreams, be it with your time, talent, or treasure, and, luckily, Baton Rouge has so many options.
· Event: BR Parents’ favorite festival – City Year Baton Rouge’s School House Rock Festival!