2026 Governor's Felllows

Amari Baham

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services

Amari Baham is a native of Mandeville, Louisiana. She is currently a Junior majoring in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice at Southern University and A&M College. She is a member of the Dolores Spikes Honors College and has consistently maintained a strong academic record while balancing leadership, service, and mentorship roles on campus and in the community. Amari currently serves as Chief of Staff for SPARK Baton Rouge and Juvenile Justice Co-Chair for the NAACP, where she is committed to advocating for youth, promoting community engagement, and creating initiatives that support underserved populations. Through her involvement in mentorship and service programs, she has developed a passion for leadership, civic engagement, and creating meaningful change within her community. After graduation, Amari plans to pursue a career in public policy with a focus on juvenile justice and advocacy for at-risk youth.

Jeffrey Barker

Louisiana State Police

Jeffrey Barker is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is an upcoming senior at Louisiana Tech University, where he studies Cyber Engineering. Jeffrey graduated from University Laboratory School and has been actively involved in leadership and service throughout his college career. He has served as both President and Treasurer of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and is also a member of the Association of Cyber Engineers. In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys going to the gym, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Patrick Barry

Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections

Patrick Barry is a Lafayette native with deep roots in the community. He attends school at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science whilst working part time at Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe. Serving scoops on the side is just part of the story as he has frequently helped the Diamond and Silk campaign through volunteer work to

make a positive change in his country. Patrick hopes one day to open his own Law Firm and perhaps move on to Public Administration but first comes Graduation and Law School.

Ava Lowe

Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy

Ava Lowe, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a rising sophomore at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where she majors in Mass Communications. She is a graduate from Academy of the Sacred Heart. She is an active member of Pi Beta Phi where she serves as a censor. She currently serves as the Secretary for the LSU Community Council and holds an executive leadership position as the Censor for the Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she manages compliance and member accountability. Ava has volunteered over one-hundred service hours. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.

Landon Blache

Louisiana National Guard/Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Landon Blache is a native of Baton Rouge and a Political Science major at Southern University and A&M College. During his time at Southern, Landon has served as a Student representative for the university on the Louisiana Board of Regents Power- Based Violence Task Force and as an officer in Southern University’s Model United Nations Club. Currently, Landon is continuing his education at Southern University while maintaining a 3.4 GPA and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Passionate about justice and public service, he aspires to become an attorney in the state of North Carolina, where he hopes to make a memorable impact through the legal profession.

Cruz Cassard

LA Works

Cruz Cassard is the Student Body President at Nicholls State University, where he was recently reelected unopposed to serve a second term. A Political Science major expected to graduate in May 2027, he has been recognized with the Nicholls State University Political Science Citizenship Award, the highest honor awarded within his major. In addition to his work on campus, Cruz serves as the Student Member of the Career Alignment Task Force for the UL System, Chairman of the Legislative and Academic Affairs Committee for the Council of Student Body Presidents, and Service-Learning Coordinator for the University of Louisiana System Student Advisory Council. He previously served as a Legislative Aide to the Chairman of Senate Education during the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana State Senate and as Policy Director for a State Senate campaign.

Everett deBlieux

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Everett deBlieux, a native of Baton Rouge, attends the University of Notre Dame, where he majors in the Program of Liberal Studies, the university’s Great Books program, and minors in Business Economics. He works as a student manager for Notre Dame football, traveling with the team to film practices and games, and sits on the Program of Liberal Studies Student Advisory Committee, where he helps shape program initiatives and faculty hiring recommendations. Everett’s experience includes operating a landscaping business in Baton Rouge, serving alongside the Franciscans of the Eucharist in Chicago, IL, and interning in the office of US Senator Bill Cassidy and at Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers. After graduation, he plans to attend law school.

Noah Ellender

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Noah Ellender is originally from Lake Charles. He is currently enrolled at Louisiana State University, where he is studying business and finance and will enter his junior year in the fall. Noah has spent years giving back to his community through volunteerism and public service while pursuing opportunities in leadership and professional development. With experience in law, healthcare, and business environments, he has developed a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for serving others and his community.

Louis Cohn

Louisiana Division of Administration

Louis Cohn is a native of Slidell, Louisiana and a recent graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Louis was named UL Lafayette’s Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Political Science and the Southwestern Phi Beta Kappa Patricia Kennedy Rickels Outstanding Graduate. During his time at UL Lafayette, Louis served in student government as a University College Senator and University College President. He was president of UL’s Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society Chapter and competed on UL’s Moot Court Team. He was also an honors student, a member of the Ragin’ Cajun Powerlifting Team, a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and a Liberal Arts Peer Mentor. Louis currently serves as an Elections Commissioner for St. Tammany Parish. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, powerlifting, and writing. Louis will attend law school this fall.

Lianne Montelibano

Louisiana Board of Regents

Lianne L. Montelibano from Moss Bluff, Louisiana, is a recent graduate from McNeese State University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a double minor in Chemistry and Communication Studies. Montelibano served as the 86th Student Body President of McNeese State University and also served as both the chair and election commissioner of the UL System Student Advisory Council. In addition to being involved in Student Government Association, she was also named 2026 Ms. McNeese, Krewe de Rowdy Mardi Gras Queen, President of the McNeese Pre-Pharmacy Society, Vice President of Health Occupation Students of America, Former President of the McNeese Speech and Debate Council, and a former member of the Rowdy Rider Orientation Leaders. Montelibano was a member of various standing campus committees including Academic Integrity and Conduct, Technological Advancement of Students, Campus Development, Grade Appeals, Budget Oversight, and recent selection committee of the 9th President of McNeese State University, Senator Mike Reese.

Colin Puig

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority

Colin David Puig, a native of Walker, is a rising sophomore at McNeese State University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is actively involved on campus as a member of the Automotive Engineering Club, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The Pride of McNeese Marching Band, the McNeese State University Symphonic Band, and the Alpha Lambda Delta, along with various other university activities. He is also an active member of

Cowboy Catholics and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Outside of academic extracurriculars, he also enjoys volunteering with organizations such as Saint Vincent de Paul. During his high school years, Colin held numerous leadership positions, serving as Battalion Commander of his 250-member JROTC unit, Equipment Manager, and Saxophone Section Leader for the Walker High School Band of Legacy. In addition to his academic and extracurricular involvement, he serves as second-in-command to Head Chef Jeremy Coco at Coco Culinary Services.

Rudy Toranto

Louisiana Department of Revenue

Rudy Toranto, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, is a rising junior at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management in Legal Studies in Business with minors in Economics and Marketing. When not in the classroom or studying, Rudy spends much of his time heavily involved in Tulane’s Undergraduate Mock Trial Program. Rudy is serving as President of Interior for the program for the second consecutive year. As a member of the Tulane Mock Trial Team, Rudy received an award at one of the South’s top tournaments and competed against some of the best talent in the country at tournaments such as the Opening Round Championship Series Tournament and Nationals. In addition to Mock Trial, Rudy has participated in the Swim Club, Water Polo Club, Tulane’s Service Dog Training and Education Program, and many other campus organizations. In his free time, Rudy enjoys watching movies, traveling with friends, and spending time with loved ones. After graduating from Tulane, Rudy plans to attend law school. He is passionate about the legal field, his community, and social justice, and he hopes to be a voice for individuals who may otherwise be unable to advocate for themselves. Rudy is excited to apply what he learns this summer about policy processes and the political climate of his community to become that voice as effectively as possible in the future.