Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Pelican Institute for Public Policy is proud to announce the appointment of Rachel Jeandron Caluda as its new Director of Development. With an impressive background in law, a passion for community engagement, and a strong commitment to advancing opportunity, Rachel is poised to help the Institute further its mission of ensuring Louisiana’s comeback.

Rachel brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to her new position—as well as a passion for bringing change to her home state of Louisiana. In her previous role as an attorney within the federal government, she received numerous awards, trained thousands of employees, and was named a Rising Star in 2023. Now, she is undertaking a new challenge of leading the Pelican Institute’s already robust fundraising efforts as it looks toward advancing its initiatives in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Pelican Institute team as our new Director of Development,” said Daniel Erspamer, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute. “Her impressive background, dedication to her community, and commitment to advancing opportunity and human flourishing make her the ideal candidate to help us achieve our mission in Louisiana.”

The Pelican Institute envisions Louisiana as a place where people of all talents, interests, and backgrounds can succeed with hard work and ingenuity. As Rachel takes on her role as Director of Development, she will work closely with the Institute’s leadership to train and network community leaders across the state, fostering a stronger voice for policies that ensure Louisiana’s comeback.

Rachel is a proud graduate of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor. During her time in law school, she interned for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, State of Louisiana. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her contributions to the editorial board of the Loyola Maritime Law Journal.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rachel’s dedication to her community shines through her active involvement at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where she serves as a lector. She currently resides in Metairie, Louisiana, with her husband, two toddlers, and a rescue dog, making her uniquely in tune with the needs and aspirations of Louisiana families.

“I am honored and excited to join the Pelican Institute as Director of Development,” Rachel said. “I share the Institute’s vision of creating a state with growing economic opportunities today, educational options for every family, and boundless opportunity for future generations.”

Rachel’s appointment as the new Director of Development represents a significant step forward for the Pelican Institute as it continues its vital mission in Louisiana. Through her leadership, the Institute is confident in its ability to forge a freer, more prosperous future for the people of Louisiana, ensuring that communities flourish and good opportunities abound.