Makesha Judson, 32
Legislative liaison, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
Advocating for children and improving their opportunities is not only Makesha Judson’s job, it’s her life’s work. Along with being a legislative liaison for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, she spends much of her free time volunteering for nonprofits such as the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. She has also been a board member for Apex Collegiate Academy Charter School; is a member of FuturePAC, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s political action committee; and is a member of BRAC’s legislative committee. Judson is a graduate of the BRAC Leadership Program and the Council for A Better Louisiana Leadership Program.
NAME THREE MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Passing my first piece of legislation as a registered lobbyist.
- Organizing a major statewide summit for medical professionals.
- Directing a successful summer youth program of 100 young people after Hurricane Katrina and being a full-time college student in my graduating semester at the same time.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS AND INVOLVEMENT.
Council for A Better Louisiana Leadership Louisiana Program, class of 2016; Baton Rouge Area Chamber Leadership Program, class of 2015; Baton Rouge Area Chamber legislative committee; Junior League of Baton Rouge; College mentor, Baton Rouge Youth Coalition; Boys and Girls Club’s Great Futures Gala honoree; Vice president of the Board of Directors, Apex Collegiate Academy Charter School; New Leaders Council Louisiana; Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board member (2013 to 2015).
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY.
The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David J. Schwartz.
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A fashion designer and entrepreneur—I come from a family of seamstresses.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?
Summer camp counselor at Louisiana Leadership Institute. I was 16 years old. I learned financial responsibility; I had to open my first checking account.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?
The Little Village in downtown and Bistro Byronz. Favorite dish: fried catfish with crawfish etouffee.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I don’t think I’ve achieved it yet; I still have a lot more in me to give … stay tuned!
HOW DO YOU GET PUMPED UP BEFORE A BIG MEETING, PRESENTATION OR PITCH?
First, I need to be so familiar with the material, that it is second nature. Second, a really good outfit never hurt nobody, and lastly, hype music to get my adrenaline pumping and I’m ready to go! I do calm myself down right before entering the room and say a prayer the night before and right before entering the room.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Each summer I’ve worked with young people and to see their growth from the beginning of the summer to the end of the summer and to see where they are in their lives now is incredible.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA MOMENT?”
Passing my first piece of legislation. I always wanted to be a lobbyist and I felt like I could really be good at it. And once I was given the opportunity to prove that to myself, it really gave me the confidence that I was in the right field.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PRODUCTIVITY HACK?
Eliminating technology distractions: Social media, TV, cell phone and just playing soft music in the background and making a list of everything that I need to get done. That helps me clear my head. Then, I take one task at a time.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?
Over extending myself. I can’t do everything and be everywhere (I sure do try!).
WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB WOULD SHOCK CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS IF THEY KNEW ABOUT IT?
The people who I work with and for are really cool, fun people and they work really really hard! It would really shock people if they truly knew how dedicated and committed the staff of DCFS truly is.
WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN FROM A COLLEAGUE OR BOSS?
Makesha is like a swiss knife, she has a lot of tools in one package! #BestComplimentEver
MAC OR PC?
PC.
ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?
Facebook, it’s an addiction.
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE BATTERY LIFE GET IN % BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
Phone 5%, because I always have a charger on me, even a portable charger.
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
My personal inbox, I’m embarrassed to say … 17,504. It’s my first and only personal email account and I get a ton of retail emails.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?
YouTube.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?
Camera phones.
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?
5 a.m., if I’m working out; 6 a.m. on other days.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
Typically no breakfast at all.
THE SAYING GOES: “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU “BEING” TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?
Being an informed and involved citizen in the political process, in the community, and giving of myself for the betterment of other people.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?
When I stepped on Southern University’s campus. In college, you either sink or swim. I immediately had to grow up, stay focused, be responsible, and be accountable.
WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
My most recent vacation to Washington, D.C., with my mom. We toured the White House, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and met so many remarkable people. It was awesome making memories with her.
WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?
The superpower to see the true motives in people’s heart. It would explain why people do some of the things they do; both good and bad.
WHO FASCINATES YOU?
Michelle Obama; Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone; and Bill Strickland, president and CEO of the nonprofit Manchester Bidwell Corporation.
FAVORITE DRINK?
Sweet tea (It’s only sweet in the South).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
The American President.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG?
“I Feel Good” by James Brown. That was my dad and I favorite song together.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Go for it! Be the best! Have the best! Do not set limits on yourself, think outside the box and go for it!
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE.
When my grandmother passed away. She wrote her own obituary before she passed. It really made me think about my life, what legacy I wanted to leave behind, and what I would want my obituary to say.
WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?
The breakdown of the family unit and the lack of concern and value for people.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?
That there is still a remnant of people who still genuinely care about other people and are active about making a positive change in our community.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?
Go for it! Find your niche. Think about the life you want to live and the person you want to be. Strive to be the best, and enjoy yourself along the way!
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I don’t know. I’ve lived in Baton Rouge all my life. I love my city. My family is here and I’m also vested in Baton Rouge. But, I also like to travel and see life in other areas. So, in five years, whether I’m here or I have moved, Baton Rouge will always be home.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST HOPE FOR BATON ROUGE?
My greatest hope for Baton Rouge is to think progressively without the bureaucracy, to treat people equally, and to create opportunities and develop a city where all residents can thrive and not just survive.
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?
- To create and run a youth development program.
- Write a book.
- Travel abroad.
