Mary Joseph is the Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Louisiana. She oversees all activities and day-to-day functions to achieve the goals of the Children’s Defense Fund mission. She diligently works with elected officials, legislators, educators, policy makers, community leaders and other agencies to advocate for the children of Louisiana. She leads and participates in numerous projects to affect positive change in the lives of the underserved children and families in Louisiana. Prior to joining CDF, Ms. Joseph served as Acting Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Family Support, Louisiana Department of Social Services where she was responsible for the administration of public assistance benefits programs including food stamps, child care, FITAP (cash benefits), and the Governor’s Solutions to Poverty Program. Ms. Joseph has been affiliated with CDF for a number of years both as a volunteer and a member of the Southern Regional Network. She participated in the 1996 Stand for Children Rally in Washington and has organized volunteer-led Child Watch and national Observance of Children’s Sabbath activities in the New Orleans area. Ms. Joseph has a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of New Orleans.