Abigail Falgout Named LEF Executive Director

Lafayette Education Foundation (LEF) has named Abigail Broussard Falgout as the new Executive Director of the nonprofit devoted to achieving excellence in education in Lafayette Parish.

Lafayette and founding partner of Bread & Circus Provisions. She succeeds Etienna Wright, who held the post for six years, transforming the foundation’s signature event, The LEF Teacher Awards, into one of the area’s most recognized and anticipated events. 

Falgout’s hiring comes as the foundation implements a plan of strategic growth in grant programs, development and outreach. 

“I’m honored to be a part of LEF’s mission as they move forward in this new chapter. Education is one of the few components of a community that affects every person at every stage of life at every socio-economic level. Supported, innovative teachers create strong, innovative citizens. I’m looking forward to supporting that kind of innovation in the classroom.”

About the foundation: Originally established as a fund then evolving into a foundation, LEF was

intentionally designed to be self-perpetuating. Today, LEF has taken on a life of its own, having funded hundreds of grants that have touched thousands of children who have moved on into today’s workforce. While services have expanded, LEF has stayed focused and remained true to that original goal. LEF has funded over $2 million in classroom grants since 1989, enhancing the learning experience for thousands of students. Through the annual Teacher Awards, LEF has recognized over 5,000 educators, awarding $440,000 to outstanding educators. LEF also provides funding for a variety of literacy and social-emotional learning initiatives, connecting education to the real world. We continue to partner with educators and the Lafayette community to explore ways to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s classrooms, ensuring that every child has the best chance possible for success. 

About Abigail Falgout: Falgout might best be known for her work in Lafayette’s restaurant industry most recently as creator of Bread & Circus Provisions. She has served as Creative Director, strategist, and consultant throughout various industries. Falgout is a member of the current Leadership Lafayette Class XXXII, a two-time recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Project Award from University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Communication Department (2018, 2019) and member of the705. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northwestern State University and a Master of Science in communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
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