Tia Edwards

2008 Louisiana Role Model

Tia Edwards, a native of Baton Rouge, currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.  Prior to her current position, Tia owned a successful consulting agency specializing in marketing, strategic planning, and foundation management.  In addition, she directed the public affairs, community relations, media relation and workforce development initiatives for the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) as Director of Public Affairs & Workforce Development for over seven years. She also served as Branch Manager of the Baton Rouge Branch of INROADS/Louisiana. Her extensive knowledge in workforce development, marketing, public and community relations and her service in the community make her an ideal 2008 Role Model.

Tia has an extensive commitment to community service. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the University Laboratory School Foundation, Manship Theatre and Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers. Tia has also served on numerous other non-profit boards, YWCA of Greater of Baton Rouge; Junior Achievement; Young Leaders Academy, Earth Day and Keep Baton Rouge Beautiful.  Her professional and civic affiliations include membership in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Capital Area Network, YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Phi Delta Kappa. Tia was awarded the PRAL 2003 Public Relations Practitioner of the Year.

Tia is a proud 1983 graduate of University Laboratory School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations from Loyola University (New Orleans) and a Masters in Education Administration from the University of Houston. She is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge.

Tia feels her biggest challenge clearly has been juggling being a wife, mother and having a career. She is married to Bradford C. Edwards and has three sons, Avery and twins, Blaine and Bryce who are both on the Autistic Spectrum.  Much of her life is spent fighting for her boys as well as all children to ensure that they receive what they rightly deserve in terms of education and support services.