The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Baton Rouge Chapter has named Laura C. Poché, J.D., recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, which will be presented during the National Philanthropy Day Awards on November 11, 2025.
Nominated by Ƶ, Poché was selected for her exceptional commitment to service and philanthropy. A respected attorney, community leader, and philanthropist, she embodies the very spirit of generosity and service celebrated by AFP’s annual awards. Through her tireless volunteerism, visionary leadership, and ability to inspire others to give of their time, talent, and resources, Poché has made a transformative impact on countless organizations throughout the Baton Rouge community and beyond.
The award was presented by Judith Roberson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the FranU.
“Laura’s approach to community involvement and organizational leadership defines my understanding of the meaning of philanthropy,” said Dr. Tina S. Holland, past President and CEO of Ƶ. “Her dedicated financial support, collaborative spirit, and record of cultivating a culture of generosity in others are evidence of servant leadership that is both generative and regenerative. Laura’s work is life-giving; it supports human thriving and embodies the very essence of philanthropy.”
Over the years, Poché has lent her expertise and enthusiasm to a remarkable number of causes, often taking on leadership roles that bring people together and drive sustainable success. Her record of community service includes more than two decades of engagement with organizations such as City Year Baton Rouge, HOPE Ministries, The Junior League of Baton Rouge, Catholic High School, The Diocese of Baton Rouge Women’s Giving Circle and Ƶ Board of Trustees, among many others.
As Chairwoman of the City Year Baton Rouge Board of Directors from 2012 to 2022, Poché helped lead the organization to international recognition as a top-performing site for five consecutive years. Her work with the Junior League of Baton Rouge, where she served as President in 2009–2010, strengthened community partnerships and introduced a training continuum that continues to prepare women for meaningful leadership and service.
Poché’s influence extends well beyond any single organization. She has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to community betterment with honors such as the Volunteer Activist Award from The Emerge Center, the Mother Seton Award from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and InRegister Magazine’s “A Woman With A Cause” recognition for her work with HOPE Ministries. She has also been acknowledged as a Perpetual Founder of Catholic High School and a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.
Professionally, Poché is the founder and CEO of Poché Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation Law Firm, where she has practiced for more than 35 years as a Board-Certified Estate Planning and Administration Law Specialist. She is also a published author and sought-after speaker whose work blends her legal expertise with her deep passion for empowering others to plan for their futures with clarity and compassion.
Beyond her impressive credentials, what distinguishes Laura Poché most is her ability to inspire others to lead, give, and grow. She has cultivated a network of mission-driven collaborators, people who, through her encouragement, have found their own purpose in philanthropy.
“Laura’s efforts don’t simply represent a series of accomplishments,” said Dr. Holland. “She ensures the sustainability of every initiative she touches by equipping others to carry the work forward. Her generosity is not transactional, it is transformational.”
As she received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, Laura Poché joins a distinguished group of Baton Rouge leaders whose lives of service illuminate the power of community and the enduring impact of one person’s commitment to doing good.
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