Paula Dawson is the President of Junior Achievement of Greater Baton Rouge and Acadiana, where she has served since 2017. With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Paula is dedicated to strengthening communities by expanding opportunities for young people through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

A graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Paula began her nonprofit career with Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana before joining the American Heart Association, where she spent 14 years in progressively advancing leadership roles, including Heart Walk Director, Regional Vice President, and Vice President. Throughout her career, she has been committed to building strong community partnerships, developing effective teams, and ensuring nonprofit organizations have the resources needed to expand their mission and serve more people.

As President of Junior Achievement, Paula provides strategic leadership for the organization’s operations across Greater Baton Rouge and Acadiana, including board governance, financial stewardship, human resources, fundraising, community partnerships, and program implementation. Under her leadership, Junior Achievement has expanded its reach and increased student impact through immersive learning experiences such as JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, JA Trades, Leading Ladies, and Mentoring Men. Together with her team, she has established parish-wide partnerships that enhance educational outcomes and provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Known for her collaborative and servant leadership style, Paula is passionate about helping organizations grow in ways that create lasting community impact. She believes that responsible stewardship and strong partnerships enable nonprofit organizations to reach more individuals, strengthen services, and better fulfill their missions. She is equally committed to developing future leaders and fostering a workplace culture that values teamwork, innovation, and service.

Paula’s leadership has been recognized through numerous national and statewide honors, including the Karl Flemke National JA Pioneer Achievement Award, multiple JA Star Awards, the Rome Betts Award of Sales Excellence, and several Outstanding Community and Fundraising Performance Awards. She has also served on numerous community and professional organizations, including the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the Jump$tart Louisiana Board of Directors, the BRCC Chancellor’s Community Leadership Council, the FranU Business Advisory Board, and various mayoral task forces dedicated to improving education and community well-being.

Paula resides in Baton Rouge with her husband, James Dawson. They have two children. She remains committed to building partnerships, strengthening nonprofit organizations, and ensuring every young person has the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential.