Left to Right: Harlee Barbier, Hannah Guilliam, Ashley Gilliam, Trinity Wicker

By Ashley Gilliam, Director of Education

I joined Louisiana Right to Life in 2021 after graduating from Tulane University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology.

Over the past three years, I have served as Youth Programs Director for the Southeast region. In my role, I have had the opportunity to connect with and help educate many students in our community through presentations, retreats, meetings, and rallies. It has been so rewarding to see these young activists grow in knowledge and confidence and help change the hearts and minds of their peers. Working with young people has also been incredibly eye-opening to the culture we are facing in Louisiana. 

Fortunately, our state has a history of standing for life. However, there is an increasingly popular mindset of apathy and disregard for human life. This mindset has developed as a result of dehumanizing language, misleading stories, and lies about both our law and our resources here in Louisiana. Young people are being told the only way to be just is to be pro-abortion and that our pro-life laws leave women destitute and alone. In reality, we know the opposite is true. 

This is why I’m excited to move into my new role as Director of Education. I know that the shift towards a culture of life will take every person in our community. In working with students in schools, I understand that every teacher, administrator, church leader, and most of all every parent is setting the standard for their children and generations to come. I am confident in our current and new youth team directors to continue educating and empowering the young people in our state and I am looking forward to working with the overall community to set the standard that we in Louisiana love every single human life.