Tamela Hutchinson is a progressive community leader who champions innovation and solutions that improve economic and social outcomes for at risk populations. Tamela believes that collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and common sense must intertwine to develop programs that have long reaching positive effects on present and future generations. As a lifelong resident of Caldwell Parish, Tamela understands the local culture and has cultivated relationships that enable her to organize people to work together to protect, preserve and take care of the community. 

​By profession, Tamela is a certified secondary art and business instructor. She has designed and executed a successful art program for the school district that results in local positive exposure and increased opportunities for local youth. As HEROES Program Coordinator since 2002, Tamela has developed and coordinated education and empowerment programs for women and youth in northeast Louisiana  including the DREAM Symposium and Retreat, Mind, Body, and Soul University (MBSU), Teens In Motivational Education (TIME), and Louisiana Agencies Collaborating for Knowledge. Tamela has mastered implementing programs utilizing available resources whether large or small. Tamela also serves as a mentor for local youth, while maintaining her role as wife and mother.
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Tamela holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.