Meet the Board Monday: President, Mimi Barnum Riché, Class of 1964

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Mimi graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1964 and then went on to receive a degree in Zoology and Chemistry at Louisiana Tech University in ’69. She is married to Guy Riché, also a Bulldog graduate (‘60), a mother to three daughters, a step-daughter and step-son, and a grandmother to twelve grandchildren.

Mimi spent much of her professional career in non-profit management having retired in 2015 as the CEO of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. Her resume includes previous positions at United Way both in Mississippi and Baton Rouge, as well as the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. She is active in her church, St. James Episcopal, and has served as a Vestry member and Jr. and Sr. Warden.  Civic duty roles and accomplishments include: member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, serving on the A.C. Lewis YMCA Board, active with Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) and St. James Place community, and is a Class of 1992 member of Leadership of Greater Baton Rouge.

BRHSF: Did you have a favorite teacher, club, sport or experience that made a long-term impact on you at BRHS?

MR: Boosters was my life in high school.  Being part of that organization provided training I’ve carried with me in every leadership role since.  It underscored the importance of discipline and hard work in addition to the significant benefit of working together with others to accomplish something good.  From precision marching to projects helping others, Boosters laid a wonderful framework for how to live and work in community.

BRHSF: What made you decide to join the BRHSF Board?

MR: Initially I was invited to help with the Raise Our Standards High Campaign.  While my impact during the campaign was minimal at best, I could tell the Foundation’s impact would be significant.  I wanted to be a part of it and do more.

BRHSF: Why is the Foundation’s mission of philanthropic support for BRHS important to you and to the community?

MR: To continue the legacy of excellence!  Without sufficient funding, teachers and students would not have the tools they need for success.  Baton Rouge High is our community’s flagship high school and its students represent both the community’s diversity and its tremendous potential.  The Foundation is essential to support these realities.

BRHSF: As a Board member do you have any personal goals for your service? What do you see as your most important role as a Board member?

MR: When I retired, I created a tag line – “Making a positive difference every day.”  While I know for sure that isn’t my reality, it is my desire.  So, my goal is to make a positive difference.  To use my God given gifts to positively impact the great work of Baton Rouge High through the Foundation’s critical financial support.

Fun Fact! She is Daniel Boone’s 4^th great granddaughter and says “it’s where I got my adventuresome spirit and my love of travel.”