Meet Cheryl Landrieu

Cheryl Landrieu is a lawyer, author, and founder of the New Orleans Book Festival. She has a long history of supporting strategic community initiatives in New Orleans, most recently focused on literacy and advocacy for the advancement of women and girls. Cheryl co-founded the New Orleans Children’s Book Festival with Ruby Bridges in 2010, which has grown into a major annual event. Cheryl also founded GirlUpNOLA, an initiative that empowers girls and young women in the community. In 2017, she led a successful renovation of Gallier Hall, New Orleans' historic former City Hall, while publishing a book on its history. With over 25 years in law, Cheryl has worked in private practice, at Louisiana’s appellate courts, and as Clerk of Court for the Fifth Circuit. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from LSU and a Juris Doctor from Loyola College of Law. Cheryl is married to Mitch Landrieu and mother to five grown children.