Ma'at Latham Named Interfaith Federation Director

The educator and policy expert will lead the Baton Rouge organization following its 40th annual prayer breakfast.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Islam

Gouache-painted illustration of two ceramic bowls and greenery on a wooden table, representing collaborative community outreach in Baton Rouge.
Ma'at Latham has been appointed executive director of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge, a coalition serving the community since 1986. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ma'at Latham has been appointed executive director of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge. The 47-year-old leader was introduced during the organization's 40th annual prayer breakfast, which brought together approximately 60 different faith groups.

Why it matters

Latham assumes leadership of a longstanding community organization that facilitates critical local resources, including the Holy Grill feeding program. Her appointment marks a new phase for a coalition that has served the Baton Rouge area since 1986.

The organization, founded in 1986, currently serves as an umbrella for roughly 60 diverse faith groups across the region. Latham holds a doctorate in public policy earned three years ago from Southern University.

The players

Ma'at Latham

She is the newly appointed executive director who holds a doctorate in public policy from Southern University.

Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge

This organization has operated in Baton Rouge since 1986 to coordinate various community initiatives and feeding programs.

The details

Latham will focus her tenure on strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new collaborative efforts between local religious institutions. She will begin her community outreach in October through a series of planned meet-and-greet sessions across the area.

Timeline

  1. The Interfaith Federation was founded in 1986.

  2. Latham earned her doctorate in public policy three years ago.

  3. Latham was introduced during the prayer breakfast in September 2026.

  4. Community meet-and-greet meetings are scheduled for October 2026.

Culture Shift

This leadership transition reflects a broader shift toward professionalized administrative oversight in local non-profit interfaith work. By integrating public policy expertise into the management of the Holy Grill feeding initiative, the federation is aligning its mission with modern community development standards.

Residents can expect increased engagement opportunities as Latham initiates her series of meet-and-greet sessions in October. The transition aims to ensure the continued stability and expansion of essential community services like the Holy Grill.

The takeaway

The appointment of a policy expert to lead this historic organization highlights the growing need for specialized management in community-based service sectors. Readers interested in civic engagement can participate in upcoming outreach events to help shape local interfaith priorities.

What happens next

Ma'at Latham is scheduled to host a series of community meet-and-greet sessions throughout October 2026 to engage with local residents and stakeholders.

Further reading

Learn more about local religious initiatives at the Islam section.

More information

For more details on upcoming programs, visit the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge portal.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.

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Do you believe interfaith organizations effectively strengthen community unity and justice in your area?