Aishala Burgess

Aishala Burgess is a crucial figure at the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office. She serves as an Assistant District Attorney and holds the pivotal role of Executive Director of TRUCE. Her career has made significant contributions in the criminal justice system and public safety, where she has been instrumental in addressing juvenile delinquency; the Violent Crime Unit, where she has played a vital role in reducing violent crimes; and the Gang Division, where she has led successful gang prevention and intervention initiatives.   

As the Executive Director of TRUCE, a community-led nonprofit, Aishala Burgess is not just a figurehead but a driving force. In this role, she is responsible for strategic planning, program development, and community outreach. Her mission is to empower young individuals aged 14 to 24 to break free from the cycle of violence. She guides them towards productive endeavors, such as obtaining a HISET diploma, job skills training, college education, and securing employment with one of the organization's many industrial partners. Her unwavering dedication to this cause is truly inspiring.

Aishala is a member of the Louisiana District Attorney's Association, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, The Louisiana State Bar Association, and The National Black Prosecutors Association. She also serves on the advisory board for The Elvin Howard Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation, where she actively contributes to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and support services. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she has held many leadership roles.

Aishala's professional achievements are a testament to her expertise and a source of inspiration. At the 2023 International Gang Specialist Training Conference, she was recognized and honored with the prestigious Frederic Milton Thrasher Award, a global recognition for exceptional gang prevention and intervention work. Additionally, she was acknowledged and celebrated as the 2021 Citizen of the Year by the Magnolia State Peace Officer Association, Capital Chapter, for her service to the community and youth. Aishala's selection to the 2020-2021 Changemakers Cohort for the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students further underscores her commitment to making a difference.

Aishala is a proud parent to her son, Kylon Brown, and cherishes her time with her family. Her love for reading and passion for helping children and families in crisis reflects her compassion and down-to-earth nature. These personal attributes make her someone you can connect with on a deeper level, understanding her motivations and the values she brings to her work.