It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved leader and friend, Teressa Calligan, fondly known as "Dean T." On Sunday, September 15th, Teressa passed away, leaving behind a legacy of profound kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering dedication to the Baton Rouge community.
Teressa was the heart and soul of the Futures Fund for nearly a decade, shaping the lives of countless teens and adults across Baton Rouge. As Dean of Coding since 2020, she became a guiding light for all those eager to explore the world of technology. Her leadership was not only thoughtful but transformative, as she consistently pushed the program to new heights, always adapting to challenges with grace and determination.
Teressa is survived by her loving family—along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and the many Futures Fund participants she mentored. A lifelong learner, Teressa pursued her passion for technology with zeal, challenging herself and others to grow. Outside of her work with Futures Fund, she played a critical role in cybersecurity at Entergy, safeguarding vital networks that keep our communities connected.
Her journey with Futures Fund began in 2014, first as a volunteer and a parent of a student. Witnessing firsthand the impact of the program, Teressa quickly became an instructor and later the lead content developer. Her promotion to Dean of Coding in 2020 was a natural progression of her dedication. In this role, Teressa welcomed students and instructors alike, ensuring that everyone felt empowered, supported, and inspired to excel in their tech journeys. Tireless in her efforts, she never hesitated to give her time and energy, offering one-on-one support and mentorship to anyone in need.
Teressa’s legacy is one of service, compassion, and an unshakable belief in the potential of others. She will be deeply missed, but her influence will live on through the many lives she touched.
Friend and Futures Fund colleague, Ana Paula Justino reminds us,
“Teressa is not a statistic, a number … she IS an amazing mom, wife , friend , daughter, sister, cousin, mentor , teacher, employee, entrepreneur … she wore various hats and ALL OF THEM with her whole heart. She was present and intentional, all the time. Keep your loved ones close and let go of things that harden your heart. Life is shorter than what we expect and unpredictable.”
Details about Teressa’s memorial service will be forthcoming. For those impacted by crime and seek support, please reach out to Crime Survivors NOLA. https://www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/
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