Tifferney White is the CEO of the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and she’s leading a major expansion that’s reshaping how the museum serves older kids and teens. With a new $2.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the museum is “aging up”—adding exhibits for youth up to age 14 and launching a teen mentorship program designed to build leadership and life skills. We talk with Tifferney about how this shift came directly from community feedback and why it’s important for museums to create space for kids beyond early childhood.

We also explore how LCM is leaning into New Orleans culture—think teamwork, neighborliness, and communal learning—to design experiences that reflect the city’s spirit. Tifferney shares how older kids are mentoring younger visitors, why stipends matter for equitable access, and how this initiative could be a model for youth development nationwide. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, this conversation is packed with insights on reimagining learning spaces to be more inclusive, authentic, and lasting.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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