De’Jonique carter

policy and legal specialist

De’Jonique Carter serves as the Policy and Legal Specialist at Operation Restoration, where she drives the organization’s advocacy and systems-change strategies through legal expertise, policy analysis and evaluation.

An attorney, social worker and lifelong advocate, Carter is deeply committed to advancing equity and justice for historically marginalized communities. Her career bridges direct service and systemic reform, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to tackling issues at the intersection of law, policy and social impact.

Carter brings a robust background in the family justice system, with experience spanning litigation, higher education and student success. Some of Carter’s experience includes roles with the District Attorney’s Office (Child Support Enforcement Division), Department of Children and Family Services, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and litigation work with the City of New Orleans.

A graduate of Southern University Law Center and Tulane University, Carter combines academic excellence with real-world insight to inform her work in advocacy and reform. Her approach is grounded in the belief that justice must be both compassionate and transformative. Known for her strategic insight, strong analytical skills and empathetic leadership, she is passionate about using her voice and expertise to dismantle oppressive systems and uplift communities.

A proud New Orleans native, Carter is driven by a deep sense of place and purpose. She strives to harness the power of law, lived experience and community-rooted compassion to break down barriers and build pathways to justice, healing and opportunity.