About
Laura is a strategic leader and interdisciplinary scholar who thrives at the intersection of research, strategy, and operations. Throughout her career in higher education and mission-driven nonprofits, she has specialized in managing the nexus of grant administration, program management, and communications to amplify impact.
Most recently, Laura served as the associate director for sponsored programs and research at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business. Prior to that, as the assistant director of the Urban Studies Institute, she was instrumental in building new programs from the ground up, leading multimillion-dollar research initiatives and establishing the cross-functional partnerships necessary to streamline complex processes. Her professional journey also includes foundational experiences at The Carter Center, where she developed a deep-rooted commitment to mission-driven work.
Laura brings a diverse academic lens to her leadership, holding an MBA in organizational management and a M.A. in international peace and conflict resolution from American University, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies. This unique combination of business intelligence and global perspective allows her to approach research operations with both a data-informed lens and a focus on collaborative leadership.
Beyond her professional work, Laura finds balance by spending time with her family and dog, traveling, reading, and biking. She is dedicated to building the systems and communities that support people most, believing firmly that lasting impact begins with intentional connection and a shared sense of purpose.
