Laura joined the Project Success team in 2008 as a Facilitator. She then worked in the classroom as a workshop facilitator for many years. Before Project Success, Laura worked primarily as a theater performer in various theaters in Colorado and in Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a BFA in Theater Performance and a Minor in Ethnic Studies. She moved to Minnesota from Colorado in 2007, where she began working for CLIMB Theater. Previously, Laura had been working with youth across Colorado as a part of the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition Youth Institute that helped students navigate the school system and post-high school. As an adolescent, she had a curiosity to try new things and see more of the world. She also grew up with a family of educators where she saw how important opportunities and experiential learning were inspiring young people to see and design a future for themselves. As Senior Director of Programs-Minneapolis, she is committed to building and offering high-quality programs to all 6th-12th graders in Minneapolis Public Schools in partnership with many of our wonderful community partners.
Favorite musicians:
Recently I have really enjoyed going back to my Latin divas like Mercedes Sosa and Lila Downs.
If you had to pick a theme song that would play every time you entered the room, what would it be?
Eye of the Tiger
Favorite book:
A book I would recommend is Breakfast with Buddha.
Favorite movies:
I love so many movies…my friends say there are hardly any I don’t like. Life is Beautiful.
Favorite food:
I love corn anything!
Favorite quote:
“From the challenge of chaos, wisdom.”
Favorite subjects in school:
Theater
Favorite theater experience:
I played a character that had multiple personalities. That was incredibly challenging!
Favorite Project SUCCESS workshop:
I seriously like all of them the same.
Your ultimate vacation destination:
Kayaking in the San Juan Islands
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The power to heal wounds
The most influential person in your life/favorite teacher or mentor:
I can’t say I have one. I am lucky to meet and have many mentors along the way. My high school teachers had a huge impact on me.
What you wanted to be when you grew up:
I wanted to be a dancer, a singer, an actress, a marine biologist, an astronaut, a fire fighter, and the first woman president. I am sure there are a lot more….