Fueled by a passion for connection, resilience, and engagement, Laura is on a mission to empower individuals and communities. Laura wears several hats, but her focus is always on fostering innovation and redefining possibilities. Her work spans over 20 countries collaborating with various sectors including local government, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, media studios, Fortune 100 companies and small businesses. From consulting to volunteering, she applies her skillsets to various activities.

Currently, Laura has two roles for Ballina Shire Council. As the IT Learning Development Officer for almost five years, Laura designs online courses and in person workshops and delivers dynamic programming to simplify complex topics and propel individuals towards efficiency and effectiveness in work and life. In December 2022, after months of volunteering in local recovery efforts, she began a secondment role as a Community Recovery Officer funded through the NSW Reconstruction Authority in response to the 2022 flood events. Her work involves collaborating with local government agencies, non-profits and recovery support serves to provide opportunities for community members to reconnect, recover and build resilience.

Laura’s emergency management exposure began in 2014 through supporting the Field Innovation Team’s mission to empower humans to create cutting-edge disaster solutions. This work created opportunities for field work where she could blend background and experience on several projects. These include developing communication strategies for the High River Flood future planning project in Canada, coordinating logistics for the Rockport Harvey donations center management, and supporting creative programing response to the San Antonio undocumented minors crisis relief. Through FIT she has also assisted in the facilitation of “Do Tank” workshops and bootcamps focused on gaming in disasters, relief for extreme disaster events, support for Syrian refugees and a Robotics Petting Zoo Exhibit at SXSW Interactive in 2015.

Laura’s first love is education demonstrated by over 10 years as an adjunct and lead faculty member at several universities where she taught humanities and communication courses including public speaking, interpersonal communications, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership development. In 2015, she won faculty of the year for her dedication to training and student-centered learning. This award, bestowed by the student body, is one of her top career highlights.

With a Bachelors in Business Administration in International Business and Marketing from Baylor University in Waco, TX, USA and a Masters of Arts in International Communications from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, Laura applies a global strategy and focus to her work. Through the years, she has also participated in several leadership programs and hosted two jazz radio shows for over seven years with KRTU 91.7FM San Antonio.

As a Puerto Rican, raised in Texas and now residing in Australia, Laura loves sharing her culture, language, food and customs with her new Northern Rivers community. She serves as the Secretary and a Bush Firefighter with the Lennox Head RFS and is the Drone Shark Mitigation Officer for the All Girls Surf Club. Keep an eye out when travelling the coastal highway as you might spot Laura catching a wave or on a standup paddle board with her dog, Lola. Laura currently resides with her family in Ballina, NSW, Australia and often returns her US base in San Antonio, Texas.