Community Involvement
Volunteering and being an active, engaged member of her community has been a priority for Laura since her computer teacher chose her to act as the technology assistant in second grade. Learn more about Laura's community involvement.
Sustainable UA, Founding Board Member
Laura has been thrilled to work with the other Sustainable UA Founding Board Members to bring the organization fully to life in 2024. In 2025 Sustainable UA will continue hosting the annual Sustainability Fair at the Upper Arlington Public Library as well as introduce new events and initiatives.
Tri-Village Chamber Partnership, Chair of Board of Directors
Laura was a member of the Grandview Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee when Upper Arlington and Grandview merged Chambers of Commerce to become the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership. She helped shape the mission and goals of the new organization and acted as the Chair of the TVCP Board of Directors once the two organizations had merged.
Leadership UA, Cohort Member
Laura is part of the 2025 Leadership UA cohort. She’s enjoyed getting to know her fellow cohort members as well as more about Upper Arlington’s history and institutions.
Barrington PTO DEI, Chair
As the Barrington Elementary School PTO DEI Chair Laura helped create a new district-wide initiative to build community and connections, the You Belong UA Family Book Read. During the 2024 – 2025 school year, the Barrington PTO DEI Committee is assisting with school-wide art projects, Create and Discover Day and more.
Rainbow UA, Digital Marketing Volunteer
Laura was proud to build and donate Rainbow Upper Arlington’s website and help with their online presence. She continues to volunteer to support Rainbow UA’s mission to make Upper Arlington welcoming and supportive of all of its residents.
Upper Arlington City Tree Commission, Member
Laura was appointed to the Upper Arlington City Tree Commission in 2024 to help guide sustainable, biodiverse decisions related to Upper Arlington’s tree canopy.
Wickliffe After School Discovery, Teacher
Laura taught curious Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School students all about nature at her Busy Bees After School Discovery Class. Students created eco-friendly art, explored nature to find materials to create natural inks, and learned about rock formations with a guest from Franklin Soil and Water.
Barrington After School Enrichment, Teacher
Laura taught curious Barrington Elementary School students all about sustainability at her Busy Bees After School Enrichment Class. Students explored clothing reuse by solar dyeing cotton T-shirts, created kokedama sculptures and winter sowed native plant seeds for pollinator gardens.
Best Buddies Ohio, Digital Marketing Volunteer
Laura helped Best Buddies Ohio get its footing in the state by supporting their digital marketing efforts during their first few years after launching in Ohio. She organized and promoted several large fundraisers to create a foundation of financial support and community enthusiasm for Best Buddies Ohio.
934 Gallery, Eco-Arts Volunteer
Laura has happily volunteered at 934 Fest and other 934 Gallery events over the past few years to create eco-friendly art such as seed paper from recycled junk mail and more.
DemocraShe, Mentor
Laura joined DemocraShe as a mentor during their inaugural cohort in 2022. DemocraShe trains and empowers diverse female-identifying high school students throughout the United States to prepare them to run for office. As a mentor, Laura helped her mentee by talking through challenges, identifying problems she could address and connecting her with other ambitious leaders who could offer additional guidance.
Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, Bed Race Digital Marketing Volunteer
Laura supported the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio with their annual fundraiser, the Bed Race, by offering event planning advice and spearheading all digital marketing efforts.
Columbus Craft Beer Alliance, Co-Founder
As craft beer began to boom again in central Ohio in the early 2010s, Laura helped co-found the Columbus Craft Beer Alliance. The CCBA organized several large beer festivals annually to highlight the growth of craft beer in the region and to create connections among the central Ohio craft beer community.
Crust Fund Columbus, Pizza Slinger
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Laura found herself craving a way to connect with her friends beyond Zooms and playing games online. With the blessing of her friend John, who created Crust Fund Pizza as a fundraiser in Chicago, Laura began Crust Fund Columbus to support local organizations. Pizza lovers donated thousands of dollars to Columbus charities in exchange for thin crust Midwestern-style pizzas from Laura’s home kitchen in Upper Arlington.
