Introducing 2010 Inspire Fellow: Laura Stephenson

 
Laura Stephenson
Hometown: Hillsborough, California
Organization: Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
Previous Employer: Booz Allen Hamilton 
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I am very passionate about education, and always imagined myself working at a nonprofit focused on youth and education after college. However, during the summer before my senior year, I took business courses at UCBerkeley and saw the value of developing strong business skills. I decided to pursue a job in consulting, and worked as a public sector consultant on Booz Allen’s Strategy and Organization team. During my three years at Booz Allen, I supported projects with five large federal clients, developed valuable analytical and strategic skills, and worked with great people. However, at the end of the day, I still felt a strong desire to work at a nonprofit supporting youth and education. The Inspire Fellows Program has allowed me to make this career transition.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I currently work at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) as a Special Projects Manager and Board Liaison. Since I work on a diverse array of LAYC initiatives, each day at the youth center is different (which I love)!
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
As I mentioned, my professional background is in public sector consulting. My areas of expertise include strategic planning, communications, and project management.
What are you involved in outside of work?
Outside of work, I serve on the Board of Directors of Young Consultants of DC, and recently wrapped up a pro bono consulting project with Compass DC.
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
My experience serving on the Young Consultants of DC Board, and supporting a Board Development project through Compass have helped me learn how effective nonprofit boards function. These experiences have helped me in my role as the LAYC Board Liaison. Also, my volunteer experiences working with youth have helped me tremendously as well.
Who do you look to as a leader in your respective field, and why?
I recently watched the documentary Waiting for Superman, which sheds light on the challenges facing the education system in the United States. I was really impressed with Geoffrey Canada, a social activist and educator, who founded the Harlem Children’s Zone. Since watching the film, I have spent time reading more about Mr. Canada and consider him a leader in the field of education.
What book are you reading right now or what is your favorite book?
Right now I am reading My Life in France, which is all about Julia Child and how she got into cooking while living in France.
Where else have you lived?
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and briefly lived with my family in the suburbs of Chicago. I also lived in Santiago, Chile, and Madrid, Spain while studying abroad in college!

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