Laura is joining the GHD program from Catholic Relief Services, where she has worked for the past two years as a research analyst in the Charitable Giving division. Prior to this role, Laura worked at Child Trends, a non-profit childhood development company, as a proposal specialist. During her time at Child Trends, she coordinated and submitted proposals of up to $5 million to U.S. Federal Agencies, state governments, foundations, and corporations, helping to secure over $54 million in funding. Before joining Child Trends, Laura volunteered in Honduras for two years, working as an elementary school teacher at Amigos De Jesus Hogar de Niños. During her time there, she developed a passion for Spanish and Latin American culture, which is compounded by a desire to learn more about her own Mexican heritage. She also became dedicated to pursuing a career in international development, particularly after witnessing instances of human rights' violations and many root causes of forced migration. Laura earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a minor in social justice, from the University of Michigan. Laura hopes to continue traveling to Central and South America, perhaps returning to live in the region one day. In her free time, she enjoys reading and perusing bookstores, exploring cities, exercising and hiking, and trying new hobbies (which usually never stick –whittling, knitting, pottery, just to name a few).