Laura R.

Background

About Laura R.

When I discovered that 32% of students at Santa Clara University were experiencing food insecurity, I knew I had to act. What started as a simple needs assessment became a campus-wide initiative that transformed how we support student success: launching a food pantry, emergency meal voucher system, and referral network that now serves 500+ students annually. This moment captures what drives me: turning complex challenges into sustainable, people-centered solutions. Over 15+ years in higher education and project management, I've built my career on the belief that great outcomes happen when you combine strategic thinking with genuine care for the people you serve. From my early days as a Residence Hall Director learning to navigate student crises, to my current role as Senior Technical Project Manager at Carnegie Higher Education managing 25+ concurrent projects worth $1 million in revenue, I've always been drawn to work that creates meaningful impact. What I bring to the table: Strategic Project Leadership: Portfolio management, budget forecasting, and risk mitigation across complex, multi-stakeholder environments Team Development & Mentorship: Successfully trained and onboarded 100+ staff members while serving as Project Supervisor to new managers Data-Driven Problem Solving: Expert in needs assessment, program evaluation, and implementing solutions that deliver measurable results Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled at building collaborative relationships and aligning diverse teams around shared objectives Change Management: Proven track record of identifying operational gaps and designing scalable systems for improvement My Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago shapes how I approach every project—whether I'm implementing CRM solutions for clients or redesigning orientation programs based on stakeholder feedback. I believe the best technical solutions are those that truly understand and serve human needs. Ready to tackle complex challenges together? I'm always eager to connect with fellow professionals who share a passion for strategic problem-solving and organizational excellence. Let's explore how we can create sustainable impact in your next project.