LAURA STROUD
About Me
I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am a proud midwesterner with strong ties to both the East and West Coast. I was raised by a single mother, as the middle child, constantly squished between my older & twin brother (who is three minutes younger than me, so it counts).
After graduating high school, I spent two years in Los Angeles playing basketball at Whittier college, before transferring to the University of California, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Applied Economics.
During College, I primarily worked in politics, for the California State Senate and ACLU. I worked on multiple research projects, and spent many hours writing policy briefs. I took internships at both Nike & Deloitte before spending two years working in corporate consulting. Finally, I accepted that my heart & talents belonged in mission-centered work, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the robust corporate skill-set I had built.
I decided to go back to school. I returned to Ann Arbor, attending the University of Michigan as a Rackham Merit Fellow. I finished my tenure in Ann Arbor with a Masters of Public Policy, and a Masters of Sports Management, graduating at the top of my class.
I started at Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Major Gifts Manager, as I was a participant in their program as a child. I currently work as the Director of Development.
Outside of my work, I am passionate about learning. I am personally invested in empowering local food systems & supporting athlete mental health. I love 70’s funk & disco music, basketball & football, cooking, running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family, friends, and dogs.
LOS ANGELES, CA
DETROIT, MI
LAURASTROUDD@GMAIL.COM
LSTROUD@UMICH.EDU
DEVELOPMENT is personal.
Whether it’s corporate, individual, annual, or planned donors, all giving begins with a connection. It could be a connection to your mission, your organization, a member of your staff, or your social network.
My goal as a development director is to identify a connection that our organization can build upon, with every existing and potential donor. If a clear connection doesn’t exist, the job of a top fundraiser is to build a meaningful connection from scratch.
My success in securing Major Gifts comes from my philosophy: every major donor is a partner. Major Donors deserve transparency, attention, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Every donation is an investment in our organization- not a tax write off or business transaction. Major Donors deserve tailored appreciation, personalized attention, and on-going stewardship.
Philosophy
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Be the most Prepared
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Invite Vulnerability
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Stay Authentic
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Know When To Quit