Q&A with Laura Rose, Director of Development
Why did you decide to join Washington STEM?
I believe that education is the key to preparing the world’s future leaders. I feel that more students should have access to high quality education opportunities. I was also intrigued by the systems-level work that Washington STEM is doing and the healthy and positive team culture.
I also have two girls who I’m already noticing have an interest in STEM, and I want to encourage them to go deep with it. I can already see how girls can be discouraged away from the STEM fields, albeit not intentionally.
What does equity in STEM education and career mean to you?
In every school, we should see students believing in their capacity to be strong in math and science. We should see all students, regardless of their identity, reaching the same outcomes. Unfortunately, a number of students don’t get the opportunity to develop their own STEM identity. Washington STEM makes data-driven decisions about the policies and recommendations we advocate for based on who is farthest from those opportunities.
Why did you choose your career?
Like many people, I fell into fundraising work. I went to college to be a journalist or go into publishing. I discovered that fundraising and development work was the perfect opportunity to do mission-driven work and have an impact with my professional life while still getting to tell important stories.
Can you tell us more about your education and career path?
I am the daughter of two public school teachers, and for a long time I thought that I would become a teacher myself. But I took an elective class on a whim during my senior year of high school and fell in love with writing, editing, and graphic design. I also worked at a children’s book and teaching supply shop where was given a lot of responsibility and autonomy. These experiences inspired me to pursue journalism and publishing in college.
I went to Pacific Lutheran University and studied communications with a minor in publishing. I also started my first fundraising job as a student and fell in love with it. I found myself looking for only development jobs. Later, I got my MBA, again from PLU.
I get antsy if I’m not continuing to learn and grow. I’m always looking for other educational opportunities. I’ve completed my Certified Fundraising Executive credential and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy.
What inspires you?
Stories of humans finding their joy and finding success through that marriage of passion and opportunity. I love when students have a mentor, an internship, or a job opportunity that helps them discover their passions. Our world has many complex, meaty challenges to solve, and everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential and bring their unique gifts and talents to the table.
What are some of your favorite things about Washington state?
It’s the combination of the people and the beauty that we have here. I can tell that I share a lot of the same values as many of my fellow Washingtonians. I love that I can go see the ocean or go into the mountains and do other outdoor things pretty easily. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
What’s one thing about you that people can’t find out through the internet?
Even though I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Kent, we had a rooster that lived in our backyard. He just kind of flew into our neighborhood one day and chose us.