A diverse family of four in a hallway, smiling at the camera.

Raised in Mexico by working-class parents, Laura helped run her family's businesses from fruit and vegetable markets to clothing stores. In search of stability, her family migrated to the United States, where Laura became the first in her family to vote, a milestone that cemented her commitment to civic and grassroots engagement.

Since making Burlington (Ward 3) home with her partner and two young children, Laura has immersed herself in the community by serving on the PTO at Sustainability Academy, coaching youth sports, and advocating for diverse representation in our Burlington School District.

Laura has spent her career breaking down systemic barriers across the social, philanthropic and educational sector. As a former director of programs at the Steve Fund, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of young people of color, Laura managed suicide prevention and community-based programs across the country. She has spent over fifteen years in workforce development and higher education, creating access and opportunities for education and career pathways.

After managing a philanthropic fund dedicated to supporting women running for office, she advocated for the representation of women in political leadership. Now, she hopes to bring her own experiences and expertise to City Council and ensure that every Burlingtonian can afford to live, learn, and work in our city.

Laura Sánchez-Parkinson