Meet Laurel
Who I Am
I grew up with one foot in the blue collar world and one foot in academics. As the first person in my family to graduate college, I understand the opportunities an education can create. I also understand the skill, hard work, and grit it takes to build a life and support a family. My experiences in both worlds have shaped how I think about community, opportunity, and how public policy affects people’s daily lives.
I worked my way through college, holding administrative positions in a variety of small non-profits. I started at a community college before transferring to a four-year university and eventually earning my PhD in Linguistics from UConn.
I've spent my career building relationships, bringing people together, and helping organizations create meaningful change. After I received my degree from UConn, life changed for me. My oldest child arrived early and required additional care, and I decided to stay home and raise my family instead of continuing on into academics. I spent the next two decades raising and homeschooling my children, strengthening community connections, and working to create systems that met the needs of both my children and my community. As my children became older, I stepped back into the professional world as a program developer and evaluator. In this role, I spend my days listening to people, analyzing complex challenges, and helping organizations develop practical solutions that improve outcomes.
What I Believe
I believe that the best solutions come from the people living the challenges. When we listen deeply, work across differences, and build on the strengths already present in our communities, we create solutions that are practical, effective, and lasting.
I believe everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and a government that listens, responds, and works for the people it serves.
Why I Am Running
The people of Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Harwinton deserve a senator who listens, shows up, and works across differences to get things done. I have always believed that the people closest to challenges are often closest to the solutions. My approach to change starts with listening. I make a point of listening to people who often feel unheard, overlooked, or excluded—as well as people whose views differ from my own. Every community is stronger when more people are heard.
Throughout my career and community work, I have helped organizations solve complex problems by listening first, understanding people's experiences, and bringing stakeholders together around practical solutions.
The people in the 31st District deserve a strong advocate who will fight for our communities and bring resources, opportunities, and investments back to the district. That is exactly how I intend to serve.