Work History
Work History
FEB 2017 –
RIGHT NOW
VP Communications • Madwell
I lead two departments, Copy and PR, with responsibility for hiring, training, resourcing, professional development, work quality, and quality of life at work. I protect the voice of the agency brand across all content and communication—job listings, staff bios, and internal comms—and help develop thought leadership programming for the founders.
NOV 2014 –
FEB 2017
Copy Director • Madwell
I built Madwell's Copy department. I hired, developed, and mentored each of some 10+ writers on the team and, through a system of attentive one-on-one relationships, provided each with a professional partnership tailored to their needs over time.
MAY 2013 –
NOV 2014
Senior Copywriter • Madwell
I wrote for just about every client we had across every medium we touched. I also pitched new business and worked on the agency brand itself—all while building up our team of copywriters one hire at a time. I wrote enough to fill a swimming pool. And I didn’t sleep very much. But I didn't mind.
SEP 2010 –
MAY 2013
Editor • Cambridge University Press
I managed a portfolio of 15 academic journals in the Humanities and Social Sciences. I oversaw their production, marketing, and finances, maintained relationships with editors-in-chief, and reported on behalf of the Press to editorial boards across the country. I learned to pack a mean carry-on.
JUL 2007 –
AUG 2010
Associate Editor • Encyclopaedia Britannica
I was hired to manage all of Britannica’s Middle East content. I commissioned, edited, wrote, and updated articles on the region in keeping with strict style standards. I even got to work on a print edition (they used plates!). I was hired as an assistant editor and promoted to associate editor in December 2009.
Education
UCHICAGO
Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
McGILL
Bachelor’s in Middle Eastern Studies
Opinion
ADWEEK
Op Ed: How Advertising Can Retain and Benefit From Its Introverts
May 2018 / Read on AdWeek >
Yelp Reviews
“I don't know how to say it any other way: Laura is the best boss I've ever had and one of the most inspiring humans I've ever met. She is intelligent, talented, creative, and compassionate all in one and I feel so lucky to have called her my mentor for three years at the creative agency Madwell.”
Read More on LinkedIn >
— Joyce Z.
“Laura is also the best writer I've ever known. Watching her put words together is like watching something beautiful appear out of thin air: pure magic. But unlike a magician, she doesn't keep her tricks to herself. She shares them generously with every copywriter in her charge.”
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— Johanna B.
“The best professional mentor I ever had, bar none. Selfishly, my favorite thing about Laura is that she was willing to hire me when a lot of other ad agencies wouldn't, because I didn't have the traditional background/portfolio. But Laura saw something in me, was willing to take a chance, and then helped me grow as a writer, as a concepter, as a strategist, and as a presenter.”
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— Tony C.