Board

Laura Samson

As Enterprise Strategy lead for Boeing Global Engagement, Laura leads efforts to define and execute
strategies, partnerships and programs that are consistent with and aligned to business goals and
objectives. Laura advances numerous efforts to build and strengthen external and internal
partnerships in support of education (early learning through post-secondary), racial equity and social
justice, military veterans’ concerns, workforce/skills development and the environment.

Prior work includes serving as Executive Director of the Alphawood Foundation, work as community
organizer, and an aide to former Alderperson David Orr (49 th Ward). In addition, Laura directed public
programming for Chicago area community development and arts organizations and led fundraising for
a range of nonprofit organizations. She has served as a consultant to the James Irvine Foundation,
Dance USA, Chicago Park District, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Cultural
Facilities Fund among other groups.

Laura’s community involvement has included serving on the boards of Links Hall, Chicago Arts
Partnerships in Education, The Hypocrites Theater, and the Illinois Coalition for Adolescent Health. She
serves regularly as a guest lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College,
Chicago and DePaul University. She is a graduate of Macalester College and holds a certificate in
nonprofit management from the Harvard Business School.