Background

Laura began her professional career in the travel industry while simultaneously earning her Associate's degree in business administration from Miami Dade College. She spent over 20 years working with leading cruise companies including CCL, Cunard, Princess, and Seabourn specializing in National Accounts. Laura held the positions of Business Solutions Manager, Hotel Engagement Manager and Strategic Programs Manager during her tenure of close to 7 years at Travel Leaders Group and later managed corporate travel hotel engagement at CCRA helping agents grow their hotel sales using the company's partnerships.

Laura launched LD Digital Strategies while completing her Bachelor of General Studies at the University of Miami. Digital marketing awareness her area of concentration at UM, and she is using those digital marketing skills with each of her clients.

Laura's community involvement includes being elected Miami Beach Commissioner in December of 2022, in a bittersweet election to replace her late partner, Mark Samuelian who had been serving as Commissioner since 2017. Before being elected to city government, Laura served on the Belle Isle Residents Association and previously was elected to the board of directors as president for the Courtyards of the Grove condominium association. Laura has been active in animal causes, historic preservation/responsible development, political campaigns, LGBTQ advocacy, is a neighborhood association board member, has volunteered with the senior community, and serves on the board of the World Affairs Council of Miami.

Based in Miami Beach, Laura is a Miami native who is fluent in Spanish. She lives on the Venetian Islands.