Laura A. Hughes

Laura A. Hughes, Director of Narrative Strategies, is a curious learner, change-maker, and persuasive leader with high emotional intelligence. At PolicyLink, she is responsible for harnessing the power of narrative to advance racial equity and justice specific to housing. Hughes has led numerous projects including the strategic alignment of corporate and philanthropic partners to layer focused investments to dramatically influence the trajectory of a neighborhood and achieve measurable gains for children and families. Additionally, she served as a program officer with The Skillman Foundation and as the Executive Director of the Ruth Ellis Center, a homeless and runaway shelter dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ youth. Prior to her role with Gusto Partners, LLC, Laura served as the Vice President of Communications & Community for a woman-owned, $500 million IT and business services corporation. Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors in Anthropology from Brown University and her Master in Public Health, Health Behavior Health Education, from the University of Michigan. She was a 2016 German Marshall Fellow.