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WJR RISING STARS | LAURA REINERS

Laura Reiners is the Community Relations Director at Growth Works, an organization dedicated to services such as juvenile justice, substance abuse, and family services. In her role, she has expanded the organization’s recognition throughout the course of a pandemic that limited traditional community relations responsibilities.


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Laura Reiners joined Growth Works at the end of 2019, just a few months prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her role is to share the amazing work Growth Works does with communities, individuals and partner organizations that need from their services.

Just to give a taste of what she has accomplished includes launching a CRM platform to organize and grow Growth Works partners, update their web presence through their social media and website, and launch an external newsletter to share the latest and greatest news.

All this to say, this is Laura’s first role in Community Relations, with no formal training or previous experience. Laura is passionate about Growth Works and the communities they serve. It is her personal mission to share the Growth Works mission, to restore hope through supporting change and improving the lives of the communities Growth Works serves.


A little bit more about Laura…

When I reflect on a moment that I am proud of, I think of…

When I took a chance, changed course, and started a new career path. Departing from my education and professional experience, I left my career hospital administration in national healthcare system, to join a small nonprofit. Starting something I had no training or experience doing took a leap of faith. I am grateful for everyone who supported me, who had faith in me and something in me before I knew it was there. I have learned a lot and there are times I have and continue to struggle, but those struggles have taught me a lot of my own capacity for growth.”

As I continue to grow, I am hopeful for…

A kinder world, where we embrace our differences, and see them as valuable assets. A world where we are more interested in what unites us instead of what divides us. I hope I am helping create a better world for my kids.”

During my free time, I …

Enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, and twin 18 month old’s. I like being creative, anything from cooking, gardening, and painting. Thrift shopping is another hobby, as I am always looking for a fabulous find or a great deal.”

If I could give advice to my 20-year-old self, I would say…

I would say your path will be unique to you. Learn from those around you and those who have gone before you but pave your own way. Make choices, make mistakes and learn from them along the way. Nelson Mandela said, ‘I either win or I learn’ and as long as you do that, you will continue to grow.”


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