Why Laura does this work...

I do this work because I believe when you become free, you have an obligation to free others. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the transformative and liberative power education holds not only for individual embarking upon the knowledge journey, but also for those to whom the individual is connected. I do this work because it matters and it actively disrupts systems of harm.

Laura comes to THEI from the position of Senior Director of Strategy and Impact at The Family Center, a Nashville-based non-profit committed to breaking multi-generational cycles of childhood trauma by educating families and systems about the impact of adverse childhood experiences and adverse community environments. She has also served in leadership roles at the University of Texas at Austin, National Center on Time and Learning, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and charter school organizations.
A Nashville native, Laura is a proud graduate of Fisk University, where she earned a BA in English and African American Literature. She also holds a Master’s in English and Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Baylor University. Laura serves as President of the Parthenon (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is married to Bernard Henry Mimms; mother of Brent, Alexander, and Katherine; and bonus mom to Ashley and Brittany.