Lauri Valerio brings 10+ years of experience in the social sector. She has worked with clients including the Kresge Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, Hawaii Community Foundation, Miriam’s Kitchen, and networks of nonprofits and community-based organizations focused on arts, culture, community development, entrepreneurship, and healthy food, among others. She grounds her work in visions of equity and liberation through exploring questions with clients about organizational systems and culture and strives to center the people most impacted. She’s written various publications about centering equity in practice, including Redesigning Capacity Building: How Philanthropy Must Support Leaders of Color, Making Capacity Building More Equitable: A Field Guide for Funders, Engaging Stakeholders in Developing Strategies, and Sharing Power with Communities.

Before launching her own practice, Lauri served in communications and consulting roles at Community Wealth Partners, oversaw young adult programs at United Way Worldwide, served as associate editor for hyperlocal publication Advocate Magazine, and spent a year as a Fulbright scholar in northwest Argentina. She’s proud to serve on the board of the Phoenix Legal Action Network.

Lauri grew up on the borderlands in El Paso, TX and graduated from Pomona College with a degree in English and creative writing. She has a passion for the outdoors and more equitable access to it.