She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor's of arts in Spanish and international studies. During college, Laura studied international studies and development in Chile, and after graduation she spent a year in San Antonio, TX as a caseworker at Catholic Charities through the Jesuit Volunteer Program. Prior to joining NIJC, Laura taught English to unaccompanied immigrant children detained in Chicago and was a caseworker for immigrant families receiving pro bono legal services.