Laura started in hospitality aged 16 as a matchday waitress at Newcastle United Football Club’s St. James’ Park. While taking A-levels, Laura became manager of the largest hospitality room at St.James’ Park which can accommodate up to 500 delegates. Laura then went to Northumbria University to take a BSc in Criminology and an MSc in Homeland Security while working full time.”‘Criminology was what I wanted to do at first, but when I started catering at 16 I fell in love with it,” said Laura. In 2011 Laura became Assistant Manager for Sodexo at the Great North Museum, Hancock, the Discovery Museum, Laing Art Gallery and City Library.
Nine months after finishing her Masters, Laura was promoted to General Manager with overall responsibility for 50 employees. Laura said,” Women are influential through Sodexo. I look at women higher up in the company and think, ‘If they can succeed, so can I.”
Six months ago, Laura’s commitment to supporting women went beyond Sodexo. She jointed Soroptimist International (SI) a voluntary global movement that seeks to transform the lives of women and girls. “ I wanted to get into something where I could help the community and other women – something I could fit around work.” Said Laura. The Newcastle branch of SI is celebrating its 80th year. So far, Laura has been involved with programmes that range from preparing ‘new start bags’ for women who have suffered domestic violence to sponsoring a Nepalese girl’s education for the next five yaars. “I’m meeting women who are inspirational and successful. You don’t see it directly – but you know you’re making a positive impact.”