Laura is the Vice President of Operations, Performance, and Compliance, National Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (NEID) for Kaiser Permanente. In this role, Laura is accountable for the operational planning and execution of the EID function across Kaiser Permanente. She delivers thought partnership, consultation and strategic advising by empowering business partners to advance EID’s vision of ‘equity and inclusion for all’, executing EID strategy and initiatives, and ensuring Kaiser Permanente’s members achieve healthcare experiences and outcomes that are high quality, equitable, and more affordable.

Laura brings more than 30 years of experience in health care. She joined KP in 2009 and held roles in National Workforce Planning and Development, where she was responsible for developing strong partnerships with KP functions, labor partners, education providers, and other external organizations to advance workforce development. In addition, she was Co-Director of the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust (BHMT), providing career development and innovative education programs for 55,000 represented employees.

Prior to coming to KP, Laura was a program director with the Stanislaus County Public Health Department, where she worked on key preventative and population health issues to reduce health disparities and improve the health of the community. She also held the position of California training coordinator with the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service.

In 2013, Laura was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown to the California Workforce Development Board and served in this capacity for over a decade. Laura is also a current Board Member of the Health Career Connection, past chair of the California Hospital Association Workforce Committee, and served as secretary and executive board member of Healthcare Career Advancement Program.

Laura received her Bachelors in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and an Executive MBA from St. Mary’s College of California. She also completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
Laura has been with her high school soulmate, James for 35 years and is the proud mom of two adult daughters. She’s a first generation Mexican-American and enjoys spending time with her extended family. Laura’s personal health practice includes daily meditation, yoga, and long-distance running. Laura has successfully finished six half marathons and planning on her 7th.