Laurie Martin

Laurie Martin is currently serving as the Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Southwest Louisiana. Laurie oversees the investment of the donor’s dollars within the five-parish area (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis).  She leads a team that is not only responsible for all community initiative programing but also carries the responsibility of applying for grant funds from private foundations, corporations, and public entities. By staying highly engaged in the United Way organization, her team is always ready to meet the community needs no matter how ambiguous those needs may be.

As a seasoned non-profit leader, her work in the community during the last 20 years includes serving as an officer and board member of several non-profits. Throughout her work with non-profit organizations, Laurie has earned the respect and trust of the community partners and always earns a seat at the table wherever she serves.

Laurie studied at Louisiana State University and is an alumnus of Leadership Louisiana and Leadership Southwest Louisiana, a regional leadership training program that develops leaders who understand the region and are committed to its advancement. She is a member of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance-Education and Workforce Committee, State of Louisiana Region 5 CAAT Committee, SWLA Committee to address Homelessness, Association of Junior Leagues International, Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care, and Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families. She and her husband Chip who reside in Lake Charles have five children and eight grandchildren.

Increasing number of people can't make ends meet