Laurie was raised in San Rafael and moved to Alameda in 1988 when she became pregnant with her son. She fell in love with Alameda’s diversity, weather, and sense of community. Today, Laurie’s son, daughter-in-law, grandmother, and aunt all live nearby.

Laurie describes herself as “very sociable” and a “workaholic” who likes to stay busy. She started working as a preschool teacher and her love of children led her to a career in early childhood education, teaching at Head Start programs throughout the Bay Area.

“Sometimes, I see the kids that I taught 20 years ago, I run into them now, and it makes me feel so happy that they’ve achieved to the best of their knowledge... Working with kids, it’s a very rewarding job.”

The extra income gave Laurie financial stability at a time when daily essentials are becoming increasingly more expensive. She stayed on top of her basic needs and had extra money for emergencies such as car repairs and helping out with her son who recently had a child himself. She also had time to do things she was never able to do as a kid, such as vacation with her friends in Cancun.