Laura Herrod, Director of Operations

Laura Herrod serves as Director of Operations for Inspirational Leadership LLC, managing major programs such as the Manhattan Christian Collaboration Center which is a faith-based collaborative co-working space in the Financial District. 

Laura began her career at The Bowery Mission, providing project management across the Mission's core administrative functions including development & fundraising, human resources, finance, facilities & maintenance, and social enterprise. She assisted in the development of a $1 million grant proposal to the Federal Home Loan Bank, the oversight of bi-monthly print appeals to 500 major donors, and the production of special events raising over $1 million. 

Shen then moved to Nashville, Tennessee to earn her M.Ed. in Community Development & Action from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. While in Nashville, Laura worked on a three-person launch team for Thistle Farms Global, a collaboration of social enterprises employing over 1,500 women artisans around the world. Laura also conducted a "Case Training Study" for Boca Helping Hands (BHH), a premiere poverty allevating non-profit in South Florida. This 50-page organizational review provided in-depth observations and analysis of BHH's strategy and programs. 

Prior to joining Inspirational Leadership, Laura served as Manager of the Bowery Mission Foundation, working with Ed Morgan to establish a captive foundation supporting the Bowery MIssion.

In addition to her M.Ed, Laura holds a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from The King's College, New York City. She attends Forefront Church in Manhattan and lives in Brooklyn.