Laura Velasquez

Laura Velasquez (she/her) is an immigrant woman born in Venezuela, who spent 17 years living in Mohkinstsis, Treaty 7 Territory (a.k.a Calgary, AB) and now resides in the Unceded Coast Salish Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples (a.k.a Victoria, BC). Laura has an educational background in Criminal Justice with a focus in human services. She has devoted the last decade in working in the non-profit sector providing crisis support, advocacy, education and leadership in the areas of sexual violence, poverty, human trafficking, mental health and immigrant/refugee services. Throughout her personal and professional experience, Laura has been an advocate for racial equity, diversity and inclusion which she believes are important practices that can support in ending systemic violence.