Laura joins the Strategic Engagement team as Director, Editorial and Stakeholder Engagement. Laura engages thought leaders at the intersection of economic development, finance, policy and social impact, and crafts the editorial direction of convenings to execute on the Center’s vision of advancing equitable and sustainable economic growth.

Before joining Mastercard, Laura worked at global business consulting firm The Cohen Group, where she led multi-region teams and advised a range of clients, from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500s, in the tech, energy, legal and telecoms sectors with strategic communications, issue management, advocacy, reputational and geopolitical risk. Laura also co-led the firm’s Latin America Practice, helping companies navigate policy and regulation, advance strategic messaging, and strengthen high-level relationships and partnerships with governments and industry.

In her earlier career, Laura worked as correspondent and editorial lead at several Latin America-based news conglomerates, leading breaking news coverage, providing analysis on international events, and producing short- and long-format content across platforms.

Laura holds an MA from Georgetown University and a BA from Northeastern University. She lives in Washington D.C. with her husband, daughter and Aussiedoodle.

Laura Newton