CANOPY BLOG

Meet Laura Gronek, Canopy’s New Admin Specialist

By Canopy Team on October 1, 2020

Join us in welcoming Laura Gronek to the Canopy team!

February 2021 update: Laura is now Canopy’s Communications Manager, overseeing our communications channels, brand, and messaging. 

Laura is Canopy’s new Administrative Specialist. She’s new to the Bay Area by way of Atlanta, Georgia and is excited to share her expertise and passion for nonprofit organizations and community building with Canopy. We asked Laura a few questions to get to know her better: 

Q: Where were you before Canopy?

Laura: Atlanta, Georgia; I spent 8 years as a career professional and volunteer in Atlanta’s nonprofit community, with a focus on arts & culture, education, and community building. Most recently I worked for 2.5 years as Marketing & Communications Manager at a startup nonprofit, where I developed the marketing and social media strategy, launched their new website, and coordinated 50 annual events.

Q: What is your role with Canopy?

Laura: Administrative Specialist. I’ll be working closely with Operations, the Board and Advocacy Committee, and Development to support their work and help expand Canopy’s capacity to serve the community members and trees of the Midpeninsula area.

Q: Why do you think trees are important?

Laura: I grew up in the heavily-wooded North Georgia mountains after which I moved to Atlanta, the “city in a forest” with approximately 48% tree coverage; I’m embarrassed to say I’ve always taken trees for granted. Although the connection of more treecover to better health and equity is a new idea to me, it’s easy to see the truth behind the research, and I’m excited to work with the team at Canopy to advance this mission. 

Q: What are you excited to be working on at Canopy?

Laura: As I mentioned above, I’ll be working with three departments on their projects. I have to admit, I love being a “floater”, lending my support and expertise as an “analytical creative” type that’s worn many different hats while working at nonprofits of varying sizes and mission focus.   

Q: What is your favorite tree and why?

Laura: I’m partial to Southern Live Oaks and Magnolia trees; although Pines were more prevalent in my neck of the woods, those two add a touch of romance and beauty to the southern treescape.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

Laura: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Laura: Before moving to California, I was active in the Atlanta musical theatre scene and would love to get back into it. I also love hiking, reading, cooking, and baking, and I look forward to trying out new recipes on my new teammates at Canopy once we’re back in the office together.

Thanks, Laura – welcome to the canopy team!