Laura Archer

Raised by educators in Escanaba, giving back to the community has been a life style for Laura. Working in higher education for over 20 years, Laura’s favorite role was as Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services at Baker College of Owosso because of the impact this work had on students, staff and in the community. Moving from higher education to the nonprofit sector as CEO of the Shiawassee Family YMCA allows this work to continue. The Shiawassee Family YMCA is a community support, nonprofit organization housed in a fitness center focused on its mission of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. As a community hub, the YMCA provides health and wellness opportunities to seniors, families, adults, and youth through fitness center memberships, youth sports, evidence based health intervention programs, group exercise and adult programming. The greater Shiawassee region is home to a strong network of nonprofits who partner with businesses to help support and strengthen our region. Not without problems of high poverty, food insecurity, living and working within childcare deserts, needs are best addressed when partnerships or collaboratives are formed.