Community Means Giving Back
Laura understands that community means investing your time and resources to support others. This is why Laura opened her home to families displaced by hurricane Irma and why she dedicated a mural to her small hometown of St. James, MN. This country welcomed Laura and her family and allowed them to live the American Dream. Laura believes this opportunity comes with the responsibility to give back and to support those who are working hard to achieve their own dreams.
Laura Started Two Nonprofits to Give Back
In 2012, Laura helped found Fiesta de Libros, a free book exchange program designed to nurture young readers promote childhood literacy. Since its start, Fiesta de Libros has given away more than 60,000 free books.
In 2023, Laura helped found Arte GA, a nonprofit focused on supporting, connecting, and promoting Latine creatives in the state of Georgia. As a lifelong supporter of creative arts, Laura uses her position to help artists find success in this state.
Laura Stands Up Against Injustice
“I am not going to hide. Come get me and we’ll fight it out in court. I’m not going to hide. I’m going to protest. I’m going to be me. I have a right. I’m done hiding. We were undocumented for 12 years. Now I’m a U.S. citizen”
- Laura Murvartian
Laura Carries the Torch (Literally)
In 2001, Laura had the privilege of being an Olympic Torch Bearer, and in 2018, and she had the honor of being named one of the 50 most influential Latinos in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanics Chamber of Commerce.
Community Service and Leadership
Months after I moved to Atlanta in 1995, I started volunteering and I haven't stopped serving my community since. I've had the privilege of serving in many capacities and I have met many wonderful leaders and volunteers along the way. I have also met many individuals who face challenges and I have learned a lot about the needs of our State.
For me, running for office is the natural next step in a life of service. I am now working to have the privilege of serving the people of Georgia in the State Senate.
RECOGNITION/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Recipient: Key to the City, St. James, MN, June 2022
50 most influential Latinos in Georgia, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2018
Marathons: Twin Cities (2015), New York (2016), Chicago (2016), Marine Corps (2019)
Featured on 90.1 WABE StoryCorps, May 2010
2002 Winter Olympics Torch Bearer, December 2001
COMMUNITY SERVICE/ LEADERSHIP
Founder and CEO, Arte GA (non-profit), 2023 - Present
Candidate, Georgia Senate District 48, 2026
Board Member, Institute of Mexican Culture, 2016 – Present
Benefactor, Juan and Socorro Murvartian Scholarship, 2019 - Present
Board of Trustees, Hambidge Art Center, 2023 – 2026
Member, Latin American Association Finance Committee, 2015 – 2025
Candidate, Georgia House of Representatives District 48, 2024
Board of Trustees Woodruff Arts Center, 2023 – 2024
Board Member, Hands On Atlanta, 2023 - 2024
Founder, CREAR, Initiative of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2021 - 2023
Vice Chair, GALEO Impact Fund, Inc., 2019 – 2023
Benefactor, Mural “Comunidad: A Legacy from Generation to Generation” St. James, MN, 2022
Founder and Chair, Fiesta De Libros (non-profit), 2011 – 2022
Member, Core Service and Governance Task Force, Fulton County, 2019 – 2020
Member, Hispanic Engagement Committee, Greater Atlanta Girl Scouts, 2011 – 2015
Board Member, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta (UUCA), 2014 – 2015
Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2014
President, National Latina Businesswomen Association (NLBWA), Atlanta Chapter, 2010 – 2014
Chair, GALEO Leadership Council, 2011 – 2013
Member, GALEO Leadership Council, 2009 - 2010
GALEO Institute of Leadership (GIL), 2008
Big Sister, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 1998 – 2005
Cultural Press Staff, Olympics (volunteer), 1996
Workforce, Economic Development, The Atlanta Project (volunteer), 1995 - 1996